Skip to main content

The timeline can be navigated by dragging the pointer on the timeline bar, located at the bottom of the screen on the desktop version and on the left of the screen on mobile. To filter by a specific topic, make a selection on the dropdown “Filters” menu or click “Search” to do a keyword search. To learn more, click “Read More” below.

Read More

Federal Bureau of Narcotics created.

Date: 1930

PHA
DRUG
MJ
PIC

Harry Anslinger is appointed commissioner of the newly created Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN). His focus is on establishing harsher penalties for drug use, including starting a media campaign to classify marijuana as a "dangerous drug."

Before Anslinger takes office only four states have anti-marijuana laws. By the time he leaves 48 states have passed laws. The FBN is classified as part of the Department of the Treasury rather than as part of law enforcement.