The prohibition of alcohol in the US is a well-known historic event, but there is one prohibition that you may not be familiar with: the prohibition of cannabis. Many people believe that cannabis was completely absent during prohibition due to its illegality, but the truth is that cannabis use was kept alive by a dedicated group of individuals. In this blog post, we will explore the secret history of cannabis use during prohibition in the USA.
In the early 1900s, cannabis was a common ingredient in many patent medicines and tonics that were sold over the counter. The medicinal properties of cannabis were widely recognized, and many people used it to treat various ailments. However, in the late 1920s, the federal government began to crack down on cannabis use, and by the early 1930s, cannabis was made illegal at the federal level.
Despite the illegality of cannabis, there were still many people who continued to use it during prohibition. Cannabis use was kept alive by a dedicated group of individuals who sold and distributed it illegally. These people were known as "reefer men," and they operated in a network that was similar to that of bootleggers during alcohol prohibition.
The reefer men used various smuggling techniques to bring cannabis into the country and distribute it to those who wanted it. They often used false bottoms in cars and boats, along with secret compartments in luggage and other items, to hide the cannabis. Once it was in the country, the reefer men would distribute it to their customers, who were often musicians, artists, and other creative types.
Cannabis use during prohibition was not without its risks, however. The penalties for cannabis possession were severe, and those caught with cannabis could face lengthy prison sentences. Despite this, many people were willing to take the risk, and cannabis use continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1930s and beyond.
The history of cannabis use during prohibition is a fascinating one. Despite the illegality of cannabis, there were still many people who continued to use it, and a dedicated group of individuals kept the cannabis trade alive through a network of smuggling and distribution. Today, cannabis is legal in many states, and the stigma surrounding it is slowly fading away. However, we should not forget the brave individuals who kept cannabis use alive during one of the darkest periods in American history.