Cannabis Was Legal = Make America High Again

History of Cannabis in the United States

Early Use and Introduction

Cannabis has been utilized for thousands of years for various purposes, including medicinal, industrial, and recreational uses. In the early 1600s, cannabis was introduced to North America by European settlers. It was cultivated for its fibers, which were used to make rope, textiles, and paper.

19th Century: Medical Use

During the 19th century, cannabis began to gain recognition as a medicinal substance. It was included in the United States Pharmacopeia in 1850 and was commonly used to treat various ailments such as pain, insomnia, and digestive issues. Medical practitioners often prescribed tinctures containing cannabis extracts.

Early 20th Century: Regulation and Stigmatization

The early 1900s saw a shift in public perception of cannabis. Cannabis was introduced to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, primarily arriving from Mexico into the southwestern region. The term “marihuana,” derived from Mexican-Spanish origins, began to replace the more scientifically recognized term “cannabis” in the early 19th century.

The federal regulation of cannabis in the U.S. has historical roots in xenophobia and misinformation. Between 1910 and 1920, a significant influx of Mexican immigrants occurred in the southwest due to the Mexican Revolution, which fueled anti-Mexican sentiment and led to a moral panic surrounding cannabis consumption. This was exemplified by the efforts of Harry Anslinger, then-commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who promoted narratives associating marijuana use with threats to social order and moral integrity, often targeting marginalized communities. Cannabis was introduced to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, primarily arriving from Mexico into the southwestern region. The term “marijuana,” derived from Mexican-Spanish origins, began to replace the more scientifically recognized term “cannabis” in the early 19th century.

The federal regulation of cannabis in the U.S. has historical roots in xenophobia and misinformation. Between 1910 and 1920, a significant influx of Mexican immigrants occurred in the southwest due to the Mexican Revolution, which fueled anti-Mexican sentiment and led to a moral panic surrounding cannabis consumption. This was exemplified by the efforts of Harry Anslinger, then-commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who promoted narratives associating marijuana use with threats to social order and moral integrity, often targeting marginalized communities.

The usage of the Spanish term “marijuana” by prohibitionists like Anslinger helped link cannabis consumption with negative stereotypes about racial minorities, thus influencing public perception and policy. This prompted the creation of the term "M-Word" to underscore the stigma associated with the use of the term “marijuana.”

During the 1920s, DuPont developed and patented fuel additives and new synthetic materials while other companies explored the use of hemp as a renewable resource.

Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, known for his discriminatory views, utilized his extensive newspaper network to promote negative portrayals of Mexican immigrants, often linking them to cannabis use. This animosity may have been exacerbated by personal business interests, as Hearst had lost substantial timberland to the Mexican Revolutionary General Pancho Villa. Consequently, from 1935 to 1937, DuPont actively lobbied for the prohibition of cannabis, asserting that their synthetic alternatives could replace hemp products in the market. The resulting campaign against cannabis, fueled by Hearst’s editorial influence and lobbying efforts, culminated in the enactment of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

The usage of the Spanish term “marijuana” by prohibitionists like Anslinger helped link cannabis consumption with negative stereotypes about racial minorities, thus influencing public perception and policy. This prompted the creation of the term "M-Word" to underscore the stigma associated with the use of the term “marijuana.”

During the 1920s, DuPont developed and patented fuel additives and new synthetic materials while other companies explored the use of hemp as a renewable resource.

Media mogul William Randolph Hearst utilized his extensive newspaper network to promote negative portrayals of Mexican immigrants, often linking them to cannabis use. This animosity may have been exacerbated by personal business interests, as Hearst had lost substantial timberland to the Mexican Revolutionary General Pancho Villa. Consequently, from 1935 to 1937, DuPont actively lobbied for the prohibition of cannabis, asserting that their synthetic alternatives could replace hemp products in the market. The resulting campaign against cannabis, fueled by Hearst’s editorial influence and lobbying efforts, culminated in the enactment of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

Mid-20th Century: Criminalization and the War on Drugs

The 1950s and 1960s marked a significant escalation in the criminalization of cannabis. The government launched campaigns portraying cannabis as a dangerous drug, and penalties for possession and distribution became more severe. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Late 20th Century: Shifts in Perception

By the 1990s, attitudes toward cannabis began to shift again. Advocates for legalization emerged, and several states initiated measures to decriminalize or legalize medical cannabis. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis with Proposition 215.

21st Century: Legalization Movement

The 2000s and 2010s saw a rapid expansion of cannabis legalization efforts. Numerous states enacted laws permitting medical use, and by the late 2010s, several states had legalized recreational use as well. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2023, cannabis legalization continues to evolve across the United States. Over half of the states have legalized medical cannabis, and several have legalized recreational use. The federal government has yet to fully legalize cannabis, but discussions around decriminalization and regulation are ongoing. The future of cannabis in the U.S. remains a dynamic and contentious issue, with debates surrounding health, safety, and economic implications continuing to shape policy decisions.