Why was marijuana made illegal? Have you ever tried to right a wrong, yet it still happens, and consequences follow? This is the evolution of the Cannabis plant. After decades of persecution, the plant, and so-called “results by actions of users”. There is still the relentless advocating of the benefits. The history books are filled with many reasons why it was deemed illegal and harmful to humans. Knowing the truth is refreshing.

Why Was Cannabis Made Illegal?
Historically, Cannabis was for medical and ceremonial purposes. The criminalization of the plant came about in 1910 in the United States. This is because Mexican immigrants used the plant for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The other reason that is more ludicrous; is African Americans and their use of the Cannabis plant for inspiration in their music, like Jazz and Blues. The more pointed reason was more racist and sexual. Black musicians were accused of using weed to seduce white women into sexual relationships.
The war raged over time and in 1930, the reasons above were reinforced
As quoted by Mr. Harry J. Anslinger of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (the original DEA):
“Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, jazz musicians, and entertainers. Their satanic music is driven by marijuana; and marijuana smoking by white women makes them want to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others.”.
Congress deemed his reasons valid, and the prohibition on weed grew. This was further validated by the rest of the country’s leaders. And so, the thing took on a monstrous life of its own.
The movie world saw it as the very model of making millions

How? By presenting the movie: Reefer Madness’ in 1936. Stories like Crack Babies and ‘ Miami Face-Eaters’ did not improve the situation. It grew worse as fear was the operative theme in these publications.
The Crack Babies publication was later discredited by Dr. Hallam Hurt. He was the neonatologist at Albert Einstein Medical Center. His research was finally published in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” after 25 years. It showed poverty as the catalyst for adverse outcomes for children living in inner cities; even more than for women who used cocaine during pregnancy.
Now the story of Miami Face-eaters took a different turn.
As it blamed a mysterious drug called ‘bath salts to be the culprit. in people that use the drug. The case was solved, sighting a lack of treatment for mental health issues.
Having gone around the mountain for over 100 years, Cannabis, and its products, are now a buzzword. And the plant is “shouting Freedom”! This is because detailed scientific research was never really done. The science was not as advanced back then and many governments are waking up to the grave injustice done to Cannabis. The benefits are now being realized; decriminalization of the plant and its products has started around the globe.
Source:
1. https://ssdp.org/blog/why-was-marijuana-illegal-first-place/
2. https://healthland.time.com/2012/06/27/the-cannabis-cannibal-miami-face-eater didnt-take-bath-salts/
3. https://internationalhighlife.com/why-is-marijuana-illegal/
4. https://www.salon.com/2013/07/23/longterm_study_debunks_myth_of_the_crack _baby/