A violent narcotic, an unspeakable scourge, the real public enemy number one, a weed with roots in hell, how did cannabis get such a bad name for itself?
Well, the answer is simple: racism.
As early as the 1800’s there were no restrictions on the sale, possession or use of cannabis in the USA.
In fact, hemp fiber was widely used.
When Mexicans fleeing the oppression of their homeland came to the USA, with them they brought the culture of smoking recreationally what they called (and spelled with an H) Marihuana.
It quickly became a trend, and the man in charge of narcotics at the time is the man you could say was the great grandfather of the war on drugs.
Harry Anslinger, led the public to believe unscientific studies that said cannabis was a violence-inducing drug. Also made connections with the black and Hispanic communities saying things like it makes black people forget their place in society.
By using its native Mexican name Marihuana instead of cannabis he created a strong association between the drug and the Mexicans.
Creating a perfect package of fear to sell to the media and American people, much like the fear-mongering mainstream media/government in current times.
Jay-Z giving back
The Brooklyn-born rapper aims to diversify the legal pot industry by investing in cannabis firms owned by black people and other minorities. Those who have borne the brunt of laws that kept the drug illegal for decades.
We were the ones most negatively affected by the war on drugs, and America has turned around and created a business from it that’s worth billions, Jay-Z told The Wall Street Journal.
I wanted to do something in a real, concrete way, where I do my part, he reportedly added.
Jay Z recently launched his very own cannabis brand Monogram, selling a variety of joints, cigars, and buds in slick cool packaging.
His new investment fund of 10 million dollars will be for minority groups who are looking to start their own cannabis business.
One million for each start up.
As of right now about 81% of cannabis businesses founders and owners are white, while just 4.1% are black.
Some would say this is a fair stance Jay-Z is taking, looking at the history of unfair treatment, because of skin color, you can quickly see why.
