Published by

Reefer, Managed: The History of Cannabis Criminalization

Marijuana arrests can vary tremendously from one precinct to the next in NYC, and even in white neighborhoods most of those arrested are often black or Hispanic.

Dr. Emily Dufton, drug historian and author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017), talks about the history of how cannabis became illegal and examines some of the likely racist roots behind its more than 80-year prohibition.

FYI: The nickname Pot comes from the Spanish word Potiguaya, which means Marijuana Leaves. It's a Mexican-Spanish word that is a contraction of potación de guaya, which referred to an alcoholic drink made of marijuana leaves soaked in Brandy or Wine.
— Ryan (@rds181st) April 8, 2019

I was told by my grandmother that when in college in boston in the 30s, my grandfather would frequent a Chinese restaurant where if you put a quarter on the corner of the table, it would be replaced with a ‘marijuana cigarette’
— Nathan Semler (@NathanSemler) April 8, 2019

@BrianLehrer common theme: politicians use drug use to advance or push their own crazy dangerous agendas over history. That agenda has NEVER been the health and wellness of the people.
— Dr. David Ores (@drdaveores) April 8, 2019