I have no problem with decriminalizing the stuff, but how on earth are anti-pot laws racist?
Marijuana was legal in this country for all but the last 68 years. The first marijuana law in this 'country' was in 1619 when the Jamestown Colony order all farmers to grow weed. Tensions with Mexicans-Americans started to flair in the 1900's with the revolution in Mexico and the activities of Pancho Villa. Mexicans used weed more than non-Mexicans. The first state laws were directed at Mexicans. Later people became worried about evil jazz music that was said to come from Latin Americans and black jazz musicians (using weed). During the depression relations with Mexicans deteriorated because they were seen to be taking away jobs. Racist America saw marijuana as a Negro and Mexican problem. A news paper editorial in 1934 put it this way: "Marihuana influences Negroes to look at white people in the eye, step on white men's shadows and look at a white woman twice."
So there was an environment of racism toward Negroes and Mexicans and weed became a target. Harry J. Anslinger, the first director of he Bureau of Narcotics explained the justification for marijuana Prohibition this way:
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."
"...the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races."
"Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death."
"Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men."
"Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing"
"You smoke a joint and you're likely to kill your brother."
"Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind."
So based on racism, lies, and propaganda - Anslinger, with some helpful yellow journalism from William Randolf Hearst, gave us reefer madness racist lies and marijuana Prohibition .