Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, was a California ballot initiative passed in 1996. It allowed patients with specific medical conditions to use medical marijuana legally with a doctor's recommendation. This marked the first time a state in the U.S. legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The proposition aimed to provide relief for patients suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS. It established a legal framework for the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis, paving the way for further discussions and legislation regarding marijuana use in the United States.