1950's and 1960's

Stricter Sentencing

Regardless of the research found by The New York Academy of Medicine and the “Hemp for Victory” program the 1950’s brought with it stricter sentencing laws regarding the illegal use and possession of marijuana. “A first offense marijuana possession carried a minimum sentence of 2 to 10 years with a fine up to $20,000.” Even with strict sentencing law American use of marijuana was on the rise. In 1960 the political and cultural climates became more relaxed. The Kennedy and Johnson Administration commission reports whose results were similar to the study done by The New York Academy of Medicine. “Marijuana use did not induce violence nor lead to use of heavier drugs.” Such lenient attitudes in administration may have contributed to the increase and widespread use of the drug in the upper middle class.