Marijuana was largely banned because it was associated with Mexican immigrants and African Americans. It was claimed the drug led to violence, insanity, and race mixing.

Even today, black people are about four times as likely as white people to be arrested on marijuana-related charges even though they use the drug at similar rates to white people.

[–] Perspectivist@feddit.uk 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Racism might be a contributing factor but I don't think that's the sole/main reason it's illegal. Weed is illegal in almost every single country in the world. I bet that big cotton has more to do with it.

[–] whotookkarl@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

There are quotes from the Nixon admin stating it was to disenfranchise and paint as criminals leftists and black people, and they negotiated similar restrictions in trade deals impacting global drug trade & laws.

Racism was a major part of it, but the broader picture includes neoconservatives oppressing a growing neoliberal and progressive left majority through the 60s and growing a bigger for-profit prison system that requires slaves to maintain profit margins.

[–] bizarroland@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

There is no limit to the lengths small-souled men will go to for the opportunity to look down on their betters

[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

Big cotton and big pharma have a lot to do with it. Originally in the US though it was pretty much pure racism.