A Brief History of Cannabis, its Prohibition and Subsequent Legalization
Cannabis, a plant with a history as rich and complex as any character in a novel, has played numerous roles throughout human history: from an ancient medicinal herb to a vilified and illegal substance, and now, a symbol of medical advancement and social change. The story of cannabis in the United States is a particularly striking example of how societal attitudes, politics, and science interweave to influence policy and public opinion.
Ancient Origins and Medical Use
Cannabis’s journey begins thousands of years ago. Ancient Chinese texts describe its use for medicinal purposes as early as 2800 BCE. It was valued for its ability to alleviate pain and treat various ailments. This ancient wisdom spread across continents, and by the 19th century, cannabis had found its way into Western medicine, primarily as a pain reliever and sedative. Cannabis was included in the U.S. Pharmacopeia starting in 1850, described as useful as a treatment for pain relief, sedation, appetite stimulation, muscle spasm, seizures, insomnia and migraine headaches.
The Turn of the 20th Century: Prohibition Begins
As the 20th century dawned in the United States, the perception of cannabis began to shift dramatically. The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act was one of the first federal laws aimed at regulating drugs and labeling, and it laid the ground work for later regulations. Influenced by a mix of xenophobia, racism, and a growing national temperance movement, cannabis started to be seen not as a medicine but as a dangerous and immoral drug. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 marked the beginning of its prohibition. This act, influenced by racially charged propaganda, targeted minority communities, particularly Mexican immigrants and African Americans, linking cannabis use with criminal behavior.
Key Research Studies and Their Impact
Several research studies throughout the 20th century challenged the government’s stance on cannabis. The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report (1894) and The LaGuardia Report (1944) provided early evidence against the demonization of cannabis, but their impact was minimal due to the prevailing attitudes of the time.
Nixon’s War on Drugs: The Controlled Substances Act, Political Motivations, and Ignoring the Science
In 1970, the narrative of cannabis took another significant turn with the Controlled Substances Act, spearheaded by President Nixon. Cannabis was classified as a Schedule 1 drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification, largely influenced by political motivations rather than scientific evidence, further stigmatized cannabis and contradicted growing research that showed its potential medicinal benefits and low risk compared to substances like alcohol.
Another key study, the “National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse,” was commissioned by President Richard Nixon around the time the Controlled Substances Act passed to examine the impact of marijuana on society. Called the Shafer Commission report, it was published in 1972 and recommended decriminalizing marijuana. Its findings were outright dismissed by President Nixon, who had other political motivations. Here’s what John Ehrlichman, Nixon’s domestic policy advisor, revealed in a 1994 interview about the War on Drugs:
“We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin and then criminalizing them both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night in the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did,”
President Nixon’s War on Drugs was less about combatting drug abuse and more a political strategy to target and disrupt groups opposed to his administration, such as anti-war protesters and minority communities. This political maneuvering added another layer of complexity to the cannabis narrative, intertwining it with issues of civil rights and social justice.
The Racial Dynamics of Cannabis Prohibition
The criminalization of cannabis in the United States was deeply intertwined with racial prejudice. Anti-cannabis campaigns and legislation disproportionately targeted communities of color, perpetuating stereotypes and exacerbating social and racial inequalities. This aspect of cannabis history is critical in understanding the full scope of its impact on American society.
Champions of Legalization and Their Struggle
Despite the prevailing headwinds, several individuals and organizations stood up for the truth about cannabis. The movement towards cannabis legalization has been spearheaded by a cadre of dedicated individuals and organizations, each contributing uniquely to the shifting landscape of cannabis policy and perception. These champions faced immense societal and legal challenges, yet their persistence and advocacy have been instrumental in the journey towards legalization and societal acceptance.
Dana Beal: A vanguard of the pro-cannabis movement, Dana Beal has been an unwavering advocate for the medicinal benefits of cannabis. He is notably recognized for his work in promoting the use of cannabis for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and AIDS. Beal’s activism extended beyond public demonstrations; he was deeply involved in grassroots movements, educating the public about the medical efficacy of cannabis and lobbying for legislative change.
Jack Herer: Often referred to as the “Emperor of Hemp,” Jack Herer was a monumental figure in the cannabis legalization movement. His book, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” published in 1985, played a pivotal role in catalyzing public and political support for cannabis. The book, rich in research and historical data, debunked many myths about cannabis and highlighted its potential in various fields, including medicine and industry. Herer’s legacy is a testament to the power of education and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy.
NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws): Since its inception in 1970, NORML has been a leading force in the campaign for cannabis legalization. Through legal advocacy, public education, and lobbying efforts, NORML has been instrumental in challenging unjust laws and promoting a more rational approach to cannabis policy. The organization’s persistent efforts have significantly contributed to the gradual shift in legislative and public attitudes towards cannabis.
Keith Stroup: The founder of NORML, Keith Stroup, has been a key figure in the marijuana legalization movement. His legal background and strategic advocacy have been central to NORML’s efforts in lobbying for policy changes. Stroup’s work has encompassed a range of activities, from organizing grassroots campaigns to influencing policy at the national level.
Dr. Lester Grinspoon: As a Harvard psychiatrist and early proponent of medical marijuana, Dr. Grinspoon’s research and writings, especially his book “Marihuana Reconsidered,” published in 1971, provided a critical scientific perspective in support of cannabis. His work challenged prevailing misconceptions about cannabis and advocated for its medicinal benefits, influencing both the medical community and the general public.
Steve DeAngelo: A prominent cannabis entrepreneur and activist, Steve DeAngelo has been a major influence in the modern cannabis industry. As the co-founder of one of the world’s largest medical cannabis dispensaries, DeAngelo has been at the forefront of demonstrating the viability and legitimacy of the cannabis business, while also advocating for legal reforms and social justice in the cannabis space.
Elvy Musikka: As one of the first patients to receive medical marijuana from the federal government, Elvy Musikka became a prominent advocate for medical cannabis. Her personal experience as a patient with glaucoma and her fight to access cannabis legally brought significant attention to the medical benefits of cannabis and the need for policy reform.
These individuals, among others, have played pivotal roles in the movement towards cannabis legalization. Their efforts, ranging from grassroots activism and public education to legal advocacy and scientific research, have collectively contributed to reshaping the narrative around cannabis. They stand as testaments to the power of dedicated advocacy in overcoming longstanding societal and legal barriers, paving the way for a more enlightened and equitable approach to cannabis policy.
The Modern Shift: Towards Legalization and Acceptance
The 21st century has seen a dramatic shift in the cannabis narrative. States across the U.S. are legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, driven by a growing body of scientific research supporting its benefits and safety, especially in comparison to alcohol. This change reflects a broader societal realization of the flaws in previous cannabis policies and a move towards a more evidence-based and humane approach.
Timeline of Key Milestones in Cannabis Legalization
* 1970: NORML is founded, beginning a concerted effort to reform cannabis laws.
* 1996: California becomes the first state to legalize medical marijuana with the passage of Proposition 215.
* 2012: Colorado and Washington become the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
* 2014: The Farm Bill legalizes hemp cultivation, distinguishing it from marijuana.
* 2018: The Farm Bill is revised, removing hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) from the Schedule 1 substances list.
* 2020s: A wave of legalization sweeps across numerous states, both for medical and recreational use, signaling a significant shift in societal and political attitudes towards cannabis.
New Jersey and Cannabis Reform
* 2000s: The conversation around marijuana reform began to gain traction in New Jersey in the early 2000s. Advocates for medical marijuana pushed for legislative changes, citing the medicinal benefits of cannabis, especially for patients with chronic illnesses.
Medical Marijuana Legalization
* 2010: A significant milestone was reached with the signing of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act by Governor Jon Corzine in January 2010. This law allowed patients suffering from certain medical conditions to legally use medical marijuana. The implementation of this program, however, was slow and faced several regulatory hurdles.
Expansion of Medical Marijuana Program
* 2018: Under Governor Phil Murphy, the medical marijuana program in New Jersey saw significant expansion. The number of qualifying medical conditions was increased, and the process for patients to obtain medical marijuana was streamlined.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization Efforts
* 2019: Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana gained momentum but faced challenges in the state legislature. Governor Murphy, a proponent of legalization, advocated for it as a means of social justice, aiming to address the disproportionate impact of marijuana prohibition on minority communities.
Public Referendum and Legalization
* 2020: In a major development, the question of legalizing recreational marijuana was put to voters in the November 2020 elections. The public referendum saw overwhelming support, with about two-thirds of voters approving the legalization of cannabis for adults 21 and older.
Implementation of Legalization
* 2021: Following the referendum, the New Jersey legislature passed, and Governor Murphy signed, three bills that officially legalized and regulated cannabis use for adults. These laws also included provisions for the expungement of previous marijuana convictions, addressing the social justice aspect of marijuana reform.
Current Status
* As of now, New Jersey has a functioning medical marijuana program and a burgeoning recreational marijuana industry, of which Molly Ann Farms is a proud participant.
The Ongoing Debate and Future Directions
The story of cannabis in the United States continues to evolve. Debates about its legalization, medicinal uses, and role in society are ongoing. The cannabis narrative is not just about a plant; it’s a reflection of changing societal values, scientific understanding, and political dynamics. It’s a story of how fear and misinformation can lead to harmful policies and how, with time and effort, these policies can be reformed in light of new evidence and a changing social conscience.
Conclusion
In understanding the complex history of cannabis in the United States, one can appreciate the myriad factors that influence public policy and societal attitudes. The journey of cannabis is a mirror reflecting broader societal changes and challenges. It’s a powerful example of the harm that can result from policies driven by prejudice and misinformation, and the positive change that can occur when society embraces a more rational, evidence-based approach. As this narrative continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning, learning, and evolving in our collective understanding of the world around us.
