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reduces interocular pressure. Another medical benefit of marijuana is that it increases the appetite of patients who suffer from AIDS.

Myth number 4 is that in the Netherlands, where marijuana is sold legally in coffee shops, there is an increase in usage. The fact is that in the Netherlands, marijuana use is comparable to that of the United States. This, however, does not hold true for younger adolescents in the Netherlands. Their usage of marijuana is statistically less than that of American adolescents.

Myth number 5 is so absurd! This myth is that marijuana users do not suffer sufficient punishment. Sadly, however, the fact is that between 1991 and 1995, arrests for marijuana doubled! Prisons are flooded with tens of thousands of people booked on marijuana charges. Other punishments include fines, probation, property-seizure, and job loss.

The sixth egregious myth is that marijuana causes people to be lazy, lethargic, and unmotivated. The fact is that adult marijuana users typically make more money than non-marijuana smokers. (Drs. Lynn Zimmer and John Morgan. New York: The Lindesmith Center, 1997.) The grades earned by college students who use marijuana are comparable to their non-indulging peers.

The seventh myth is that smoking marijuana impairs cognition and memory. While it is true that marijuana causes short-term memory loss, this lasts only for the duration that the marijuana high produces. There is no substantive evidence that marijuana usage causes either a loss of cognition or memory on a permanent basis.

There exist many more myths regarding marijuana. However, they are just that-myths. Since science can and has dispelled the folklore surrounding marijuana, it begs the question, "Why is marijuana illegal?"

It has been illegal less than 1% of the time that its usage has been recorded in history, dating back to 7000 B.C. The first American law regarding hemp was passed in 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. The law ordered farmers to grow hemp, and they could be punished for non-compliance with the law. In 1850, the U.S. Census made a count of 8,327 hemp plantations. The hemp was used in the manufacturing of rope, cloth, and canvas. (The word canvas originates in the word cannabis.)

It wasn't until 1915 that marijuana became illegal. This first legislation, in Utah, was brought about because Mormons who had traveled to Mexico brought the herb back with them. The church was displeased by this, and as a result, Utah passed the first law prohibiting possession of marijuana. Other states soon followed suit. This, however, led legislators to the conclusion that Mexicans were responsible for bringing marijuana to the states, prompting a Texas senator to say, "All Mexicans are crazy, and this stuff [marijuana] is what makes them crazy."

In the following years, marijuana was associated with Black Americans and ghetto life. Yellow journalism, in the form of Harry J. Anslinger (Federal Bureau of Narcotics for 31 years) and William Randolf Hearst, perpetuated the marijuana myths.
Among the remarks made by Anslinger were:

"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."

Why is marijuana still illegal? The answer lies in the dark recesses of racism, yellow journalism, greed, scare tactics, and ignorance.

Learn more about this author, Gloria Simmons.
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