Harry J. Anseling played a pivotal role in establishing drug prohibition in the United States, specifically targeting cannabis. He shifted focus from alcohol prohibition to cannabis after the failure of his anti-alcohol campaign. By coining the term 'marijuana,' which carried a negative connotation linked to its Mexican roots, Anseling framed cannabis as a foreign threat to American society. His controversial, racially charged views and efforts to undermine the jazz scene—where many musicians openly used cannabis—highlighted his discriminatory agenda. Anseling leveraged political connections, promoting a narrative that associated drug use with racial and cultural fears. His actions catalyzed a broader anti-drug movement that resonated with politicians, not through a genuine concern for public health, but rather as a means to maintain power and societal control, showcasing the deeply intertwined nature of racism and drug policy in America.
Norman Ohler is an author and screenwriter whose books include "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany," "The Bohemians: The Lovers Who Led Germany's Resistance Against the Nazis," and "Tripped: Nazi Germany, The CIA and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age."
www.normanohler.de
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices