Why is Marijuana Illegal?

Why is Marijuana illegal?

An excellent question, and one that should be explored.  It would seem logical that cannabis was made illegal because it went through extensive testing, scientific analysis, and other thorough and rigorous investigation.  The truth is that the prohibition of cannabis was largely a result of 3 things: 1) Monetary Ravenousness, 2) Revenge and 3) Racism (what I call the “3 R’s”). This first edition of my blog, we will explore the first “R”…

1. Monetary Ravenousness (pure Greed)…Harry Anslinger, the first head of the Department of Narcotics, saw an incredible opportunity to make cannabis illegal at the federal level upon his appointment to this newly created office (1930).  He enlisted the help of William R. Hearst (newspaper magnate) and the Dupont Chemical Company.  Hearst and Dupont were more than willing to join in the crusade against cannabis.  Hearst was heavily invested in the timber industry and hemp farmers were a major competitor.  Dupont had patented nylon, as well as many other products, which were in direct competition with products produced from hemp.  In addition, several pharmaceutical companies joined the crusade – why?  Pharmaceutical companies could not patent a plant – cannabis could be grown in anyone’s backyard – there was no monetary gain for them.  With these powerful groups behind Anslinger, the propaganda crusade against cannabis went full steam ahead.  Hearst willingly printed articles in his nationwide newspapers that spread fear regarding the consumption of cannabis.  One example from the San Francisco Examiner stated, “Marihuana is a short cut to the insane asylum….what was once your brain will be nothing but a storehouse of horrid specters.”  Another said, “3/4ths of the crimes of violence in this country today are committed by dope slaves”.  The Dupont family contributed by helping to finance the promotion of the film “Reefer Madness”.  “Reefer Madness” was a propaganda film that promoted the ‘evils’ of ingesting cannabis. As the crusade against cannabis spread, so did Anslingers need for more government agents to ‘rid’ the country of this ‘evil weed’.  Anslingers position in government grew stronger, and his influence, with the help of Dupont and Hearst, became undeniable.  Through the efforts of these men, the American people became fearful of cannabis, and the people who used it.

We will explore the second “R”, Revenge, in next week’s blog post.

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About the Author:  Nicole Penson is the owner/operator of Nicoles Naturals LLC - we sell products that are rich in CBD extracted from organic, lab-tested hemp.  Check us out at www.nicolesnaturalsllc.com

Resources: drugwarrant.com

The History of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 – David Musto, MD

Marijuana – The First Twelve Thousand Years – Ernest Abel

The History of the Non-Medical Use of Drugs in the United States – Charles Whitebread, USC Law School

Washington-Drug-Defense.com