Source of prohibition - Harry J Anseling

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.