The Criminalization of the Cannabis Plant: Decolonizing the Harmful Enforcement

Abstract

The paper examines the history and current state of cannabis-related laws and enforcement and argues for reformed policies. The history of cannabis laws has been used to control, punish, and oppress marginalized groups of people and reinforce the power structures that were established during colonial rule. The discriminatory policies have disproportionately especially hurt Black, Brown, and Indigenous people with harsh punishment for those who use the cannabis plant which has various medicinal, social, religious, cultural, and textile uses. The strict laws that criminalize cannabis harm society by enforcing an environment that empowers violent organized crime groups and pharmaceutical companies who profit off cannabis being illegal. Cannabis reform including decriminalization and legalization may be a viable option for many nations to consider as a harm reduction strategy.