A Report prepared by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
(NORML) on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the "Marijuana
Tax Act of 1937."
August 2, 1997
Table of Contents
Marijuana Use in America Before 1937; Sowing the Seeds for Prohibition
Marijuana Prohibition is a Failure; Millions of Americans Smoke Marijuana Despite
Laws Outlawing Its Use
Law Enforcement Arrests a Marijuana Smoker Every 54 Seconds in America at a Tremendous
Cost to Society
Nonviolent Marijuana Offenders Often Serve Longer Sentences Than Rapists or Murderers
Marijuana Prohibition Costs Taxpayers at Least $7.5 Billion Annually
Marijuana Prohibition Makes No Exception for Medical Users
It Is Time to End Marijuana Prohibition and to Stop Arresting Otherwise Law Abiding
Marijuana Smokers
