Prohibition Governments often attemp to prohibit people from producing, selling, or using certain substances Alcohol prohibition, Marijuana prohibition, 1937-present  Several states and counties had been “dry” prior to the  “Temperance” movement part of the “progressive’ movement of the early 20th cent.

Cocaine Native South Americans chewed coca leaves for mild stimulation, ca wine/cocaine cocktail sold as stimulant 1887 U.S. Surgeon General recommended cocaine as treatment for depression Sigmund Freud was a heavy user 1906 Coca-Cola removed cocaine from its recipe 1914 outlawed in the U.S. Gained popularity in 1970’s Crack cocaine epidemic, 1980’s

Cocaine as “medicine”

Opium Source: poppy seed. Main product of Afghanistan Origin in Islamic societies Introduced to China by traders, use became widespread British began to use opium for trade with China. Banned by Chinese, leading to Opium War of 1840 Used in “tonics” by affluent ladies Superceded by morphine, heroin

Marijuana Marijuana Tax Act of 1937  Taxed  Repealed 1960’s Hysterical propaganda -- “Reefer Madness” Hemp is a very useful fiber from MJ -- growing encouraged during WW2 Historical medical and sacramental uses U.S. HHS Dept. holds a patent on medical MJ!!

Legalization movement Medical marijuana now legal  California, 1996  17 other states since then  Much of what is sold as “medical” MJ is probably for recreational use  Obama’s U. S. Attorney for N. Cal. has started a brutal assault on medical MJ providers Complete legalization in Colorado & Washington State as of Nov Potential for federal/state conflict

Economics of prohibition Increased prices  Prices of cheaper stuff (MJ) increase more relative to price of hard stuff (heroin)‏ Many users/addicts turn to crime Disproportionate impact on young blacks  Generally less prepared for productive careers (education, family background)‏  Drug dealing an attractive alternative Decreased quality  No public marketplace Shift to more potent and more dangerous substitutes (e.g. wood alcohol)‏ Diversion of law enforcement resources

Prohibition: who benefits? Prohibition began as a sincere efforts by evangelical Protestants and others to curb the ill effects of alcohol and later drugs Co-opted by special interests:  Progressive-era zealots eager to control other people’s lives  Coporations like duPont whose artificial fibers and lubricating oils competed with hemp  After alcohol prohibition ended, bureaucracies cast about for something else to do – MJ prohibition Prohibition can be a big money-maker for police, via asset forfeiture

Asset forfeiture The practice of seizing assets that are allegedly involved in criminal activity No proof of guilt is required, though evidence must be presented Things are held to be “guilty” of crimes as if they were people Very profitable for police, who generally get a cut of the loot when federal law enforcement is involved