The legalization of marijuana has been a controversial issue within American politics for years. Recently, many states have legalized not only medical, but recreational marijuana as well. Although this may seem like a minor change of little importance, this is actually a huge step towards a more accepting America.
Before the 1930’s, marijuana was legal in the United States and it wasn’t viewed as the threatening “gateway drug” it is perceived as in today’s society. In the 1930’s, negative propaganda was created to convince people that marijuana was a threat to society. Because most people were extremely unfamiliar with marijuana, they bought into these ideas and listened to supporters of criminalizing marijuana such as Harry Anslinger. Anslinger, the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, was a racist man whose goal was to criminalize marijuana in order to incarcerate innocent Black Americans.
“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.” -Harry Anslinger
Because of the hateful propaganda promoted by people such as Anslinger in the 1930’s, Americans were filled with misconceptions of the substance. Criminalizing marijuana became an excuse for racism in the United States, fueled by lies and a lack of knowledge. Research has proven however, that marijuana has many benefits such as treating Glaucoma, controlling seizures and decreasing anxiety. Unlike alcohol and prescription drugs, no death from overdose of marijuana has ever been reported. Why then, do we refuse to legalize marijuana in the United States? The main reason is racism. The people of the United States have been convinced that these outdated points outlined in this 1930’s propaganda is valid information, but we now know that these were lies told to encourage racist behaviors. Studies show that Blacks and Whites use marijuana at about the same rate, but Blacks are about four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession. By continuing to enforce the criminalization of marijuana, our country is encouraging these racist behaviors.
In modern-day America, we can not ignore the fact that the criminalization of marijuana was simply used to promote hate and racism in the United States. It is important that we understand the benefits of legalizing marijuana so that laws may be passed and justice can be served to the thousands of Black Americans currently incarcerated for this essentially harmless substance.
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