On Marijuana

(Letter)

15 October 2019

Dear Comrades,

I’m writing to congratulate you on an excellent article, “Let them Vape” [WV No. 1162, 4 October]. And to add a few comments also, starting with the prohibition of marijuana, which has a fascinating history in the United States.

The El Paso Ordinance passed in 1914 prohibited pot smoking. Smoking marijuana allegedly caused poor Mexican Laborers to lose their minds and kill people. Also, horror stories in the El Paso Times scared the wits out of white citizens living in that city.

Marijuana was a way to relax after working in the fields all day long, doing back-breaking work. But the so-called good citizens of El Paso caused a backlash against the poor laborers.

Marijuana prohibition now also includes the now infamous of famous movies. “Reefer Madness,” “Assassin of Youth,” which scared the populace even more, showing wild parties, uncontrolled sexual behavior, etc. Marijuana is and has always been popular with jazz musicians, blacks as well as whites. Not to mention the white counter-culture of the Sixties and the Beat Generation.

It’s because of these scare tactics that caused FDR to pass the Marijuana Tax Act of June 14, 1937 which required tax stamps which could only be gotten from the Treasury Department. The Treasury Department refused to issue such tax stamps. This law was passed without one ounce of debate, scientific analysis or protest. All this and more from the so-called do-gooders such as Harry Anslinger, and Carrie Nation. Campaigns which say they know what is good for us.

Only a thoroughgoing revolution of the working class and oppressed can and will put an end to this nonsense.

Comradely yours,
KR