However, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), which was established in 1970, used the movie satirically to aid in the reform of marijuana policy. The film, in the 1930s, was considered an “unabashed propaganda film,” but has now turned into a “cult classic” (Armstrong). From the release of the movie in 1936 to now, there have been almost a hundred movies containing frequent use of marijuana, usually in a fun or comical light to make it seem less harmful to the American public. Its popularity in the television community has dramatically increased as the casual use
However, marijuana has had a relatively recent appearance in America beginning in the 1900's. Although marijuana and other narcotics have been classified as a controlled substance, strictly for medical purposes written in the Harrison Act of 1914, the major movement of marijuana for recreational use has been majorly noted during the 1960's. Over the years marijuana has made it's mark on the American culture and world-wide. There are more and more users experimenting in the drug's effects everyday. The drug has become so increasingly popular that legalization of marijuana has been demanded.
-- Attributed to Abraham Lincoln: Dec 18, 1840. End the Reefer Madness In the 1930’s the United States’ government bombarded Americans with blatant lies about marijuana. Termed the “reefer madness” era by some, Americans were made to believe that marijuana would cause insanity, violence, and sexual promiscuity (unknown author 1). In 1937 the Marijuana Tax Act was passed, which only served to push marijuana further underground. Thirty years later, marijuana emerged as the drug of choice for many middle class young adults.
Prohibition has altogether proven itself to be ineffective when it comes to illegalizing a substance that people want. The prohibition of alcohol is a great example of such inefficacy. When it was made illegal in 1920, it caused a surge in black-market alcohol sales which was inevitably followed by an increase in crime rates (Muscoreil). Even though it seems contrary to its purpose, prohibition actually increased overall alcohol consumption (Muscoreil). It is possible that this was a result of, among other things, a “forbidden fruit” effect—by making it unavailable or unlawful to possess, the general citizen may actually be more tempted to use it.
The marijuana prohibition was enacted in 1937, just three years after the alcohol prohibition ended. After a failed attempt with alcohol, the government must have felt they needed to try and take away another civil liberty, so they tried it on the new popular drug of the time, marijuana. During that period the people were glad to be ridden of the gang violence, notorious of the 1920’s and 1930’s, so they went along with most of what the government said and did, thus making marijuana illegal. Many people also speculate that racism was a large factor in the illegalization of marijuana, as many Mexican workers and black jazz musicians favored using it. In most states it was and still is a felony to posses any marijuana or paraphernalia.
One reason comes from Edwin Sutherland's and in simple terms people learn deviant behavior. It was Sutherland who came up with the theory of differential association; people learn or conform to the norms of the company they keep. The business of selling drugs and laundering drug proceeds has become a very lucrative enterprise. Somewhat like the profits made by organized crime during the prohibition era. It is all about supply and demand, as long as there will be a demand there will always be a supplier who can run the market.
The predominance of drug experimentation and regular use among young adults in college and high school is quite remarkable. Consistency in hip-hop leads its audience to constantly absorb its material which results in an extremely large impact on this particular demographic. Hip-Hop ultimately accounts for the largest and most notable influence on drug abuse among America’s youth because of its vast scope and powerful, impressive messages. High Times is a magazine published monthly which advocates the use and legalization of marijuana. The magazine often publishes articles pertaining to the rap music industry including promotion of musical events and artist reviews.
Although, cocaine has been around for centuries, it is commonly known to be used in adults ages 18-25 rather than other age groups. Cocaine addiction is a serious issue that needs to be addressed among young adults. However, to guarantee broad awareness of the term addiction of cocaine, its origin of the term, cause of addiction and effects will be discussed. Origin of term Derivative from the foliage of the coca plant is a crystalline alkaloid, and its name comes from coca in the suffix “ine” developed the moniker of the largely acknowledge drug name in our day: Cocaine (Casa Palmera, 2009). This drug is both a stimulant and suppressant, collectively producing a feeling of exhilaration and power.
A pressing question stands for illicit drug use in the United States: why are these drugs labeled illicit even illegal? Drugs such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and most pills are termed illegal simply because the United States government believes that these drugs affect our bodies in the most terrible ways. The problem occurs when we can connect social problems between crime and drugs. According to Drugs, Crime, & Contemporary Perspectives, the use of drugs is connected to crime rates in the United States and around the world. It is believed that people commit crimes because of the effects of drugs.
The War on Drugs is causing more harm than good in our country. American citizens are putting their hard-earned tax money into this war every time they get a paycheck. We our supporting jails and prison, many, full of harmless drug addicts. We also spend tons on money on high tech machinery to find illegal drugs. We could actually save, and even make money if all drugs were legal.