One of the most common ways to refer to cannabis is as marijuana. Many may not know that this term has racist roots.
Marijuana is an old name that has sparked controversy since the word originated.
It was during the Great Depression that prohibitionists had searched for way to blame someone for the troubles America was seeing.
They particularly liked blaming African Americans and Mexican immigrants who consumed the drug and banned the plant which they dubbed “marijuana.”
It was one man who really led the rally against the drug.
Harry Anslinger was one of the primary individuals who helped create the stigma the drug has seen for many decades.
Anslinger was the first director of the recently created Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930 and launched a campaign against the plant.
He said, “Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind… Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage.”
He said: “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.”
While the term today is not used with any malice and is interchangeable in the sector, the origin of the word many would agree is somewhat racist.
