Marijuana vs. Alcohol: The Role of Racism in Their Legal Status

Despite popular belief, the illegality of marijuana and the legality of alcohol are not solely based on cultural or commercial factors but are deeply intertwined with racism.

Historical Context and Racism

Marijuana, an herb that has been present for centuries, was not internationally outlawed until the 1930s. The story behind its prohibition is much more complex than just a simple anti-drug campaign. Instead, it is a story shrouded in racial stereotypes and political maneuvering.

Marijuana in the 1900s

The 1920s saw a significant influx of Mexican immigrants into the United States, bringing recreational marijuana use with them. This led to a wave of xenophobia and fear of the unfamiliar, as the American public began to associate Mexican immigrants with marijuana use. These fears were exacerbated during the Great Depression, where the government funded studies linking marijuana to criminal behavior, leading to widespread propaganda campaigns, culminating in films like Reefer Madness, which further ingrained these damaging stereotypes.

Richard Nixon and Drug Policy

President Richard Nixon’s administration provided a significant turning point in drug policy. In 1968, facing liberal opposition and public dissent over the Vietnam War, the Nixon campaign used a strategic divide-and-conquer approach. John Ehrlichman, a member of Nixon’s counsel, admitted to exploiting the anti-war left and African American communities to bolster support. He stated, "We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin and then criminalizing 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 on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we knew.”

Global Impact and Media Influence

The U.S. continues to influence global perceptions, with its media and attitudes shaping the way the world views drug use. The negative portrayal of marijuana and African Americans, particularly during the Civil Rights movement, had long-lasting effects. Today, stereotypes persist, with marijuana being seen as a symbol of lazy and unmotivated individuals, often associated with negative social movements.

Alcohol Policy and Comparative Analysis

While the U.S. has struggled with marijuana policy, alcohol, despite being harmful in many ways, is openly legal. The legal accessibility of alcohol stands in stark contrast to the restrictive policies surrounding marijuana. This is due in part to cultural acceptance, commercial interests, and historical context. Unlike alcohol, which has long-term health risks such as liver damage, cancer, and addiction, marijuana was subjected to a more socially constructed narrative of moral panic.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The legacy of racism shapes drug policies in the U.S. even today. The continued legal prohibition of marijuana, despite medical benefits, is a reflection of these historical and current biases. Advocates for marijuana legalization argue that it would positively impact society by reducing racial disparities in arrests and imprisonments, as well as by promoting public health and reducing the harm of the illegal drug trade.

It is hoped that a reevaluation of historical narratives and a shift towards more equitable and evidence-based policies can lead to a more just and humane policy towards drug use in the United States.

Keywords: Marijuana legalization, Alcohol policy, Racial discrimination