Reason behind Prohibition of Drugs
In the 19th century, the landscape of drug use and regulation underwent a significant transformation, with drug prohibitions emerging primarily due to rising concerns about social harms, public health, and moral issues associated with substance use.
During this period, substances like marijuana were widely used medicinally. American doctors, for instance, prescribed it for various conditions such as neuralgia, asthma, and insomnia. However, negative perceptions grew, fueled by racialized fears and political propaganda. Harry Anslinger, a prominent figure in the U.S., capitalized on these fears, associating marijuana with marginalized communities and criminalizing its use, which contributed to the imposition of prohibitions.
The history of these prohibitions is detailed in Helena Barop's book "The Great Rausch." The book delves into the complex web of factors that led to the prohibition of drugs, including the perceived threat to morality and decency caused by intoxication and disinhibition.
Early laws also addressed alcohol abuse, with 19th-century statutes permitting institutionalization of “drunkards” and regulating access to alcohol. These prohibitions aimed to regulate behavior perceived as socially destructive or threatening public order.
As for the Hinz & Kunzt vendors, while the search results provided contain no direct information about their role in drug-related information dissemination, these vendors are known for selling a street magazine in Hamburg, Germany. Typically, such vendors contribute to spreading awareness and information related to social issues, including drug policies and harm reduction, by distributing accessible print media that covers these themes. This grassroots communication can play a significant role in informing marginalized populations and the broader public about drug-related laws, available support, and social debates.
For those outside Hamburg, a print edition subscription is available. To read texts from the current issue, purchase a magazine from Hinz & Kunzt vendors, available on Hamburg's streets.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Why prohibitions emerged | Social harms, public health concerns, racial/political fears; medicinal use overshadowed by stigmatization and propaganda in late 19th century[1][4] | | Early drug use and attitudes | Marijuana used medicinally but increasingly criminalized with racialized rhetoric and fear campaigns[1] | | Alcohol control example | 19th-century laws institutionalized drunkards; later, alcohol prohibition in early 20th century[3][4] | | Hinz & Kunzt vendors’ role | Likely dissemination of social and legal information via street magazine, reaching marginalized populations (inferred based on their known function; no direct source) |
Science played a crucial role in the development of therapies and treatments for various health-and-wellness issues during this period, yet negative perceptions surrounding certain substances like marijuana, unfortunately, overshadowed their medicinal uses. As the Hinz & Kunzt vendors frequently contribute to spreading awareness and information related to social issues, including drug policies and harm reduction, it is possible that they may have distributed literature highlighting the potential benefits of such substances in health-and-wellness and science.
