What is the reasoning that the government used in order to deem marijuana illegal? Also, why has almost every country in the world came down hard on marijuana users? And the last question: does anybody out there know if there is any proof about Dow Chemical and the conspiracy to keep marijuana illegal?
Thank You
I’m not sure of specifics, but I should imagine that the reason governments give for the outlawing of marijuana is most likely the same as for most illegal substances - that it is a potential threat to health and likely to cause anti-social behaviour. The more enlightened may also notice that marijuana grows easily and does not require extensive processing for use, therefore making it nearly impossible for big business to make money out of…
OB
The drive to criminalize marijuana was similar to the drive to drive to make alcohol illegal. It was thought that banning a potentially addictive and harmful drug would make society better off. There was probably a fair amount of racism involved- marijuana was associated with inner city blacks and it was thought that marijuana would spread to, and corrupt, white communities.
I disagree with your contention that almost every society in the world has come down hard on marijuana users. There is a diversity of policies even within the U.S. from basically tolerant of small possession to criminal penalties for even small amounts.
I am not familiar with the Dow Chemical theory, but since my explanation seems perfectly reasonable to me, I doubt it. I would note in response to OB that tobacco grows easily and doesn’t require extensive processing, at least to my knowledge, yet big business seems to do quite well with it.
First off, to my knowledge alcohol doesn’t grow naturally as opposed to marijuana. Also the bible also states that “god” has given us a seed of every plant for us to use (or something very similiar). Second there are not that many societies that take an easy stance on marijuana. Amsterdam, which is widely noted with it’s love of marijuana, is even considering outlawing marijuana sales to people only of Dutch citizenship. The reason they are doing this is because they are getting pressure of from the European Union. Also, Dow Chemical company makes millions upon millions per year off there perscription medication sells. If a person was given the choice to grow marijuana for 50 dollars a month as opposed to spending 150 a month for pain relief, which do you think they would choose? In response to marijuana being quasi - criminal here in the USA at given parts still think of this: How muchof our police officers time would be freed up if marijuana was legalized? Also how many millions do we spend enforcing these laws? How packed are our prisons? There is more to smoking marijuana other than just trouble makers in the inner - city and hippies.
The assertion about Dow is that they made nylon, and banning marijuana (i.e., hemp) removed a competitor (hemp was used to make rope). I wouldn’t be surprised if they lobbied for the ban, but they probably were only one more voice in the general clamour to make it illegal.
The Master on industrial hemp (note how he addresses WR Hearst and not Dow).
Over to GD in 5,4,3… 
I just posted a comment about the lack of a conspiracy connection between Dow and hemp in another thread which was started by, hmmm, you, Saluki_fan.
The campaign against marijuana was just another episode in the battle against all drugs that had been raging in the U.S. for the entire 20th century up to that point, the repeal of Prohibition notwithstanding.
BTW, your last post here belongs in GD.
I just went to the Dow Chemicals website. Under “pharmaceuticals,” there was no mention of painkillers. Would you please tell us where the connection is?
If you wish to plead the case for cannabis, there are more persuasive avenues than this tired urban legend. Do some research. And when you come back, bring pie. Mmm. Pie. Potpie.
As for why marijuana was initially prohibited, I don’t know, but I can believe the race-based theory.
As for why it continues to be prohibited in light of the general understanding that it is less harmful than our other legal drugs, here is the tip of the 'berg;
Pot prohibition is big business and the gov and civilian organizations with their finger in the pie want to keep it that way. Drug war money can be earned in countless ways and a private company or gov org that deals with pot crime is almost guaranteed a profit.
From the company that makes the drug test to the Dr’s office that collects the urine to the local Sheriffs office that auctions off the seized vehicles and homes, they all enjoy the profit they reap from pot crime and will fight tooth and nail to keep it. Construction companies courting contracts for new prisons, civilian companies like Wackenhut running private prisons love the profits from pot prohibition.
Others don’t want the competition from hemp based products in the textile, pharmaceutical and fuel industries.
I could go on stating the obvious but it’s pointless, we are currently spending billions each year to persecute potheads and we honestly can’t stop. We are in too deep.
What really is sad though, is the hypocritical stance our government takes with regards to alcohol and tobacco. We recognize an adults right to choose these drugs because their is profit to be had off the suffering of thier consumers yet we won’t allow the same adult access to the safer recreational alternative.
Welcome to America, now bend over.
[QUOTE=Soisi]
theirQUOTE]
I swear I’m not on drugs.
In exactly the same way as big business is unable to make money out of selling basil and tomatoes and sweet potato and thyme and chilis (which grow like frickin’ weeds around here, but still appear on supermarket shelves)?
government does not rely on reasoning to ban substances, they rely on polls. ( lobbyig a factor too )
to look for a logical explanation in a matter such as this is a waste of time.
Marijuana grows easily enough but potent marijuana is actually quite a hassle to grow.
I do believe that in order to grow tobacco you need vast acres of table-flat space and growing good tobacco is nearly impossible for the average Joe. No cite or anything, just thinking out loud. So to speak. Or… so to type… 
Sadly, vasyachkin speaks the truth - Governments don’t seem to care too much about the reasoning behind banning or allowing MJ. I’m not too sure that allowing it would make the world a better place but that’s probably GD material.
The factual question has been answered, so I’ll close this thread. Those wishing to debate are directed to the GD forum.
bibliophage
moderator GQ