Why is marijuana illegal?
Why is marijuana illegal? To answer this, one has to delve into the deep, dark, or should I say brown, history of the United States.
In 1930, the United States established the federal Bureau of Narcotics. The new director, Harry Anslinger, was an overzealous man who saw a huge potential for his new job and the ability to put himself into favor with various bigwigs of the time.
Here is a quote from Mr. Anslinger in regard to why marijuana should be added to the list of illegal substances: “There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the U.S., and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”
Racism, a motive to make a substance illegal? Racism, among other things such as corporate greed. Hemp had a long and important role in the history of our country. Our very own constitution was scrolled on hemp paper. So why would it become an enemy substance?
Around this time, a couple of things were happening. William Randolph Hearst invested in the development of paper from trees and DuPont invented nylon. Both of these were in direct competition with the hemp industry. Hemp is a quick-growing renewable resource that was used for paper and fabric. Well, there is your history lesson. I would have to ask what are the motives in being so completely against the legal use of marijuana?
Charles Micheluca
Hidden Valley Lake
