Pop Culture Counterculture

From Pop Culture to Pot Culture: How The Counterculture of The American "Stoner" Has Affected Society

Introduction:
In the fifth century Romans made desserts out of marijuana, and used it to ease the pain of childbirth. Just five decades ago John Lennon asked America to "Make Love, Not War," expressing the ideals that made the "Hippie." Only days ago New Jersey has began discussion of legalizing marijuana. Culture is always moving and evolving, being manipulated and changed. Though, as a current cultural movement the United States seems to be moving in a direction in which marijuana might not just hold legal status but a normal place in modern society. With those basic principles in mind, one is left to question the implications of foregoing

Their satanic music is driven by marijuana, and marijuana smoking by white women makes them want to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others. It is a drug that causes insanity, criminality, and death -- the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind"
-Harry J. Anslinger

Anslinger had already gained tremendous support in his cause. By 1931, just one year after being given his position, 29 states had already outlawed marijuana use. In 1936 "Reefer Madness," now a cult classic, was released as anti-marijuana propaganda. The people, now surrounded for several years by the prohibition frenzy, were in full support.

In 1937 Anslinger stepped in front of the House Ways and Committee to talk about his new plan for reform. Though there was concern shown by several public officials, the Marihuana Tax Act (1937) passed. This act principally outlawed Marijuana. A beginning strike of protest was felt soon after, New York’s Mayor La Guardia sought to confirm validity in the information the public was being presented with. He formed a team of doctors and scientist, and in 1944 the report was finally published. The team was able to find no conclusive evidence that marijuana usage linked to any on the symptoms Anslinger had claimed. Though Marijuana wouldn't stay underground

A few particularly inspired members of this group of outcasts pursued planning and creating live events, these rebels called themselves "Merry Pranksters." In January of 1966 the Pranksters attempted their biggest event ever, 20,000 people at a three day festival. By the end of the summer of 1966 they were packed 15,000 deep in Ashbury. Not long after the lifestyle had spread to communities all over the states, their modern ideals spread. They were Anti-War, particularly they protested the Vietnam War. Aside from that they urged attention to race and discrimination, along with imploring for help for the poor and need. In the year 1970 many major policy changes affected the societal opinion of Marijuana. First a repeal of minimum sentences for drug crimes was put in place. In the same year the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act went into effect. This allowed for a much needed way to differentiate between Narcotics and Marijuana. This clearly represents a change in attitude as a