The dialogue is a humorous and informative discussion about the history and perception of marijuana. The speaker, Drew Carey, debunks common misconceptions about marijuana, such as its being a gateway drug, and presents evidence to the contrary. He explains that marijuana has been used for millennia, and humans have been growing it as a crop for over 8,000 years. He also mentions that for most of America's history, marijuana was legal and not a concern.
However, the speaker also acknowledges that marijuana can have negative effects, especially for younger individuals. He mentions that smoking weed can lead to memory problems and poor cognitive functioning for those under 25. He also points out that despite marijuana being legal in some states, mandatory minimums are still in effect across the country, leading to disproportionate arrests of black individuals.
The speaker also delves into the history of marijuana prohibition in the United States, mentioning Harry Anslinger, the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who used racism to fuel a propaganda campaign against marijuana. The speaker also mentions that the government knew Anslinger's claims were false, and that scientists proved marijuana wasn't connected to violence or insanity in the '40s.
The dialogue ends with a critique of the D.A.R.E. program, which the speaker claims was a failure that may have actually increased drug use.
1. The speaker is discussing the perception of marijuana as a harmful substance, stating that it is often referred to as a "gateway drug" that can lead to the use of harder substances.
2. The speaker argues that marijuana is not a gateway drug, stating that most people who try it do not continue smoking it.
3. The speaker mentions that marijuana is not associated with memory problems or poor cognitive functioning, especially for adults whose brains have finished developing.
4. The speaker states that humans have been using marijuana for millennia, with cannabis being grown as a crop over 8,000 years ago.
5. The speaker mentions that in America, marijuana was available in over-the-counter medications for many years.
6. The speaker discusses the history of marijuana prohibition, mentioning Harry Anslinger, the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who used racism to fuel a propaganda campaign against the drug.
7. The speaker mentions that in 1937, Congress banned marijuana and later passed the first mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which made it so that the first time getting caught with marijuana could put you away from two to ten years.
8. The speaker reveals that the government knew Anslinger's claims were false, stating that scientists proved marijuana wasn't connected to violence or insanity in the '40s.
9. The speaker mentions that Nixon started the war on drugs to bully his political enemies and minorities, and that his own aide admitted it.
10. The speaker states that despite laws being loosened in a few states, mandatory minimums are still in effect all across the country, and marijuana still accounts for nearly half of all drug arrests.
11. The speaker points out that despite the fact that white and black people smoke at basically the same rate, black people are four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana.