The effect of marijuana on American society has been a very popular point of concern and discussion for many years. This topic has become more frequent in recent months as voters in two states have allowed widespread recreational and medicinal use. This research paper will focus on some of the history of marijuana, the details of this drug, and conclude with my findings on why this drug has become increasingly popular, which may surprise the reader. Marijuana is the most popular illegal street drug in America. It is something that has been part of our society for many years. The name Marijuana is a Mexican term originally used to indicate "low quality tobacco". 48% of Americans have tried marijuana and 6.5% of high school students admit to using it daily (Khamsi). The substance of marijuana can be dried leaves, stems or buds of the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. This unique plant contains a mind-altering chemical called Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, or called by its popular acronym THC (National Institute on Drug Abuse). By 1900, marijuana use skyrocketed and its abuse gained momentum. In 1937, the Marijuana Act imposed a tax on its purchase. Those who refused to pay higher taxes were criminalized (Wikipedia). In 1969, the Marijuana Act was declared unconstitutional, adding marijuana to the list of controlled substances, and a year later marijuana was made illegal. In 1970, the American people rallied behind marijuana, creating the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Their goal was to convince America to decriminalize the use of marijuana for adults. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize marijuana in small, non-medical quantities… middle of paper… l Brett. Lurie Giulia. Motherjones.com. 24 Mind-Blowing Facts About Marijuana Production in America. March/April 2014 issue. Excerpt from:Lavender, Paige. Huffington Post. Bill Clinton: "I have never denied using marijuana."2014, January 23. Excerpted from: National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Fact: Marijuana. January 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana.NORML. Work to reform marijuana laws. Washington laws and sanctions. Retrieved from:< http://norml.org/laws/item/washington-penalties-2>Malanca, United Patients Group, Ways To Consume Medical Marijuana, January 2014 Retrieved from: http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/resources / consumption-modeErowid