To better understand the federal government's current system pertaining to cannabis, it is beneficial to outline the actions of previous administrations that resulted in the construction of the present policy. The present classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug and its federal prohibition find roots dating back to around the time of the great depression. Prior to that point, cannabis had largely been growing freely throughout the United States. Legislation, like the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Harrison Act of 1914, was passed regulating the use, production and distribution of cannabis. but not prohibiting it altogether