You would think the process of making something illegal would take the work of many people. People like scientists, doctors, citizens, and government officials. Is this what happened?

Far from it…

Government officials did vote on this, but they were extremely misinformed. There were many lies told on the senate floor. That means they are even documented! I have found all the information needed here. The propaganda put out by government and media have said some pretty crazy things.

Racism and Violence

In 1934 a newspaper ran this:

“Marihuana influences Negroes to look at white people in the eye, step on white men’s shadows and look at a white woman twice.”

For real?! People used to get mad for stepping on someone’s shadow?

In 1931 a doctor posted this in a medical journal: “Under the influence of hashish(marijuana) those fanatics would madly rush at their enemies, and ruthlessly massacre every one within their grasp.” This was about when marijuana started getting attributed to violence.

This is also about the time the Federal Government was trying make loophole laws. Harry Anslinger took over the Bureau of Narcotics in 1930. This would be the start of the war on cannabis. He used racism and violence to scare Americans.

Here are some outrageous quotes made him:

“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 sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.” 

“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.” 

“Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death.” 

“Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”

“You smoke a joint and you’re likely to kill your brother.” 

“Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.”

These lies and many more were used to make marijuana illegal. During the hearings a Dr. Woodward, with the American Medical Association, had many problems with what Harry Anslinger was saying.

The committee agreed with Anslinger and decided to pass the legislation to the house.

Here is how it went:

Member from upstate New York: “Mr. Speaker, what is this bill about?” 

Speaker Rayburn: “I don’t know. It has something to do with a thing called marihuana. I think it’s a narcotic of some kind.” 

“Mr. Speaker, does the American Medical Association support this bill?” 

Member on the committee jumps up and says: “Their Doctor Wentworth[sic] came down here. They support this bill 100 percent.”

The committee member didn’t even get the doctors name right.

Isn’t it time we changed this racist and archaic law?

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