This is an early short we created exploring some of the reasons why marijuana is illegal. Many thanks to Pete Guither of DrugWarRant.com for linking to this video and helping to make it so popular.
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The opinions expressed below by our viewers and posters do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Marijuana Policy Project. These views are those of the individual authors alone. MPP does not condone or support the illegal use of marijuana. We do encourage open and frank discussion, but if a comment has been posted that is in some way significantly inappropriate, please e-mail us at socialnetwork@mpp.org to report it. Thank you, and we're looking forward to what you think!
20 Comments, Comment or Ping
chris rockman
one word; inertia. marijuana started with a trashed reputation.
Jun 11th, 2008
brian
You guys missed the point…well it was mentioned almost. This from CBS’s Hugh Downs: “The reason marijuana is illegal is because the pro marijuana groups claim that hemp is such a versatile raw material that its products not only compete with petroleum, but with coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, pharmaceutical, timber, and textile companies. It is estimated that methane and methanol production alone from hemp grown as bio-mass could replace 90% of the worlds energy needs. If they’re right, this is NOT good news for OIL INTERESTS, and could account for the continuation of marijuana prohibition.”
But if you’re wondering about the actual day that hemp was made illegal in this country it has to do with the DUPONT CHEMICAL CORPORATION and their friend newspaper magnate WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST. Dupont manufactures all of the chemicals which bleach wood pulp into paper. Hearst manufactured the machinery to make paper and had invested in forests to provide the pulp. Hearst, owning newspapers, was responsible for headlines such as “Marijuana makes fiends of bvoys in 30 days.”. Those two corporations made a lot of money due to the prohibition of hemp.
–Aint Nobodys Business If You Do. The absurdity of consensual crimes in a free society By: Peter McWilliams
Jun 17th, 2008
Doug Goodall
I believe more could have been said about following the money. Too many people in influential positions are making money off of it from the black market.
Jun 20th, 2008
Markus Petkevicius
Marijuana is, and will unfortunately remain illegal due to the fact that lobbyists for tobacco and alcohol have virtually an unlimited amount of money to shower our legislators with. Because let’s face it, most of us given a choice wether to smoke a regular cig or a joint… hmmm…tough one. Or to drink a fifth of wiskey and behave disorderly or just plain stupid. OR just relax with just a little reefer (madness-free). The tobacco/alcohol producers know this and will never stop pouring gobs of loot on our polititians. There’s just not enough rich potheads to compete. sad
-MVP
Jun 20th, 2008
diane
why is marijuana illegal?
money, racism, money, drug companies, money, wall street, money, lies, money, governement control, money, taxation, money
Jun 21st, 2008
jason
The pharmacy companies, who play a big role in our govt., doesn’t want to lose money for their drugs.
Jun 26th, 2008
Mike
There are so many different reasons why it is still illegal today, all of which have to do with greed. Marijuana basically got screwed over just so everyone can make money.
Jun 28th, 2008
An "American Citizen"
its political greed for immediate money in their own pockets. this country could be in better shape through legalization. everyone knows they could and would tax the sh*t out of it cuz they can. that money would be able to go be better things to help the condition this country’s currently in. hopefully they would put that to better use then bribe money. it all comes down to where the legislators, themselves want the money to go, filthy greedy immoral bribe money, or money in this government’s vault.
well, what with Mr. Bush so nicely throwing all our money away like MC Hammer on this absolutely ridiculous conflict, the even more ridiculous “war on drugs”, more like waste of taxpayers money they could instead be gained through legal sales. And it sure would be nice to be able to legally get something that could cure your health problems, or to help slow down the growth or cancer.
and to be able to legally run tests of other chemicals on top of the already helpful THC to one day find a CURE for cancer.
Anythings possible.
This is America.
The “Peoples Government”.
i believe the acceptability of marijuana in society, especially from a medical point of view, has reached an all time high.
if the American government still works how our forefathers intended it to,
the majority’s decision should be respect it.
if not, we will defntly expose much corruption among our legislation.
Jun 29th, 2008
Bryan
Weed is illegal because the gov’t can’ figure out how to tax it because it can grow anywhere in just about anything and in any environment (especially w/ hydroponics)…however if they ever just figured out that most potheads would pay extra taxes if it meant that they didn’t have to fear prosecution…not to mention whens the last time you heard of someone getting stoned and going out and doing some of the stupid crap that alcoholics do? Our country claims to be the land of the free but I’m 20 years old and have never felt more constricted.
Jun 30th, 2008
David Ertel
Why is Cannabis Illegal you wonder. That is a very easy question to answer.
We have the huge tobacco companies throwing money to congressmen to keep it that way. Then there is the huge beer producing companies that also throw around money to them. If cannabis was Legal it wold benefit the world. Trees would not have to be cut like they are now. But the big drug manufactures know if it was made legal then people could cut way back on the drugs that they produce. It’s a proven fact that a person that has to use a narcotic drug for pain relief can use almost cut in half the use of a narcotic drug. They are afraid they will loose MONEY. It’s all about the dollar bill and greed.
If the elderly people only knew that alot of nursing homes use Marinol to give them an appetite to eat.they would spit it out. If you told most of then they was doing marijuana they would say you are crazy and that the have NEVER used it in their life.
What I fail to understand is that Americans WANT Cannabis made LEGAL for medical use because each day researchers are finding more uses for it daily. If this was the land of the free then our governmen twould listen to the will of the people which is over 78% that want it made legal for use for the sick people but yet we have a few stoppng it. I say they need Impeached or removed from their position for Not doing the will of the people. When they take their oath they swear to help people and not hurt them. Its just the opposite because of GREED. They better read the bible,, it says,” For what shall a man profit if he gains the whole world but looses his own soul along the way”. It is sad but the greed for money has corrupted so many politicians. But one day they will have to answer to God why they have done what they have done but they must fail to realize that.
I am not saying all politicians are on the take, there are a few that are trying to help people and make cannabis legal, but its very few, Most are just in it for the money. So many people dont know that they get a check for 15,000 a month once they become a congressman or woman and usually become millionaires. What they should realize is that they can not take it with them when they die. It is really sad that they choose Money over health, what they also fail to realize is that one day it just might be them that needs it or a child or a loved one, how would they feel then I wonder? Their Money can not buy life but cannabis can add to what life a person has left and they should be able to choose what goes in their bodies. Yes, It is all a money racket because I have been on both sides. Our prisons are at an all time high for simple psoession and I been there too. I feel a prison should be made for a real criminal, not just a person that is caught with a marijuana cigarette but that is not the case. This year set an all time high for arrests on a simple poaession charge. These people are given NO CHOICE but to take a drug treatment class and make it look like they really have a problem when they dont. They are forced into this by the courts that also profit in a huge way.
I could go on all night and for weeks about how wrong Americans are being treated but I wont. think Americans are starting to see the real truth behind why cannabis is still illegal and one day the will revolt in a big way. Its no longer the land of the free, its who has the most money or assets, and that is so wrong. Hopefully they will see the light befpre it is to late and actually help the suffering people. If you want to talk about it just write me, I will be glad to answer what I know,, thank you,,,Dave
Jul 3rd, 2008
Legalize Clothing Co
Marijuana is Illegal because it’s almost a Miracle Plant, and There’s too many uses for it in general and the gv’t dont know how to regulate it with out it screwing up there buddies there going to lunch with such as oil companies, and Pharm. Executives etc. Marijuana is well on its way to becoming Legal and too many people are reaching out to there state and officials, It will Happen within the next 3 years,
LCC
Jul 5th, 2008
Marie Lambillon
I believe that all the beliefs and thoughts expressed here are all right to say and they are combined with also many more valid beliefs and thoughts from other people (including myself) who suffer under the tyranny of labeling, judging and complete selfishness just because we are responsible and caring people. Why should we be judged without facts and probable cause? Why do the tobacco and alcohol people speak up and say that it doesn’t turn them into “weirdo’s” or “criminals” if they do use it? What is wrong with the apparent lack of honesty today and so much visible hypocrisy???
Jul 10th, 2008
RBM
I think its not in the interest of the big drug companies to manufacture a product that you could easily grow in your own home. There is no profit they can make from it. Why is alcohol legal if it’s categorized as a drug also? Simple, they took it away from “bootlegers”, gave it to big companies, and were able to make money of it. You can easily make beer in your own home with the right equipment, it’s a pain, but it can be done. But you need at least a $500 dolar investment. What do you need to grow weed, soil and seeds. Do the math.
Home of the free….yeah right.
Jul 15th, 2008
Joel
Legalize it already, it would sure help the economy in a way you don’t even imagine..its an issue the people try to hide all their life but trust me Marijuana has great benefits to it, as far as the government knowing something about that..they don’t seem to tell us and just take it away from themselves..who knows where it goes? no1 ASKS?..I rest my case
ProHemper All the way..
Clothing,happy times, paper, huge industry trying to be hogged up by the Govt.
Jul 17th, 2008
Diane Hicks
Can they charge you with possession of under an ounce of marijuana,
if they took a blood test and found traces of THC in your blood, but nothing on you or in your car at the time?
Jul 22nd, 2008
John
its all been said here i think, and its all true starting with dupont, and william randolph hearst, with Anslinger, and since hemp can be used for virtually EVERYTHING, it presented too much competition for the major energy companies, big phrama, tobacco, alcohol….greed has killed cannibis. but as many states in as many years have made medical marijuana legal, and even though federal law officially trumps state law, as the states grow (and they will0 the scale will tip…..and in my lifetime i believe.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerisis 12 years ago, dealing with chronic neuropathic pain, i was legaly given, even ENCOURAGED to take every heavy narcotic painkiller you can think of, oxycontin, valium, percocets, fentynal patches (opium) the highest dosage they can give, and morphine lolipops….yes, you heard ,me…MORPHINE LOLIPOPS!! talk about sending the wrong message…anyway, these drugs had me zombified!! and im convinced they would have killed me had i not self detoxed (2 weeks, painful in its own right) but now, considering i have done my own “research” into natural alternatives. no one can possibly convince me otherwise of the efficacy of medical marijuana….it helps my neuropic pain, and i am no criminal!!…imagine how upset the companies of those MANY drugs i was taking previously are……oh, and i buy all my hemp food products from Canada every month!, i would prefer to buy them in the US. (couldnt we use some jobs in this Bush economy?)..so much silliness.
Jul 24th, 2008
Paul
Diane, I assume you were arrested for a DUI? If this is the case, I have a friend that was convicted of a DUI. But get a lawyer before you go to court. Best advice I can give it get a attorney before you go to court. They will get you out of it most of the time.
Jul 25th, 2008
jerry harrison
I was arrested in 1970 for “cultivating marijuana withe out license to do so” the judge gave me three years in state. The judge asked me if I had any thing to say, I responded “where can I get the proper license”. 38 years later I have been avoided for this information.
Jul 26th, 2008
TC
I also heard Dupont helped make it illegal, because they had invented nylon to make rope and didn’t want the competition with hemp.
I also know for a fact Anheiser-Busch GIVES $250,000 to the Dems and $250,000 to the Reps every year…..
And think how many prisons have been built in the last 20 yrs…..the gov is creating jobs! How can that be bad? If it was made legal, the prison would empty out quickly, and guards and other prison folks and DEA would be out of work, there would be less cases for trial.They might even have to lay off some judges!! heaven forbid!!
Jul 27th, 2008
jberrympp
It’s really awesome to see all the interest and discussion this video has been able to generate. It makes me doubly excited to see what people think of our upcoming series on “Why Marijuana Should Be Legal.”
Jul 28th, 2008
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