Cannabis Policy in Action in DC

Residents within the DC metropolitan area ponder with consistency whether cannabis within the jurisdiction is legal or illegal to purchase and possess. Prior to the 1930s, the vast majority of Americans had never seen or used cannabis, as the drug lacked popularity and was not broadly traded in the country. Through the 1930’s, however, Federal Bureau of Narcotics commissioner Harry J. Anslinger claimed that cannabis “came in from Mexico, and swept across the country with incredible speed” and that “high school students particularly are the prey of the reefer peddlers.”[1] These statements not only capitalized on parental concern for their children, but also on fears of Mexican immigration. Even the term marijuana was deliberately chosen to associate the drug with Mexicans.[2] Anslinger additionally espoused beliefs that cannabis use was associated with degeneracy, which would trigger violent behavior such as rapes and murders. In one particularly racist quote, Anslinger said most cannabis users “are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing result from marijuana