Chris Christie vows to ‘crack down’ on marijuana as president

Z. Byron Wolf
By Z. Byron Wolf, CNN
Published 2:21 PM EDT, Thu April 16, 2015
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, joined by his family, announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on June 30 at Livingston High School in Livingston Township, New Jersey.
Photos: Chris Christie's career in photos
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, joined by his family, announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on June 30 at Livingston High School in Livingston Township, New Jersey.
Christie takes questions from Bruce Rastetter at the Iowa Ag Summit on March 7 in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Christie takes questions from Bruce Rastetter at the Iowa Ag Summit on March 7 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Christie jokes with host Laura Ingraham as he addresses the annual Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, on February 26.
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Christie jokes with host Laura Ingraham as he addresses the annual Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, on February 26.
Christie campaigns for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker during a campaign stop at the GOP field office in Hudson, Wisconsin, on September 29, 2014.
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Christie campaigns for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker during a campaign stop at the GOP field office in Hudson, Wisconsin, on September 29, 2014.
Christie enters the Borough Hall in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on January 9, 2014, to apologize to Mayor Mark Sokolich for the George Washington Bridge lane closures -- a scandal that became known in the media as "Bridgegate."
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Christie enters the Borough Hall in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on January 9, 2014, to apologize to Mayor Mark Sokolich for the George Washington Bridge lane closures -- a scandal that became known in the media as "Bridgegate."
Christie speaks at a news conference on January 9, 2014, in Trenton, New Jersey, about his knowledge of an alleged traffic study that stopped traffic at the George Washington Bridge. Christie addressed allegations that his deputy chief of staff signaled for the New York and New Jersey Port Authority to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge to punish the Fort Lee mayor for not endorsing Christie during the election.
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Christie speaks at a news conference on January 9, 2014, in Trenton, New Jersey, about his knowledge of an alleged traffic study that stopped traffic at the George Washington Bridge. Christie addressed allegations that his deputy chief of staff signaled for the New York and New Jersey Port Authority to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge to punish the Fort Lee mayor for not endorsing Christie during the election.
Christie arrives to speak at his election night event after winning a second term as governor on November 5, 2013, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Christie defeated his Democratic opponent, Barbara Buono, by a large margin.
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Christie arrives to speak at his election night event after winning a second term as governor on November 5, 2013, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Christie defeated his Democratic opponent, Barbara Buono, by a large margin.
Christie talks to business owners affected by a massive fire that burned a large portion of the Seaside Park boardwalk, which had recently been rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy, on September 14, 2013, in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
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Christie talks to business owners affected by a massive fire that burned a large portion of the Seaside Park boardwalk, which had recently been rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy, on September 14, 2013, in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
Christie speaks to members of the Hudson County Building Trades Council after receiving their support for his re-election campaign for governor on July 1, 2013, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
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Christie speaks to members of the Hudson County Building Trades Council after receiving their support for his re-election campaign for governor on July 1, 2013, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Christie greets President Barack Obama on his arrival in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 31, 2012, to visit areas hit by Superstorm Sandy. Christie was later criticized by some in his party for his warm welcome of Obama.
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Christie greets President Barack Obama on his arrival in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 31, 2012, to visit areas hit by Superstorm Sandy. Christie was later criticized by some in his party for his warm welcome of Obama.
Christie updates members of the media on damage and recovery efforts related to Superstorm Sandy on October 30, 2012, from the emergency operations center at State Police Headquarters in Ewing, New Jersey.
Photos: Chris Christie's career in photos
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Christie updates members of the media on damage and recovery efforts related to Superstorm Sandy on October 30, 2012, from the emergency operations center at State Police Headquarters in Ewing, New Jersey.
Christie and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speak with Romney adviser Bob White on board the Romney campaign bus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on October 10, 2012.
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Christie and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speak with Romney adviser Bob White on board the Romney campaign bus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on October 10, 2012.
Christie takes the stage to deliver the keynote address at the Republican National Convention on August 28, 2012, in Tampa, Florida.
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Christie takes the stage to deliver the keynote address at the Republican National Convention on August 28, 2012, in Tampa, Florida.
Christie speaks as he endorses former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination on October 11, 2011, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
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Christie speaks as he endorses former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination on October 11, 2011, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Christie and his family lay white roses on wreckage pulled from Ground Zero during the dedication of the Empty Sky Memorial for 9/11 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 10, 2011.
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Christie and his family lay white roses on wreckage pulled from Ground Zero during the dedication of the Empty Sky Memorial for 9/11 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 10, 2011.
Christie speaks at a Reform Agenda Town Hall meeting at the New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company facility on March 29, 2011, in Hammonton, New Jersey.
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Christie speaks at a Reform Agenda Town Hall meeting at the New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company facility on March 29, 2011, in Hammonton, New Jersey.
Christie, his wife, Mary Pat Christie, and their children attend the third annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Newark, New Jersey, on May 2, 2010.
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Christie, his wife, Mary Pat Christie, and their children attend the third annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Newark, New Jersey, on May 2, 2010.
Christie waves to supporters with Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Guadagno, left, on November 3, 2009, in Parsippany, New Jersey. Christie defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine.
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Christie waves to supporters with Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Guadagno, left, on November 3, 2009, in Parsippany, New Jersey. Christie defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine.
Christie and his running mate, Kim Guadagno, left, pose for photographs after making phone calls to voters at Monmouth County Republican Headquarters in Freehold, New Jersey, on November 2, 2009.
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Christie and his running mate, Kim Guadagno, left, pose for photographs after making phone calls to voters at Monmouth County Republican Headquarters in Freehold, New Jersey, on November 2, 2009.
Before getting into politics, Christie was a New Jersey attorney. Here Christie speaks with the media on May 8, 2007, outside the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey, after six men were arrested on charges of planning to attack the Fort Dix military base.
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Before getting into politics, Christie was a New Jersey attorney. Here Christie speaks with the media on May 8, 2007, outside the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey, after six men were arrested on charges of planning to attack the Fort Dix military base.
Christie speaks to the media about an FBI sting with Russian Gen. Sergei Fomenko, right, of the Federal Security Service and FBI Agent Louie Allen on August 13, 2003, in Newark, New Jersey.
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Christie speaks to the media about an FBI sting with Russian Gen. Sergei Fomenko, right, of the Federal Security Service and FBI Agent Louie Allen on August 13, 2003, in Newark, New Jersey.

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Chris Christie would “crack down and not permit” legalized marijuana if elected president, he told conservative Iowa radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday.

The pledge from New Jersey’s Republican governor, who is openly teasing a bid for the White House, would be a departure from President Barack Obama, who has made clear that while he doesn’t support full legalization, the Justice Department won’t be getting in the way of the handful of states that have voted to legalize it.

Here’s what Christie told Hewitt:

newday jake tapper obama marijuana legalization_00021518.jpg
newday jake tapper obama marijuana legalization_00021518.jpg
video

Exclusive: Obama talks about pot

Hewitt: Right now, we’ve got the states of Colorado and Washington flaunting federal law by allowing people to sell dope legally. If you’re the President of the United States, are you going to enforce the federal drug laws in those states?

Christie: Absolutely. I will crack down and not permit it.

Hewitt: All right, next …

Christie: Marijuana is a gateway drug. We have an enormous addiction problem in this country. And we need to send very clear leadership from the White House on down through the federal law enforcement. Marijuana is an illegal drug under federal law. And the states should not be permitted to sell it and profit from it.

The governor has long opposed both medicinal and recreational marijuana and only allowed tightly restricted use of medical marijuana in New Jersey after a very public lobbying campaign that pitted him against the father of a little girl.

Related: Christie confronted over medical marijuana

Public perceptions about pot have come a long way, from the dire warnings of "Reefer Madness" to growing acceptance of medical marijuana and the legalization of recreational use.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
David McNew/Getty Images
Public perceptions about pot have come a long way, from the dire warnings of "Reefer Madness" to growing acceptance of medical marijuana and the legalization of recreational use.
Harry Anslinger was named commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics when it was established in 1930. While arguing for marijuana prohibition, he played on Americans' fear of crime and foreigners. He spun tales of people driven to insanity or murder after ingesting the drug and spoke of the 2 to 3 tons of grass being produced in Mexico. "This, the Mexicans make into cigarettes, which they sell at two for 25 cents, mostly to white high school students," Anslinger told Congress.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
AP Photo
Harry Anslinger was named commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics when it was established in 1930. While arguing for marijuana prohibition, he played on Americans' fear of crime and foreigners. He spun tales of people driven to insanity or murder after ingesting the drug and spoke of the 2 to 3 tons of grass being produced in Mexico. "This, the Mexicans make into cigarettes, which they sell at two for 25 cents, mostly to white high school students," Anslinger told Congress.
A poster advertises the 1936 scare film "Reefer Madness," which described marijuana as a "violent narcotic" that first renders "sudden, violent, uncontrollable laughter" on its users before "dangerous hallucinations" and then "acts of shocking violence ... ending often in incurable insanity."
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
A poster advertises the 1936 scare film "Reefer Madness," which described marijuana as a "violent narcotic" that first renders "sudden, violent, uncontrollable laughter" on its users before "dangerous hallucinations" and then "acts of shocking violence ... ending often in incurable insanity."
Marijuana cigarettes are hidden in a book circa 1940. Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, effectively criminalizing the drug.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
Marijuana cigarettes are hidden in a book circa 1940. Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, effectively criminalizing the drug.
Even after Congress cracked down on marijuana in 1937, farmers were encouraged to grow the crop for rope, sails and parachutes during World War II. The "Hemp for Victory" film was released in 1942 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
U.S. Department of Agriculture/AP
Even after Congress cracked down on marijuana in 1937, farmers were encouraged to grow the crop for rope, sails and parachutes during World War II. The "Hemp for Victory" film was released in 1942 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A woman buys ready-rolled marijuana cigarettes from a dealer at her door circa 1955.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Vecchio/Three Lions/Getty Images
A woman buys ready-rolled marijuana cigarettes from a dealer at her door circa 1955.
Members of the Grateful Dead talk with reporters from their home in San Francisco on October 5, 1967. The band was protesting being arrested for marijuana possession.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
AP Photo
Members of the Grateful Dead talk with reporters from their home in San Francisco on October 5, 1967. The band was protesting being arrested for marijuana possession.
U.S. Customs agents track the nationwide marijuana market during Operation Intercept, an anti-drug measure announced by President Nixon in 1969. The initiative intended to keep Mexican marijuana from entering the United States.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Michael Rougier//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
U.S. Customs agents track the nationwide marijuana market during Operation Intercept, an anti-drug measure announced by President Nixon in 1969. The initiative intended to keep Mexican marijuana from entering the United States.
Research scientist Dr. Reese T. Jones, right, adjusts the electrodes monitoring a volunteer's brain response to sound during an experiment in 1969 that used a controlled dosage of marijuana. The tests were conducted at the Langley Porter Institute at the University of California, San Francisco.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Ralph Crane//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Research scientist Dr. Reese T. Jones, right, adjusts the electrodes monitoring a volunteer's brain response to sound during an experiment in 1969 that used a controlled dosage of marijuana. The tests were conducted at the Langley Porter Institute at the University of California, San Francisco.
Marijuana use became more widespread in the 1960s, reflecting the rising counterculture movement.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marijuana use became more widespread in the 1960s, reflecting the rising counterculture movement.
People share a joint during a 1969 concert in Portland, Oregon. In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize cannabis.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Steven Clevenger/Getty Images
People share a joint during a 1969 concert in Portland, Oregon. In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize cannabis.
Police dogs trained to smell out hidden marijuana examine U.S. soldiers' luggage at the airport during the Vietnam War in 1969. Drug use was widespread during the war.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Dick Swanson//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Police dogs trained to smell out hidden marijuana examine U.S. soldiers' luggage at the airport during the Vietnam War in 1969. Drug use was widespread during the war.
Marijuana reform was the <a href="http://life.time.com/culture/war-on-drugs-1969-photos-from-u-s-customs-operation-intercept/#1" target="_blank" target="_blank">Life magazine cover story</a> in October 1969. The banner read: "At least 12 million Americans have now tried it. Are penalties too severe? Should it be legalized?"
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Co Rentmeester/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Marijuana reform was the Life magazine cover story in October 1969. The banner read: "At least 12 million Americans have now tried it. Are penalties too severe? Should it be legalized?"
Protesters wade in the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall in Washington during the "Honor America Day Smoke-In" thrown by marijuana activists in response to the official "Honor America Day" rally organized by President Nixon supporters at the Lincoln Memorial on July 4, 1970.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
David Fenton/Getty Images
Protesters wade in the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall in Washington during the "Honor America Day Smoke-In" thrown by marijuana activists in response to the official "Honor America Day" rally organized by President Nixon supporters at the Lincoln Memorial on July 4, 1970.
Panel members of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse attend a hearing In Denver on January 10, 1972. From left, Dr. J. Thomas Ungerleider, psychiatrist; Michael R. Sonnenreich, commission executive director; Raymond P. Shafer, commission chairman; Mitchell Ware, Chicago attorney; Charles O. Galvin, Dallas law school dean. The commission's findings favored ending marijuana prohibition and adopting other methods to discourage use, but the Nixon administration refused to implement its recommendations.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Bill Johnson/Denver Post/Getty Images
Panel members of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse attend a hearing In Denver on January 10, 1972. From left, Dr. J. Thomas Ungerleider, psychiatrist; Michael R. Sonnenreich, commission executive director; Raymond P. Shafer, commission chairman; Mitchell Ware, Chicago attorney; Charles O. Galvin, Dallas law school dean. The commission's findings favored ending marijuana prohibition and adopting other methods to discourage use, but the Nixon administration refused to implement its recommendations.
President Jimmy Carter, with his special assistant for health issues, Dr. Peter Bourne, beside him, talks to reporters at the White House about his drug abuse control message to Congress on August 2, 1977. Among other things, he called for the elimination of all federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Bob Daugherty/AP
President Jimmy Carter, with his special assistant for health issues, Dr. Peter Bourne, beside him, talks to reporters at the White House about his drug abuse control message to Congress on August 2, 1977. Among other things, he called for the elimination of all federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.
First lady Nancy Reagan participates in a drug education class at Island Park Elementary School on Mercer Island, Washington, on February 14, 1984. She later recalled, "A little girl raised her hand and said, 'Mrs. Reagan, what do you do if somebody offers you drugs?' And I said, 'Well, you just say no.' And there it was born." She became known for her involvement in the "Just Say No" campaign.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Barry Sweet/AP
First lady Nancy Reagan participates in a drug education class at Island Park Elementary School on Mercer Island, Washington, on February 14, 1984. She later recalled, "A little girl raised her hand and said, 'Mrs. Reagan, what do you do if somebody offers you drugs?' And I said, 'Well, you just say no.' And there it was born." She became known for her involvement in the "Just Say No" campaign.
Robert Randall smokes marijuana that was prescribed to treat his glaucoma in 1988. He became the first legal medical marijuana patient in modern America after winning a landmark case in 1976.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Terry Ashe//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Robert Randall smokes marijuana that was prescribed to treat his glaucoma in 1988. He became the first legal medical marijuana patient in modern America after winning a landmark case in 1976.
President George H. Bush holds up a copy of the National Drug Control Strategy during a meeting in the Oval Office on September 5, 1989. In a televised address to the nation, Bush asked Americans to join the war on drugs.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Barry Thumma/AP
President George H. Bush holds up a copy of the National Drug Control Strategy during a meeting in the Oval Office on September 5, 1989. In a televised address to the nation, Bush asked Americans to join the war on drugs.
A television ad aired in 1996 by Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole's campaign included footage from a 1992 MTV interview of a laughing President Clinton saying he would inhale marijuana if given the chance to relive his college days.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Dole Campaign/AP
A television ad aired in 1996 by Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole's campaign included footage from a 1992 MTV interview of a laughing President Clinton saying he would inhale marijuana if given the chance to relive his college days.
Dennis Peron takes notes during a phone interview while Gary Johnson lights up at the Proposition 215 headquarters in San Francisco on October 11, 1996. The ballot measure was approved when voters went to the polls in November, allowing medical marijuana in California.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Peron Robinson/AP
Dennis Peron takes notes during a phone interview while Gary Johnson lights up at the Proposition 215 headquarters in San Francisco on October 11, 1996. The ballot measure was approved when voters went to the polls in November, allowing medical marijuana in California.
People in New York gather for a pro-cannabis rally on May 4, 2002. That same day, almost 200 similar events took place around the world to advocate for marijuana legalization. It was dubbed the "Million Marijuana March."
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People in New York gather for a pro-cannabis rally on May 4, 2002. That same day, almost 200 similar events took place around the world to advocate for marijuana legalization. It was dubbed the "Million Marijuana March."
Different varieties of medical marijuana are seen at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary in San Francisco on April 24, 2006. The Food and Drug Administration issued a controversial statement a week earlier rejecting the use of medical marijuana, declaring that there is no scientific evidence supporting use of the drug for medical treatment.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Different varieties of medical marijuana are seen at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary in San Francisco on April 24, 2006. The Food and Drug Administration issued a controversial statement a week earlier rejecting the use of medical marijuana, declaring that there is no scientific evidence supporting use of the drug for medical treatment.
Medicinal marijuana patient Angel Raich wipes her eyes during a press conference on March 14, 2007, in Oakland, California. The 9th circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that 41-year-old Raich, who used medicinal marijuana to curb pain from a brain tumor as well as other ailments, did not have the legal right to claim medical necessity to avoid the possibility of prosecution under federal drug laws.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Medicinal marijuana patient Angel Raich wipes her eyes during a press conference on March 14, 2007, in Oakland, California. The 9th circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that 41-year-old Raich, who used medicinal marijuana to curb pain from a brain tumor as well as other ailments, did not have the legal right to claim medical necessity to avoid the possibility of prosecution under federal drug laws.
Coffeeshop Blue Sky worker Jon Sarro, left, shows a customer different strains of medical marijuana on July 22, 2009, in Oakland, California. Voters in the city approved a measure during a vote-by-mail special election for a new tax on sales of medicinal marijuana at cannabis dispensaries.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Coffeeshop Blue Sky worker Jon Sarro, left, shows a customer different strains of medical marijuana on July 22, 2009, in Oakland, California. Voters in the city approved a measure during a vote-by-mail special election for a new tax on sales of medicinal marijuana at cannabis dispensaries.
A patient prepares to smoke at home in Portland, Maine, on October 22, 2009, a decade after the state approved a medical marijuana referendum.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
A patient prepares to smoke at home in Portland, Maine, on October 22, 2009, a decade after the state approved a medical marijuana referendum.
Sonja Gibbins walks through her growing warehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado, on April 19, 2010. Since the state approved medical marijuana in 2000, Colorado has seen a boom in marijuana dispensaries, trade shows and related businesses. So far 20 states and the District of Columbia have made smoking marijuana for medical purposes legal.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Chris Hondros/Getty Images
Sonja Gibbins walks through her growing warehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado, on April 19, 2010. Since the state approved medical marijuana in 2000, Colorado has seen a boom in marijuana dispensaries, trade shows and related businesses. So far 20 states and the District of Columbia have made smoking marijuana for medical purposes legal.
Marijuana activist Steve DeAngelo wears a "Yes on Prop 19" button as he speaks during a news conference in Oakland, California, on October 12, 2010, to bring attention to the state measure to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in California. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/02/ballot.initiatives/index.html">Voters rejected the proposal.</a>
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Marijuana activist Steve DeAngelo wears a "Yes on Prop 19" button as he speaks during a news conference in Oakland, California, on October 12, 2010, to bring attention to the state measure to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in California. Voters rejected the proposal.
Nutrient products are placed on shelves in the weGrow marijuana cultivation supply store during its grand opening on March 30, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The store is a one-stop-shop for supplies and training to grow plants indoors, except for the actual marijuana plants or seeds. Legislation was enacted in 2010 authorizing the establishment of regulated medical marijuana dispensaries in the nation's capital.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Nutrient products are placed on shelves in the weGrow marijuana cultivation supply store during its grand opening on March 30, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The store is a one-stop-shop for supplies and training to grow plants indoors, except for the actual marijuana plants or seeds. Legislation was enacted in 2010 authorizing the establishment of regulated medical marijuana dispensaries in the nation's capital.
People light up near the Space Needle in Seattle after the law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana went into effect in Washington on December 6, 2012.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Cliff Despeaux/Reuters/Landov
People light up near the Space Needle in Seattle after the law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana went into effect in Washington on December 6, 2012.
A man smokes a joint during the official opening night of Club 64, a marijuana social club in Denver, on New Year's Eve 2012. Voters in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/marijuana-legalization/index.html">Colorado and Washington state</a> passed referendums to legalize recreational marijuana on November 6, 2012.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Brennan Linsley/AP
A man smokes a joint during the official opening night of Club 64, a marijuana social club in Denver, on New Year's Eve 2012. Voters in Colorado and Washington state passed referendums to legalize recreational marijuana on November 6, 2012.
Members of a crowd numbering tens of thousands smoke and listen to live music at the Denver 420 Rally on April 20, 2013. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/20/opinion/reiman-marijuana-day/index.html">Annual festivals celebrating marijuana</a> are held around the world on April 20, a counterculture holiday.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Brennan Linsley/AP
Members of a crowd numbering tens of thousands smoke and listen to live music at the Denver 420 Rally on April 20, 2013. Annual festivals celebrating marijuana are held around the world on April 20, a counterculture holiday.
Sean Azzariti, an Iraq war veteran and marijuana activist, becomes the first person to legally purchase recreational marijuana in Colorado on January 1, 2014. Colorado was the first state in the nation to allow retail pot shops. "It's huge," Azzariti said. "It hasn't even sunk in how big this is yet."
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Gary C. Caskey/UPI/Landov
Sean Azzariti, an Iraq war veteran and marijuana activist, becomes the first person to legally purchase recreational marijuana in Colorado on January 1, 2014. Colorado was the first state in the nation to allow retail pot shops. "It's huge," Azzariti said. "It hasn't even sunk in how big this is yet."
In April 2014, Maryland became the 18th state to decriminalize marijuana possession. Research published by the <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/04/07/6-facts-about-marijuana/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Pew Research Center</a> in February showed 54% of Americans support legalization of marijuana.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Linda Davidson/The Washington Post
In April 2014, Maryland became the 18th state to decriminalize marijuana possession. Research published by the Pew Research Center in February showed 54% of Americans support legalization of marijuana.
Matt Figi's 7-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was once severely ill. But a special strain of medical marijuana known as Charlotte's Web, which was named after the girl early in her treatment, has significantly reduced her seizures. In July 2014, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pennsylvania, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/28/health/federal-marijuana-bill/">introduced a three-page bill</a> that would amend the Controlled Substances Act -- the federal law that criminalizes marijuana -- to exempt plants like Charlotte's Web that have an extremely low percentage of THC, the chemical that makes users high.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Brennan Linsley/AP
Matt Figi's 7-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was once severely ill. But a special strain of medical marijuana known as Charlotte's Web, which was named after the girl early in her treatment, has significantly reduced her seizures. In July 2014, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pennsylvania, introduced a three-page bill that would amend the Controlled Substances Act -- the federal law that criminalizes marijuana -- to exempt plants like Charlotte's Web that have an extremely low percentage of THC, the chemical that makes users high.
In July 2014, the New York Times published "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html?_r=0" target="_blank" target="_blank">High Time: An Editorial Series on Marijuana Legalization</a>," which called for the federal government to repeal its ban on marijuana.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Ramin Talaie/Getty Images/FILE
In July 2014, the New York Times published "High Time: An Editorial Series on Marijuana Legalization," which called for the federal government to repeal its ban on marijuana.
Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage on February 20, 2015. Several days later, Alaska became the third state in the nation to allow recreational marijuana.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Mark Thiessen/AP
Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage on February 20, 2015. Several days later, Alaska became the third state in the nation to allow recreational marijuana.
A woman smokes pot at her home in Washington on February 26, 2015, the first day it was legal to possess marijuana for recreational purposes in the nation's capital. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser defied threats from Congress by implementing a voter-approved initiative, making the city the only place east of the Mississippi River where people can legally grow and share marijuana in private.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Alex Brandon/AP
A woman smokes pot at her home in Washington on February 26, 2015, the first day it was legal to possess marijuana for recreational purposes in the nation's capital. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser defied threats from Congress by implementing a voter-approved initiative, making the city the only place east of the Mississippi River where people can legally grow and share marijuana in private.
Employees make last-minute preparations before the grand opening of the Cannabis Corner in North Bonneville, Washington, on March 7, 2015. The pot shop is the first city-owned recreational marijuana store in the country.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
JASON REDMOND/Reuters/LANDOV
Employees make last-minute preparations before the grand opening of the Cannabis Corner in North Bonneville, Washington, on March 7, 2015. The pot shop is the first city-owned recreational marijuana store in the country.
Georgia Rep. Allen Peake celebrates with Kristi Baggarly, holding her daughter Kimber, after the state Senate approved Peake's medical marijuana bill March 24, 2015 in Atlanta. The bill will legalize possession of cannabis oil for treatment of certain medical conditions, such as the seizures suffered by Baggarly's daughter Kendle.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
David Goldman/AP
Georgia Rep. Allen Peake celebrates with Kristi Baggarly, holding her daughter Kimber, after the state Senate approved Peake's medical marijuana bill March 24, 2015 in Atlanta. The bill will legalize possession of cannabis oil for treatment of certain medical conditions, such as the seizures suffered by Baggarly's daughter Kendle.
An employee at Kaya Shack, a Portland, Oregon, medical marijuana dispensary, showcases three types of marijuana sold at the shop on June 26, 2015. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana use on July 1, 2015.
Photos: History of marijuana in America
Gosia Wozniacka/AP
An employee at Kaya Shack, a Portland, Oregon, medical marijuana dispensary, showcases three types of marijuana sold at the shop on June 26, 2015. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana use on July 1, 2015.