Commander In Leaf: Presidents’ Day, Highs & Lows Of Presidential Weed Policies From Washington To Biden
Presidents’ Day, initially meant to honor George Washington, now celebrates all U.S. Presidents and their historical impact.
From the hemp fields of the founding fathers like George Washington, who utilized it for practical purposes at Mount Vernon, to the modern-day discussions surrounding legalization and medicinal use, cannabis has had a complex relationship with the US presidency.
While evidence suggests Washington and Thomas Jefferson engaged in hemp cultivation, primarily for its utility in making ropes, sails and clothing, there’s no solid proof they used it in the ways we understand today.
Weaving through the history of U.S. presidents and their ties with cannabis, we journey from the hemp fields of the founding fathers to the current debates on legalization. Exploring the intricate dance between U.S. presidents and cannabis leads us directly into a time deeply shadowed by stigma and regulation.
A Century Of Stigma And Regulation
Fast forward to the 20th century, cannabis transitioned from a commonly used substance to a regulated and stigmatized one, largely due to the efforts of Harry Anslinger.
Appointed as the first commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930, under President Herbert Hoover, Anslinger was instrumental in changing public perception and policy towards cannabis. His tenure continued through various presidencies, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, under whom the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was signed, effectively criminalizing marijuana and marking the start of federal marijuana prohibition.
Harry Anslinger’s anti-marijuana crusade was marked by racism, using societal fears to vilify …