The Road to Cannabis Prohibition

CANNABIS AND JAZZ

Cannabis and jazz were the perfect mix. During the 30’s, the Jazz scene was becoming increasingly popular. Young white women would frequent jazz clubs where they would often experiment with cannabis. Anslinger hated the jazz movement for this reason and often called Jazz “voodoo-satanic music.” In an attempt to get the young white women away from these clubs, Anslinger told the people that cannabis in the hands of a black person posed a dangerous threat to women and children. He often warned parents to be vigilant and cautious. The fear around cannabis continued to grow and the false propaganda started pouring in.

REEFER MADNESS

Anslinger had one goal in mind: ensure young women would end their relationships with the black community. Anslinger and journalist William Randolph Hearst, began to create propaganda to warn parents of the “catastrophic outcomes” that come with consuming cannabis. One of the most popular pieces of propaganda is Reefer Madness, originally titled Tell Your Children.

Reefer Madness was a “documentary” following a group of teenagers committing horrendous acts like rape and murder after consuming cannabis. 

 ☑️ Get the public scared to lure them away from the jazz clubs.

IN COMES THE MARIJUANA TAX ACT

In 1937 the federal government passed The Marijuana Tax Act. The tax act didn’t completely ban cannabis, but instead put an outrageous tax on it. The incredibly high tax made it nearly impossible for any middle and/or low class civilians to pay it. Without the proper documentation, fines were being dealt left and right.

BLACK AND LATINO COMMUNITIES TARGETED

With a new policy to uphold, police raided jazz clubs to seize cannabis while arresting Black and Latino patrons along the way. As the public’s concern around cannabis rose, so did the rate of incarcerations. Black people were being incarcerated for cannabis 3 times more than white people, and Mexican’s were being incarcerated 9 times more white people. 

☑️ Neutralize the “threat”

UP NEXT: ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

The Rockefeller Drug Laws were enacted in 1973 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller and completely changed the way cannabis offenses were handled. Under the Rockefeller Drug Laws, anybody caught selling 2 ounces or possessing 4 ounces of cannabis was given a 15 year MINIMUM sentence.   

Targeting and raiding Black and Latino communities, Rockefeller laws became a “legal” way to get people of color back into the system. Modern slavery –  as  some might say.

The End? You would hope.

The Rockefeller Drug Laws were only repealed in 2008. Although that is a sliver of good news the stigma, racism, and misinformation that surrounds cannabis remains prevalent today. Cannabis’ ugly past has found its way into the 21st century and its legality  continues to be a major discussion.

In today’s society, Black people continue to face hurdles and profiling when it comes to the cannabis industry.
A survey taken in 2017 showed that only around 5% of cannabis entrepreneurs are Black. Fear of raids, retaliation, police, and legal issues loom and deter Black entrepreneurs from pursuing the industry.

Cannabis is only one example of the injustice Black people face in America. This has been going on so long and it truly is time for change.
In everything we do, we need to bring justice.
Change a mistaken history. Vote for change. Bring EQUALITY to the cannabis industry.

Your favorite yerbera,

The Cannasis

**Content on The Cannasis is meant strictly for readers of age 21+. The content on this blog is for readers residing in states or countries with legal cannabis, recreational or medical. This blog is not meant for readers in states where cannabis is not legal. The content is for entertainment and informational purpose only. The Cannasis should not be viewed as medical advice.**

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