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Chapter 4 - (2nd Edition) Virginia |
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DURING THE REEFER MADNESS ERA
Section VI - THE NON PROFITS ENTER THE FRAY
Needless to say, governmental officials were not the only one who got involved in the fray.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union:
We must remember that women were not even allowed to vote until 1920 and thus if you were female and wanted to take part in politics, the W.C.T.U. was one of the few outlets of doing so. Thus it is impossible to underestimate the power that the Women’s Christian Temperance Union had at the time. And after 1920, their power (at least for a while), grew immensely -- When they talked, local politicians listened.
Excerpt of letter from Mrs. Pearl Kendall Kess, Director, national Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Regarding action taken at their National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, August 9-15, 1940:
“We did not reiterate the Narcotic resolution of last year. It still stands. But in view of a barrage of questions about the Marihuana movie I prepared the following - the first section of which is akin to last year’s action:
“Resolved that our activities concerning Marihuana be confined to factual material and identification and destruction of the weed.
“Commercial Marihuana films, allegedly for educational purposes, for which admission is charged, are apt to be misleading and inaccurate. Since the policy of this organization opposes the endorsement or commendation of such films, patronage by our members is therefore not recommended.”
“I laid the foundation for acceptance of this with the State Presidents - hence it passed UNANIMOUSLY without discussion.
Date August 15, 1940.
THE WHITE CROSS ANTI-NARCOTICS LEAGUE
First, yes this is the same group the Earle Rowell (author of now infamous booklet, “On the Trial of Marihuana, the Weed of Madness”) was a part of. However, the White Cross (while an anti-drug organization), believed that the best way to deal with drug addicts (those that couldn’t be helped) was to put them on maintenance. A concept that was out of keeping with most other anti-drug organizations at the time.
Thus it should come as no surprise that their views on the matter would differ from those of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.
WHITE CROSS ASSOCIATION ON DRUG ADDICTIONS
6649 White Building
Seattle, Washington
June 3rd, 1940
Mr. William Forman, Manager
Sterling Theatres, inc.,
Palomar Building
Seattle, Washington
Dear Mr. Forman:
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the American White Cross Association on the 31st ult., a report was received by a Committee appointed to witness a preview of the picture entitled “Doped Youth”.
It was decided by the Board to approve and endorse this very excellent picture, believing that it will go far toward educating the public as to the danger and menace of Marihuana addiction. Very truly yours,
THE AMERICAN WHITE CROSS ASSOCIATION ON DRUG ADDICTIONS
BY CARL J SMITH
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
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