Drug Use Essay -- essays research papers

Trends in drug use among youth are indirectly attributable to trends in society. Although drugs have always been around in one form or another, their early influences on society trace back to just before the 1930’s. Marijuana was a popular drug among Mexican laborers, jazz musicians, and so-called beatniks. Then after major social changes that took place in 1930, "The government cracked down on marijuana use." "In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act†¦made the use and sale of marijuana without a tax stamp federal offenses. This unprecedented event prompted law enforcement officers to arrest recreational users. Some observers speculate that passage of the law resulted from strong anti-Mexican sentiment in the Southwest and from the political power of federal Commissioner of Narcotics Harry Anslinger, who reigned from 1930-1962 and was strongly anti-drugs." ( Glazer ? ) Thirty years later a counter culture emerged with strong anti-war sentiments and a disdain for establishment. The 1960’s were a time of sweeping change and events such as the Vietnam war had caused many young Americans to lose faith in authority. "’Grass’ became an emblem of a generation challenging grownups’ political and social conventions. Marijuana cigarettes, or joints, were widely used at demonstrations protesting the Vietnam War and at the seminal Woodstock music festival." ( Glazer ? ). The revolution would be televised. With youth drug culture becoming widespread and g...