How, when and why was marijuana banned?
The prohibition of marijuana began in the early 20th century in the United States, driven by various social, political, and economic factors. The process of criminalizing marijuana involved a combination of legislative actions, public perception, and international pressure. Here's an overview of the key events leading to the prohibition of marijuana:
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Early 20th Century:
- During the early 1900s, there was an influx of Mexican immigrants into the United States. Many of these immigrants used marijuana recreationally, introducing the drug to American society.
- As the use of marijuana became associated with Mexican immigrants and African Americans, racial and ethnic prejudices played a role in fueling anti-marijuana sentiments.
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1930s:
- In the 1930s, the U.S. government, led by Harry J. Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (predecessor to the DEA), launched a campaign against marijuana, spreading misinformation about its supposed dangers.
- Anslinger and other proponents of prohibition used exaggerated claims, linking marijuana use to violence, insanity, and criminal behavior, to create fear and public outcry.
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1937: Marihuana Tax Act:
- In 1937, the U.S. Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act, which effectively criminalized marijuana at the federal level. While the Act did not ban marijuana outright, it imposed strict regulations and heavy taxes on its cultivation, sale, and possession.
- The Act made it extremely difficult and costly for individuals to legally obtain or use marijuana.
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Mid-20th Century:
- The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, subjecting it to international control.
- Other countries around the world, influenced by the U.S. approach and international treaties, also started implementing their own restrictions on marijuana.
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Late 20th and Early 21st Century:
- The "War on Drugs" declared by the U.S. government in the 1970s intensified efforts to combat drug use, including marijuana.
- Despite growing public support for marijuana legalization and medical use, marijuana remained classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
- Starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s, some U.S. states began passing medical marijuana laws, allowing limited medical use under specific conditions.
Marijuana prohibition and the global war on drugs have been highly controversial. Critics argue that prohibition has led to the criminalization of non-violent offenders, disproportionately impacting communities of color, and creating a black market that funds criminal organizations. In recent years, public attitudes toward marijuana have shifted, leading to increasing efforts to decriminalize or legalize it for medical and recreational use in various countries and states worldwide.
The role of Anslinger
Harry J. Anslinger was the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN), a predecessor to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and played a significant role in shaping U.S. drug policy during the early 20th century. He served as the commissioner from 1930 to 1962 and was a key figure in the campaign to criminalize and demonize marijuana, particularly through the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.
Anslinger's role was particularly negative in three respects; :
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Campaign Against Marijuana: Anslinger led a campaign that spread misinformation and exaggerated claims about the dangers of marijuana use. He used racial stereotypes and fear-mongering tactics to associate marijuana with violence, insanity, and criminal behavior, particularly targeting Mexican immigrants and African Americans.
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Marihuana Tax Act of 1937: Anslinger's efforts culminated in the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act, which effectively criminalized marijuana at the federal level. While the Act did not ban marijuana outright, it imposed strict regulations and heavy taxes on its cultivation, sale, and possession, making it difficult and costly for individuals to legally use or obtain marijuana.
- Destruction of Hemp Industries: Before the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act, hemp was a widely cultivated and economically valuable crop in the United States. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that is non-intoxicating and has numerous industrial uses, including fiber for textiles, paper, and construction materials. However, the Marihuana Tax Act imposed stringent regulations and taxes on all cannabis plants, including hemp, due to their botanical similarity.
The inclusion of hemp in the Marihuana Tax Act had several negative effects on the hemp industry, namelly:
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Burdensome Regulations: The Act imposed significant bureaucratic and financial burdens on hemp farmers and manufacturers, discouraging the cultivation and production of hemp-based products.
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Stigmatization: The Act associated hemp with marijuana, leading to stigmatization and misconceptions about the crop's safety and utility.
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Competing Industries: Some rival industries, particularly those that produced synthetic fibers and paper products, saw hemp as a potential competitor. By associating hemp with marijuana and imposing onerous regulations, these industries aimed to protect their market dominance.
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Decline in Hemp Cultivation: The passage of the Marihuana Tax Act resulted in a significant decline in hemp cultivation in the United States. Over time, hemp production became largely limited to a few specialized applications, and its potential as a versatile and sustainable industrial crop was largely overlooked.
Anslinger's campaign against marijuana and the inclusion of hemp in the Marihuana Tax Act were influenced by a combination of factors, including racial prejudices, economic interests, and moral beliefs. The negative impact on hemp industries was a consequence of broader efforts to criminalize marijuana, and it took many decades for the perception and understanding of hemp to change, eventually leading to its resurgence as an important industrial crop in more recent years.