this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2026
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Explain Like I'm Five
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Racism might be a contributing factor but I don't think that's the sole/main reason it's illegal. Weed is illegal in almost every single country in the world. I bet that big cotton has more to do with it.
There are quotes from the Nixon admin stating it was to disenfranchise and paint as criminals leftists and black people, and they negotiated similar restrictions in trade deals impacting global drug trade & laws.
Racism was a major part of it, but the broader picture includes neoconservatives oppressing a growing neoliberal and progressive left majority through the 60s and growing a bigger for-profit prison system that requires slaves to maintain profit margins.
There is no limit to the lengths small-souled men will go to for the opportunity to look down on their betters
Big cotton and big pharma have a lot to do with it. Originally in the US though it was pretty much pure racism.