Why I Refuse to Use the "M" Word
A quick history lesson on Harry J. Anslinger & the origins of the "M" word: marijuana.
Why do I only refer to this plant by its botanical name, cannabis, and not marijuana?
Back in the 1930s when the US was trying to make cannabis illegal, they used the word marijuana to refer to the usage of legal immigrants from Mexico, and also from Black citizens.
They wanted to demonize the word, and by extension, demonize the plant by associating it with immigrants— all in order to initiate the prohibition we’re living under now.
Even though today we’re far removed from the racist origins of the word marijuana, it’s important to remember how & why it entered our lexicon in the first place.
That’s why I choose to use the scientific term, cannabis, and I challenge you to do the same!
