"Marijuana Leaf" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Comprehensive Report on Why Marijuana is Illegal
This comprehensive report outlines the major reasons marijuana remains illegal and the various forces—historical, social, political, and economic—that have contributed to its prohibition.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Historical Context of Marijuana Use
- Ancient and Traditional Uses
- Marijuana in the United States Pre-Prohibition
- Early 20th Century Movements Against Marijuana
- Racism and Political Agendas
- The Role of the Media and Public Perception
- The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
- The Influence of the War on Drugs
- Nixon’s Role and the Controlled Substances Act
- Reagan’s Intensification of Drug Policies
- Mass Incarceration and Social Impacts
- Medical Research and Health Concerns
- Studies on Marijuana’s Effects
- Concerns Over Addiction and Mental Health
- Economic and Political Interests
- The Role of Big Pharma, Alcohol, and Tobacco
- Prison Industrial Complex and Law Enforcement
- The Slow Path to Reform and Legalization Efforts
- Shifts in Public Opinion
- Decriminalization and Medical Marijuana
- Conclusion: The Present-Day Status of Marijuana and Future Perspectives
1. Introduction
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been at the center of legal and societal debates for over a century. Once widely used for its medicinal, spiritual, and recreational properties, cannabis became illegal in many parts of the world, particularly the United States, due to a complex mix of social, political, and economic factors. This report explores why marijuana became illegal in the U.S., focusing on the historical events, political strategies, public perceptions, and interests that led to its prohibition.
