The Prohibition Era: What Led to the Criminalization of Cannabis?

Cannabis prohibition in the United States was not inevitable but was driven by a combination of racial prejudice, economic interests, and political maneuvering. In the early 20th century, cannabis, associated with Mexican immigrants and African American jazz musicians, became a target for law enforcement. Media campaigns, like those orchestrated by William Randolph Hearst, spread fear and misinformation about "marijuana," a term popularized to make the plant sound foreign and dangerous. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, pushed by Harry Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, marked the beginning of widespread prohibition. This era of criminalization has had lasting impacts, fueling mass incarceration and perpetuating racial disparities. Understanding this history is crucial for those advocating for social justice in the modern cannabis movement.