History Matters
BALCA focuses on understanding the historical origins of prohibition of cannabis. Studying history further gives us a powerful analysis to see how unjust, legal systems of control were implemented through drug policy, criminalizing communities with extensive plant based medicinal knowledge and experience. The Origins of Cannabis Prohibition in California by Dale H. Gieringer is a breathtaking insight in California at the turn of the century, where US pharmacists had an appreciation for the pharmaceutical cannabis sativa medicine, while a deep racism towards the people bringing Marihuana or Mariguana. Marijuana was soon as the “loco weed,” will make you violent, crazy, with hyper sensationalist pieces written by top pharmaceutical institutions, reprinted by the top newspapers of the time. This history demonstrates the open points of racial tension in California that were central in forming the prohibition laws in California in 1913, with deep hostility towards the Mexican and Mexican-American Marihuana influence. Notably this racist framework was scaled out, laying the groundwork for the federal prohibition in 1938. Mexicans and the origins of marijuana prohibition in the United States: a reassessment by Isaac Campos challenges what is called the “Mexican hypothesis” regarding marijuana criminalization in the U.S. Campos demonstrates that the original evidence for the Mexican hypothesis was extremely weak, that marijuana was quite rare in Mexican immigrant communities, and that several other factors, xenophobic fear of the Mexican community taking over the US drove the criminalization of marijuana. Forbidden herbs: Alzate’s defense of pipiltzintzintlis by Laura Dierksmeier: For hundreds of years Spanish hemp, called cáñamo, was driven by Colonial policy, while indigenous laborers of cáñamo grew and harvested their own flowers and consumed what was called pipiltzintzintlis. Mexican Scientist and writer José Antonio Alzate y Ramírez (1737–1799) defended the medicinal benefits of cannabis against the prohibition of the Spanish Catholic Inquisition. Alzate concluded that the indigenous herb pipiltzintzintlis was ‘nothing else but cáñamo,’ standing up to the inquisition for early cannabis medical rights.
- The under representation of Latinos in cannabis prompted us to unite the communities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, knowing that it would make a significant impact on the industry. BALCA, a 100% volunteer organization, has grown into a powerful movement equally representing both Latinos and Latinas. From the budtenders we’ve visited to our own members, eyes light up every time we talk about the social change we are advocating for. We’ve clearly seen the inspiration that comes from planting the vision of inclusive based change, the positive energy alone feels like a reward in and of itself. We are committed more than ever in our empeño to empower nuestra bella comunidad Latina for long term success in the California cannabis industry and beyond. A Latino community with cultural pride and a professional demeanor for serious work creates a powerful balance yet to be seen in Cannabis.
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