What was significant about California's Proposition 215 passed in 1996?

Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, was significant because it was the first law in the United States to legalize medical marijuana. Passed in California in 1996, this landmark measure allowed patients with certain medical conditions to obtain marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. The passage of Proposition 215 marked a pivotal moment in the national conversation about marijuana, influencing many states to consider similar laws aimed at legalizing medical cannabis. It initiated a movement that has led to widespread changes in marijuana laws across the country, both for medical and recreational use. This proposition also had social implications, as it shifted perceptions regarding marijuana use and opened discussions about drug policy reform.