Marijuana: A Chronic History

Discover the storied and strange history of marijuana in America and how it has been front and center in the war on drugs.

While many in the general public think of marijuana as the “safe drug,” the DEA has referred to it as a “gateway” drug that can open the door to the use of stronger substances. This illustrates the paradox of marijuana, underscored by the fact that while the U.S. has spent over $100 billion dollars to fight its import, sale, and distribution, 14 states including New Jersey and Michigan have legalized it for medicinal purposes. Additional states are set to make it legal for the same purposes. Examine the changing social and legal landscapes of marijuana and its history in a fresh and compelling way.

The fight against drug use in America has been going on since the turn of the last century but the term War on Drugs only became part of our national dialog in 1970 when it was first used by President Richard Nixon. The President later formed the DEA and started a push to outlaw drugs of all kinds. Among the most discussed drugs in this war is Marijuana.

This special will look at the storied and strange history of Marijuana in America. It attempts to educate everyone who still has a Reefer Madness mindset, who still thinks cannabis prohibition is reasonable, and who have no idea that widespread cannabis use is relatively harmless compared to alcohol, tobacco, and especially pharmaceutical and other drugs.