1996: California Proposition 215 Passes


On November 5, 1996 the Compassionate Use Act (California 215) was passed. This allowed Californian patients with a valid doctor's diagnosis, and the patients' designated Primary Caregivers, to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. The proposition passed with 5,382,915 (55.6%) votes in favour and 4,301,960 (44.4%) against.