<P> The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state - level prohibition in the early 20th century , with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937 . Starting with Oregon in 1973 , individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization . In 1996 , California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis , sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016 . In 2012 , Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use . </P>
<P> The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state - level prohibition in the early 20th century , with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937 . Starting with Oregon in 1973 , individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization . In 1996 , California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis , sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016 . In 2012 , Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use . </P>
when did the first state legalize recreational weed
when did the first state legalize recreational weed
2012
2012