Three Decades of Progress: Celebrating MPP’s 30th Anniversary

When MPP was founded in January 1995, the landscape of cannabis policy in America looked drastically different from how it does today. Medical cannabis was illegal in every single state, and the halls of Congress hadn't seen a bill aimed at reforming federal cannabis laws in decades. 

Fast forward thirty years, and the change is undeniable. Today, medical cannabis is legal in 39 states, offering vital relief to countless patients. Adult-use cannabis is now a reality in 24 states, representing a significant shift towards ending prohibition. On the federal level, several bills have been introduced to remove federal penalties for state-legal cannabis markets and to finally end federal prohibition altogether.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it's inspiring to reflect on the incredible journey and the monumental progress we've witnessed. MPP has been an instrumental force at every pivotal moment of this transformation. In fact, MPP has been responsible for the majority of state cannabis law reforms enacted since 2000. Our dedicated efforts have led to the passage of 15 medical cannabis laws and 14 adult-use legalization laws. This includes landmark victories such as Colorado in 2012, which marked the first adult-use legalization state in the nation, and the groundbreaking legislative victories in Vermont and Illinois, the first two states to legalize cannabis for adults through their state legislatures rather than via ballot initiative. 

Watch this video for a look at MPP’s three-decade cannabis reform advocacy journey:

The numbers speak for themselves: no other organization in this movement has changed as many cannabis laws, positively impacted as many patients and consumers, created as many new markets, or done more to advance the end of cannabis prohibition in the U.S. than MPP.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, our tireless volunteers, our generous donors, our committed coalition partners, and the millions of individuals whose voices have fueled this movement. While we can be proud of the progress made over the past 30 years, our work is far from over. Federal prohibition continues to cast a shadow, and ensuring equitable and just cannabis policies across the nation remains a critical priority.

Here's to 30 years of progress, and to the continued fight for a future where cannabis policy is rooted in compassion, common sense, and justice for all!