The Racist Roots of Cannabis: Unveiling the Dark History of Marijuana and Hemp
When we think of cannabis, we often associate it with relaxation, medicinal benefits, and even creativity. However, the history of cannabis is not as innocent as it may seem. In fact, the roots of cannabis are deeply intertwined with racism and corporate greed.
CANNABIS LIFESTYLE
11/16/20234 min read
For centuries, cannabis has been extensively prescribed for its medicinal properties. Its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations like China and India, where it was employed to treat various ailments. Cannabis was considered a valuable tool in the hands of physicians, helping alleviate symptoms of pain, inflammation, and even mental health disorders. However, in the early 20th century, a shift in public opinion and cultural norms arose, leading to the criminalization of cannabis. This change was largely driven by a culmination of factors, including racial stereotypes, political agendas, and sensationalized media portrayals.
The Role of Harry Anslinger
One of the key figures in the racist history of cannabis is Harry Anslinger, cannabis enemy #1. Anslinger was the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, which later became the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In the 1930s, Anslinger launched a smear campaign against cannabis, fueled by racist ideologies.
Anslinger targeted communities of color, particularly African Americans and Mexican immigrants, using fearmongering tactics to associate cannabis with violence and criminality. He spread false narratives, claiming that marijuana caused insanity and led to interracial relationships. Anslinger's campaign was not only racist but also driven by financial interests. He received support from textile and pharmaceutical companies, who feared losing money if marijuana and hemp were more widely used.
While Anslinger was not directly related to the making of "Reefer Madness", a movie released in 1936, he was responsible for stirring the pot (no pun intended!) and getting people like the makers of the movie riled up about the evils of cannabis. "Reefer Madness" makes outrageous and exaggerated claims about cannabis, depicting marijuana as a dangerous drug that leads to insanity, hallucinations, sexual promiscuity, mental illness, and moral corruption, going so far as to say it turns users into rapists and murderers. It portrays individuals who use cannabis as becoming violent and engaging in reckless and criminal behavior. The movie aims to warn society about the perceived dangers of cannabis consumption, presenting it as a menace that should be eradicated. While the movie today has become a symbol of the exaggerated anti-marijuana propaganda that was prevalent at the time, back then, in large part due to Anslinger's campaigning, people believed what they saw and subsequently supported its criminalization out of fear.
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 in the United States marked a significant turning point, criminalizing the possession and sale of cannabis. Subsequent global drug control policies further reinforced the criminalization of cannabis, despite its long history of medical use.
In 1970 when the Controlled Substances Act was enacted, the United States government made the decision to add cannabis to the highest category - schedule 1 - along with drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, LSD, and meth. Schedule 1 means that it is classified as a substance with a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use even under medical supervision.
The reasoning behind this classification was based on the belief that cannabis posed significant risks to public health and safety, an idea which began with Harry Anslinger and only grew during his more than 30 years with the DEA, and sadly persisted long after he retired. Despite the evolving understanding of cannabis and its potential therapeutic benefits, it remains classified as a schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States.
Textile Companies' Fear of Hemp
Hemp, a variety of cannabis, has a long history of use in textiles. It is a versatile and sustainable material that can be used to make clothing, paper, and even building materials. However, textile companies saw hemp as a significant threat to their profits due to its many advantages and versatile nature.
Firstly, hemp fibers are known for being extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for producing long-lasting textiles. This durability meant that hemp fabrics had a longer lifespan compared to other materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately impacting the profits of the textile industries. Additionally, hemp cultivation requires minimal pesticides and herbicides, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional cotton farming. The low cost and high availability of hemp fibers further contributed to its threat to the textile industries, as it offered consumers a more affordable option without compromising on quality. Overall, the combination of strength, durability, sustainability, and affordability made hemp a formidable competitor to the established textile industries, and in the early 20th century, hemp posed a significant competition to the emerging synthetic fibre industry as well.
Textile companies, led by tycoons such as William Randolph Hearst, lobbied against hemp and supported the criminalization of cannabis. Hearst, a media mogul, used his newspapers to spread sensationalized stories about the dangers of marijuana. He portrayed cannabis as a drug that would lead to moral decay and societal collapse.
Pharmaceutical Companies' Opposition to Marijuana
Another industry threatened by cannabis was the pharmaceutical industry. At the time, cannabis was widely used as a medicine, with many physicians prescribing it for various ailments.
However, pharmaceutical companies saw marijuana as competition to their patented drugs. They wanted to eliminate cannabis as a competitor in the medical field, so they supported Anslinger's campaign against marijuana. Pharmaceutical companies funded studies that highlighted the supposed dangers of cannabis, often exaggerating its negative effects. They also lobbied for stricter drug regulations, which ultimately led to the criminalization of marijuana.
Fast forward to today, and as cannabis has begun to emerge from the shadows, recognized once again for its medicinal properties and enjoying rising popularity thanks to increasing legalization, pharmaceutical companies are still feeling threatened by cannabis. Cannabis has been found to have various medical benefits, such as pain relief, reducing inflammation, and treating certain neurological disorders. This means that people are turning to cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, which can potentially lead to a decline in sales for the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, cannabis is relatively inexpensive to produce compared to pharmaceutical drugs, making it more affordable for consumers. Furthermore, as more research is conducted on cannabis, there is a possibility that it could replace or complement existing pharmaceutical treatments. All these factors contribute to the concern of pharmaceutical companies, as they face potential competition and a shift in consumer preferences towards cannabis.
Unveiling the Truth
It is crucial to acknowledge and understand the racist and profit-driven history of cannabis. The criminalization of marijuana and hemp has disproportionately affected communities of color, perpetuating systemic racism and injustice.
As we move towards a more inclusive and equitable society, it is essential to advocate for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis. We must challenge the racist narratives and policies that have shaped the perception of cannabis for decades.
By learning from the past, we can work towards a future where cannabis is embraced for its medicinal benefits, economic potential, and environmental sustainability. Let us strive for a society where the roots of cannabis are no longer tainted by racism and corporate greed.
Contact
onelovecannabis@outlook.com
Subscribe to our newsletter
Disclaimer: The thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this blog site are solely those of the author. They are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical and mental health guidance. Before following the advice given, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare team to ensure no possible adverse affects or interactions with other treatments you may be using. Should you make the choice to use cannabis products, you do so at your own risk and assume all responsibility of a health or legal nature. The author does not encourage use of cannabis is those under 25 years of age, individuals in area where they do not have access to legal cannabis, or in individuals with pre-existing conditions that could be negatively impacted as the result of cannabis use.