On Prohibition
Despite many awesome resources that will enlighten you on the history of prohibition and the damage that the failed war on drugs is still inflicting, I wanted to address the complicated history of cannabis prohibition in America from my perspective. For over a hundred years, the plant has been criminalized in many parts of the world, despite its widespread use and potential medicinal benefits for thousands of years. It's been shrouded in stigma and misinformation, which has led to its criminalization and the criminalization of those who use it. Presently, there are currently over 40,000 individuals incarcerated for marijuana convictions, this post is for them and those who are continuing the fight.
The origins of cannabis prohibition go back to the early 20th century, when it was first made illegal in the United States. At the time, it was largely associated with Mexican immigrants and jazz musicians, and there was a belief that it caused violence and addiction. This belief was fueled by a campaign of propaganda, including the movie "Reefer Madness," which depicted cannabis as a deadly narcotic that turned people into homicidal maniacs. This fear-mongering helped solidify the public's perception of cannabis as a dangerous drug, leading to its criminalization at the federal level in the US in 1937.
Cannabis prohibition spread to other parts of the world, with many countries adopting similar laws criminalizing possession, cultivation, and use of the plant. In some cases, these laws were motivated by a desire to protect public health and safety, while in others, they were driven by a desire to control and regulate the plant. Despite prohibition, millions of people around the world continue to use and cultivate cannabis and over 40 states have medical programs. The criminalization of cannabis continues to lead to the criminalization of individuals who use it, with harsh penalties and prison sentences being given to those caught with the plant (the vast majority being people of color even though both black and white humans use cannabis at roughly the same rate).
In recent years, though, there's been a movement to legalize and regulate cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. A number of US states have legalized it for recreational use, and many more have legalized it for medical purposes. Other countries, including Canada and some in Europe, have also legalized cannabis for medical or adult use. There are a few reasons why this movement has gained momentum. One is that it can help reduce crime and the burden on the criminal justice system. By regulating and taxing the sale of cannabis, governments can generate significant revenue and reduce the need for law enforcement to focus on cannabis offenses.
Another reason is that legalization can help reduce the stigma surrounding the plant and those who use it. By removing the criminal element, it can be more openly discussed and researched, leading to a greater understanding of its potential benefits and risks. There are also potential health benefits associated with cannabis use, including the treatment of chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well as the reduction of anxiety and improvement of sleep. The research just keeps coming about the miraculous benefits of this plant, but it continues to fall on deaf ears at the Federal level.
Even though there's been progress in the movement to legalize cannabis, it remains illegal in many parts of the world including in my home state of Texas. While we've come a long way in destigmatizing the plant and making it available to those who may benefit from its medicinal properties, there's still a long way to go.
