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A procession of men in suits and hats holding signs that say: "We want beer." A crowd of bystanders look on.
Photograph of an anti-prohibition demonstration in Chicago in the 1920s.

Prohibition begins.

1920

DRUG
MJ
Photograph of an anti-prohibition demonstration in Chicago in the 1920s.

The United States passes a law that nationally bans the sale, production, and transport of alcohol. Prohibition is sought to counter alcoholism, domestic violence, and political corruption.

Doctors are licensed to provide medicinal alcohol in the same way that medical marijuana is licensed in this era.