Taking a Toke Down Memory Lane

Learn more about the history of 420 and cannabis legalization in Canada.

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Taking a Toke Down Memory Lane
Nora Blackie

Written by Nora Blackie

Digital Marketing Specialist

Nora Blackie has been creating digital content for the past five years, covering topics across the cannabis industry and smoking accessories. When she's not chasing the latest marketing trends, she's figuring out the meta algorithm.

Since cannabis legalization in 2018, 420 has evolved into a widely recognized celebration across the country, with more people than ever gearing up to partake. But as we enjoy the freedoms of today, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on just how far legalization has come. From the hysteria of Reefer Madness, which painted cannabis as a life-ruining menace, to dispensaries now lining the streets of every major city, the shift has been monumental.

Gone are the days of picking seeds out of questionable buds. Now, THC can be consumed in more ways than we ever imagined.

This 420, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to honor the activism and perseverance that made this celebration possible, tracing the journey from the early 1900s to the present day.

Where It All Started and U.S. Propaganda

The truth of the matter is that no one was quite sure why Canada decided to outlaw cannabis. One theory points to the era’s anti-drug rhetoric (such as Emily Murphy’s 1922 book The Black Candle) that led to cannabis being subject to a blanket drug stereotype. Another theory, points to the fact that around the same time cannabis was outlawed, government officials returned from drug policy discussions with the U.S., which may have influenced the decision. During this time, cannabis was largely unknown to the general public, with the anti-drug sentiments primarily focused on opioid regulation and restricting Chinese immigration.

Despite Canada making cannabis illegal, it wasn’t heavily enforced until the late 1930s, when pressure from the United States placed cannabis as an important issue that faced North America. Before this, hemp was still widely grown on Canadian farms and used for industrial purposes. The government’s stance continued to remain quite low-profile until around the 1960s, when recreational use became more widespread.

Infamous Activism and the Cultural Shift

By the time the 1960s and 1970s came around, cannabis became more widely used in Canada, particularly among countercultures, such as the infamous hippie movement. Cannabis became a symbol of social rebellion and was often associated with those that reject traditional societal norms. 

As cannabis activism grew, Canadians began questioning prohibition and the effectiveness of cannabis criminalization. The 1972’s Commission’s Report from the U.S. recommended decriminalization, arguing that prohibition was costly and ineffective as use became more widespread. However, the government continued to crack down, seeing cannabis as a threat to a functioning society. This didn’t stop cannabis remaining easy to access.

Decriminalization and Medical Cannabis

While recreational cannabis laws remained strict as the 21st Century approached, activists continued to push back, particularly for medical cannabis access. Activists like Hillary Black founded the B.C. Compassion Club Society, one of Canada’s first medical dispensaries. Black advocated for patients with conditions like HIV/AIDS and arthritis.

"In that moment, I saw like a big wall. And on one side is this plant, and on the other side is this ocean of people that are suffering, and that their suffering can be affected by breaking down that wall," she said. By the late 1990s, medical cannabis was gaining legal recognition, changing the stereotypes that plagued reform.

Within the cannabis market, the variety of strains that were available also increased as people began experimenting and sharing knowledge. Being able to grow certain potency levels allowed users to choose cannabis for different reasons, both recreational or medicinal purposes.

The 21st Century Stoner

At the turn of the century, cannabis was still being used as a tool for racial discrimination, with people of colour disproportionately targeted by law enforcement. However, understanding of the benefits of legalization was becoming increasingly recognised, both medically and economically. The stereotype of cannabis users as lazy or criminal had begun to shift, replaced by a more nuanced understanding of its uses. 

Public perception shifted significantly in favor of legalization, especially as evidence mounted that the pros of legalization outweighed the cons

The New Era

Canada made history in 2018 by fully legalizing cannabis, becoming one of the first major nations to do so. By 2023, the Canadian cannabis market was valued at $10.3 billion—a significant increase from when medical cannabis was first legalized. Despite this success, challenges remain, including ensuring fair access to the market and addressing past criminalization injustices.

Cannabis activism in Canada has come a long way, and while the fight isn’t over, legalization represents a major victory for advocates who worked tirelessly for decades.

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