The status of marijuana in the U.S has been in question for over a century. I would like to begin by discussing the origin of its illegality. Marijuana emerged into the spotlight in the early 1900’s when Mexican refugees immigrated to the U.S to escape the violence of the Mexican revolution, bringing marijuana with them. Widespread prohibition began in the 1930’s. At this time, the use was mainly within Mexican and Black communities. Using the chaos of economic impact of the Great Depression, bureaucrats and politicians, with the funding of Timber and Gas/Oil companies (to eliminate the competition) were able to push false propaganda through smear campaigns. Which demonized Marijuana and the communities using it. In 1930 the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was established directed by Harry J. Anslinger. This was the beginning of an all-out war on marijuana. Realizing that opiates and cocaine would not be enough to build his new agency, he turned towards marijuana, and used fear and ignorance to push for illegality on a federal level. Here are some quotes from Anslinger’s agency.

• “There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, 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 relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.”
• ”…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”
• ”Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”

Supported by the Du Pont, Timber, and various pharmaceutical companies, the strategy worked. On August 2nd, 1937 the “Marihuana”Tax Act was passed. Every person who sells, acquires, dispenses, or posses marijuana must register to the IRS and pay special taxes. Marijuana was not made illegal due to negative health impacts, but for the purpose of personal agenda and it’s impacts are still relevant today. After the Marijuana Tax Act, the federal government strengthened laws relating to prohibition of marijuana. In 1951, the Boggs Act established a minimum sentence of 2-5 years for first-time drug offenses. This went on to include Marijuana in the Narcotics Control Act of 1956. The war against marijuana continued to intensify. With Nixon passing the 1970 Controlled Substance Act, marijuana was deemed a schedule 1 drug: a substance with “no accepted medical benefits” and a high potential for abuse. Legalization of medical marijuana in 38 states is a testament to its many health benefits. In 1972, Roger O. Egeberg, the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs, concluded studies on marijuana and recommended completely decriminalizing the substance. President Nixon refused this recommendation. Later, one of Nixon’s top aides discussed Nixon’s views on marijuana, saying his war on drugs was designed to target hippies and black communities, two demographics he saw as a threat to his presidency. Eventually, California passed the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which allowed patients to use marijuana for certain medical conditions. This was the first step in clearing the fear that surrounded the use of marijuana. The illegality of marijuana, and its history, not only goes against the well being of the people, but against the constitution itself. To continue to enforce these laws is to enforce the roots of its illegality which stems from racism, fear, ignorance, immoral political agenda, and personal financial gain of corporate entities. Iowa Poll shows 54% of adults support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, 39% are opposed, and 6% are unsure. A majority of Iowans favor legalization and now is the time to fight for change. Please support this movement and let’s live up to the true meaning of freedom this country stands for, thank you.