Presidents’ Day (this year it fell on February 17) is an opportunity to reflect on the leadership of U.S. presidents and the impact they’ve had on the country’s laws, culture, and economy. But did you know that some U.S. presidents and cannabis share a surprising history? From George Washington and Thomas Jefferson growing hemp to modern leaders influencing cannabis policies, the relationship between U.S. Presidents and Cannabis has been anything but straightforward.
Cannabis has been a topic of debate, with varying perspectives over the years. Some presidents championed its use and production, while others enforced strict prohibitions. As the nation moves toward a more cannabis-accepting culture, past leaders have paved the way for future reforms. In this blog, we’ll explore the surprising connections between U.S. presidents and cannabis, tracing the influence of leaders from the Founding Fathers to the present day. Get ready to learn about a side of U.S. history you might not expect!
Hemp and the Founding Fathers
George Washington and Hemp
George Washington, the first U.S. president, was a strong supporter of hemp farming. He grew hemp at his Mount Vernon estate and even wrote about it in his journals. Some experts believe he may have used it for medicinal purposes.
Washington once wrote, “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere.” Though hemp was mainly used for rope and textiles at the time, some speculate that Washington may have explored its other benefits.
Thomas Jefferson’s Hemp Advocacy
Thomas Jefferson also cultivated hemp. He saw it as an important crop for the American economy. While there is no evidence he smoked it, he did believe hemp was more useful than tobacco. Jefferson also worked to improve hemp farming techniques, making it easier for farmers to grow.
Did Abraham Lincoln Use Cannabis?
There are many rumors about Abraham Lincoln and cannabis. Some claim he used it to relax, while others say he wrote about enjoying “a pipe of sweet hemp.” However, there is no solid proof of Lincoln using cannabis.
What is clear is that hemp was widely used during Lincoln’s time. Many farmers grew it, and it was a common material for clothing and paper. While Lincoln may not have used cannabis himself, he lived in a time when it was a normal part of American life.
Modern U.S. Presidents and Cannabis
John F. Kennedy’s Alleged Cannabis Use
There are reports that John F. Kennedy used cannabis for medical reasons. Some sources claim he smoked marijuana to help with chronic pain from his back problems. There are even stories of him using it while in the White House. However, since marijuana was illegal at the time, these claims remain unofficial.
Bill Clinton: "I Didn’t Inhale"
Bill Clinton admitted to trying cannabis while studying at Oxford University. However, he famously said, “I didn’t inhale.“ This statement became a joke in popular culture, as many people found it hard to believe. During his presidency, Clinton did not push for legalization. Instead, his administration continued the “War on Drugs” policies, which led to strict cannabis laws.
Barack Obama: "Yes, I Inhaled"
Unlike Clinton, Barack Obama openly admitted to smoking marijuana in his younger years. He famously said, “Yes, I inhaled. That was the point.” As president, Obama did not legalize cannabis, but his administration took steps to reduce federal penalties. Under his leadership, states had more freedom to regulate marijuana without federal interference.
Donald Trump and Cannabis Laws
Donald Trump (in his first term as president) did not openly support cannabis, but during his presidency, some states continued to legalize it. His administration did not push for national legalization, but Trump did sign the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level.
Joe Biden and the Future of Cannabis
Joe Biden was once against cannabis legalization, but his views have changed. In 2022, he pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law. He has also called for a review of how cannabis is classified. While he has not fully legalized marijuana, his policies show progress toward reform.
U.S. Presidents and Cannabis Laws
Many presidents influenced cannabis laws, whether by banning it or supporting reform. Here are some key moments in history:
- 1937: Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Marijuana Tax Act, which made cannabis illegal.
- 1970: Richard Nixon passed the Controlled Substances Act, placing marijuana in the same category as heroin.
- 1996: California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana during Bill Clinton’s presidency.
- 2012: Colorado and Washington legalized recreational marijuana while Obama was in office.
- 2018: The Farm Bill legalized hemp under Trump’s administration.
These milestones show how cannabis laws have changed over time.
While early presidents saw hemp as useful, later presidents made marijuana illegal. Today, many leaders are working to reverse strict laws.
U.S. Presidents and Cannabis: A Changing View
Presidents’ Day is a time to reflect on the contributions of past heads of state. Some U.S. Presidents and cannabis laws were directly related, whether by enforcing strict bans or by pushing for reform. Over the years, attitudes toward cannabis have shifted. What was once considered a dangerous drug is now legal in many states.
As research continues to reveal the benefits of cannabis, future presidents may play an even bigger role in shaping its legal status. The industry is growing rapidly, and dispensaries like 7ENGINES are at the forefront of this movement.
From Prohibition to Legalization: The Shift in Cannabis Laws
For most of U.S. history, cannabis was widely accepted. It was used in medicine and was even grown by early presidents. However, the 20th century saw a crackdown on marijuana use.
- 1937: The Marijuana Tax Act effectively banned cannabis illegal.
- 1970: The Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it was considered as dangerous as heroin and LSD.
- 1996: California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana.
- 2012: Colorado and Washington legalized recreational cannabis, starting a wave of reform.
- 2022: President Joe Biden issued federal pardons for marijuana possession.
These changes show how cannabis laws have evolved over time. While early presidents viewed hemp as an important crop, later leaders enforced bans. Today, the U.S. is moving toward legalization. In fact we are in an exciting time with cannabis reclassification probably just around the corner!
Public Opinion, U.S Presidents and Cannabis Laws
In the past, many Americans believed cannabis was harmful. This belief was reinforced by government campaigns and strict drug laws.
However, recent studies have changed public perception. Many now see cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol and prescription drugs. A 2023 Gallup poll showed that 68% of Americans support legalizing marijuana.
This growing acceptance has pushed presidents and lawmakers to reconsider cannabis laws. As public support grows, future presidents may take even bolder steps toward national legalization.
The Growth of the Cannabis Industry
With more states legalizing cannabis, the industry is expanding rapidly. In 2025, U.S. cannabis sales are expected to exceed $35 billion, and experts predict even higher growth in the coming years. This has created jobs, boosted tax revenue, and provided new medical options for patients.
They provide high-quality cannabis products to consumers while promoting education and responsible use. As policies continue to change, businesses like these will play a key role in shaping the future of the cannabis industry.
What’s Next for Cannabis in America?
The next few years could bring major changes to U.S. cannabis laws. Many believe full federal legalization is only a matter of time. Future presidents will face pressure to:
- Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
- Allow banking access for cannabis businesses.
- Expunge past cannabis convictions.
While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, one thing is clear: cannabis is becoming more accepted in America. The leaders we honor on Presidents’ Day have played a role in this journey, and future presidents will continue to shape its path.
Cannabis and Politics: A Divided Issue
Cannabis legalization has been a controversial topic in U.S. politics. While some presidents have supported reform, others have enforced strict drug laws. The debate over cannabis often falls along party lines, but attitudes have changed in recent years.
Democrats and Cannabis Reform
Historically, the Democratic Party has been more open to cannabis legalization. Many Democratic leaders have supported medical marijuana, decriminalization, and expunging past cannabis-related convictions.
- As mentioned earlier, Barack Obama allowed states to regulate cannabis without federal interference. His administration introduced the Cole Memo, which protected legal states from federal crackdowns.
- Joe Biden has supported pardons for cannabisoffenses and called for rescheduling marijuana, though he has not pushed for full legalization.
- Many Democratic governors have signed state-level legalization bills, expanding access to medical and recreational cannabis.
Republicans and Cannabis Policy
The Republican Party has traditionally taken a stricter stance on cannabis. Many Republican leaders have supported the War on Drugs and opposed legalization. However, in recent years, some members of the party have shifted their views.
As mentioned earlier, Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp, but his administration also attempted to roll back protections for legal cannabis states. Some Republican lawmakers now support cannabis reform, particularly for medical use and states’ rights. Red states like Montana and Missouri have legalized recreational cannabis, showing a shift in conservative attitudes.
Bipartisan Efforts for Cannabis Reform
While cannabis legalization has been a divisive issue, there is growing bipartisan support for reform.
Many lawmakers from both parties recognize the economic benefits of legalization, such as job creation and tax revenue.
In recent years, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have worked together on cannabis bills, including:
- The SAFE Banking Act, which would allow cannabis businesses to access banking services.
- The MORE Act, which seeks to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
- Veteran access to medical marijuana, which has support from both parties.
As public support for cannabis continues to grow, future presidents—regardless of party—will likely face pressure to push for more reform.
The Economic Impact of Cannabis: How U.S. Presidents Shaped the Industry
The Growing Cannabis Industry
Cannabis isn’t just a cultural and legal issue; it’s also a significant economic factor. From the early days of hemp farming to the rapid expansion of the cannabis industry, U.S. presidents’ actions have played a pivotal role in shaping its economic influence.
In recent years, cannabis has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, generating jobs, tax revenue, and medical opportunities. States that have legalized marijuana have seen a surge in economic activity, with Colorado, California, and Oregon leading the way in cannabis sales and tax revenue. This economic boom has caught the attention of policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike, especially as more states move toward legalization.
Job Creation and Tax Revenue
In states where cannabis is legalized, the industry has created thousands of jobs in cultivation, distribution, retail, and research, making it a vital economic driver. Moreover, the influx of tax revenue from cannabis sales has provided funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, proving that reforming cannabis laws can have widespread economic benefits.
Conclusion
Cannabis has a long and complicated history in the United States, and its relationship with U.S. presidents has been just as complex. From the early days of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson growing hemp to modern leaders debating legalization, U.S. Presidents and cannabis have played a role in American politics for centuries. Some presidents enforced strict anti-cannabis laws, while others took steps toward reform.
Public opinion has shifted significantly in recent decades, leading to changes in state laws and increased bipartisan support for legalization. While federal cannabis prohibition remains in place, many believe it’s only a matter of time before full legalization happens. The economic benefits, medical research, and growing public support are pushing the issue to the forefront of national politics.
As the nation moves toward greater cannabis acceptance, future leaders will play a key role in shaping its legalization and regulation.
References:
- George Washington Grew Hemp | George Washington’s Mount Vernon
- 15 Presidents Who Smoked Weed (2025 Edition) – Weedtokia.com
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/09/29/what-would-the-safer-banking-act-mean-for-the-marijuana-industry/
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/21/2111664/0/en/U-S-Legal-Cannabis-Market-to-Reach-35-Billion-by-2025.html
- wikipedia – view
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your medical condition.
