Harry J. Anslinger is a name that is infamous in the world of cannabis. This man played a pivotal role in the criminalization of marijuana and the subsequent prohibition that has lasted for nearly a century. Anslinger was the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a position he held from 1930 until 1962. During this time, he used his power and influence to launch a crusade against cannabis that would have far-reaching consequences.

Anslinger's views on cannabis were extreme, to say the least. He believed that marijuana was a dangerous drug that was responsible for all manner of societal ills. He claimed that it was a "gateway drug" that led people to harder drugs like heroin and cocaine. He also made racist and xenophobic remarks, claiming that marijuana use was tied to Mexican immigrants and African Americans.



Anslinger's propaganda campaign against marijuana was incredibly effective. He used the media to spread his message, claiming that marijuana use caused insanity, violence, and sexual promiscuity. He even went so far as to claim that marijuana could cause people to commit murder.

Anslinger's propaganda campaign was successful because it tapped into the fears and prejudices of the American people. At the time, the country was grappling with issues of race, immigration, and crime. Anslinger used marijuana as a convenient scapegoat, blaming it for all of these problems.

The criminalisation of marijuana had a devastating impact on communities of colour. Anslinger's racist rhetoric was used to justify the disproportionate targeting of African American and Hispanic communities. Black people were nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana offences than white people, despite similar rates of use. This legacy of racial discrimination and mass incarceration continues to this day.

Anslinger's crusade against marijuana also had unintended consequences for the environment. The prohibition of cannabis led to the destruction of vast amounts of natural resources. They used pesticides and other chemicals that polluted waterways and destroyed ecosystems.

In conclusion, Harry J. Anslinger was a man who used his power and influence to launch a crusade against cannabis that had far-reaching consequences. His propaganda campaign was successful because it tapped into the fears and prejudices of the American people. It was racist, xenophobic, and ultimately led to the criminalisation of marijuana. This criminalisation had a devastating impact on communities of colour and led to unprecedented deforestation. We must acknowledge the harm that Anslinger caused and work to undo the damage that his policies have inflicted on our society and our environment.