Canabis Legalization

Cannabis Legalization—A Matter of Justice and Science

By K. Harrison

Cannabis, often unfairly stigmatized under the racialize term “marijuana,” has endured a fraught history marked by xenophobia, systemic injustice, and political manipulation. Understanding this history is critical to advancing sensible, equitable federal legislation that recognizes cannabis for what it truly is: a natural plant with legitimate medicinal uses and a tool for social justice.

The word “marijuana” itself originated as a deliberate racial slur in the early 20th century, employed to associate the plant with Mexican immigrants and to stoke fear and xenophobia among the U.S. public. According to historian Craig Reinarman, this demonization was part of a campaign to link cannabis use with immigrant populations, fostering negative stereotypes and justifying legal restrictions rooted in racial bias. Today, this legacy continues to affect perceptions and policies.

The War on Drugs, initiated in the 1970s, only perpetuated these inequities. Studies from the American Civil Liberties Union show that despite comparable rates of cannabis use across racial groups, Black and Brown communities have faced vastly disproportionate arrests and incarceration for cannabis offenses. This policy has inflicted profound social and economic harms on marginalized populations, exacerbating systemic inequities for decades. The Office of National Drug Control Policy’s own reports highlight these disparities, underscoring that drug enforcement has often served financial and political interests rather than public safety.

Scientifically, cannabis provides significant medicinal benefits validated by extensive peer-reviewed research. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) concluded that cannabis is effective for chronic pain management, alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, and reducing muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. Furthermore, cannabinoids have demonstrated potential in addressing anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy, suggesting broad therapeutic utility.

Despite burgeoning evidence, progress toward federal legalization has been stalling. Powerful pharmaceutical companies and conservative political factions resist change, concerned about economic disruption and loss of control over drug markets. This obstruction delays access for patients who might benefit and hinders comprehensive research by maintaining cannabis as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act—the most restrictive classification.

To move forward, it is crucial to abandon the racist euphemism “marijuana,” restoring the plant’s proper name, cannabis, to remove the stigma and historical baggage clouding public discourse. Federal legislation must reflect an equitable approach prioritizing public health, social justice, and scientific integrity over corporate interests. Legalizing cannabis on the federal level is not merely a policy change—it is a rectification of racial injustice and a recognition of a valuable medical resource long suppressed by misinformation and discrimination.

The costs of inaction are too high. Thousands continue to suffer from untreated conditions that cannabis can help, while communities bear the ongoing burden of unjust criminalization. It is time for Congress to act with courage and clarity, embracing cannabis legalization as a necessary step toward healing both people and society.