Bud Backstories: Anslinger’s Demise

This article first appeared in the Prisoners issue of Fat Nugs Magazine, published February 2025.

There is blood on the hands of countless members of law enforcement for the War on Drugs, but the man who was responsible for starting the war was Harry J. Anslinger. This guy is a skidmark on American history, and his intentionally hateful rhetoric and subsequent laws are the reason so many people have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of the American Justice System.

Anslinger, Racism, and the Prohibition of Cannabis

Anslinger was the Head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics from 1930 to 1962. He was originally a stark prohibitionist and didn’t mind cannabis. In fact, he went on record to say that the rumored link between cannabis and violent outbreaks was an “absurd fallacy.” But when alcohol prohibition ended in 1933, and the Great Depression had the government slashing budgets, Anslinger needed to come up with something other than alcohol to demonize to keep his job. Aside from alcohol, Anslinger had an intense hate for three things: addicts, Black people, and jazz music. He was regarded as a crazy racist in the 1920s, to give you an idea of just how sinister this guy was. As Ansligner was devising his plan to keep his job, he thought about what kinds of drugs were being used. Hard drugs like heroin and cocaine were known to be much more dangerous than cannabis, so cannabis use was relatively popular. This widespread use made cannabis the perfect target. Anslinger began an explicit campaign labeling cannabis as an African American problem. He has been quoted as saying, “There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the U.S., and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.” In another instance, he stated, “Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men. The primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”

He believed that “doctors cannot treat drug addicts even if they wish to,” and the best way to deal with addiction is to “throw killer pushers into prison and throw away the key.” To drive the point home, Anslinger claimed that “If the hideous monster Frankenstein came face to face with the monster of marijuana, he would drop dead of fright.” With all of this fear-mongering and overt racism, Anslinger was able to ban cannabis in 1937 and establish mandatory sentencing laws that are still used today. These laws are the reason that first-offense cannabis-related charges can land someone in jail for up to 10 years.

Anslinger’s Demise

To “honor” Anslinger’s infamy, Kineos Genetics named an intense yet evenly balanced hybrid Anslinger’s Demise. This strain is a relative of some of the most beloved strains out there, including OG Kush, Sour Diesel, and Afghani. Ansligner’s Demise came from years of experimentation and perfecting a knockout strain worthy of such a heavy-hitting namesake. First, Kineo crossed Amnesia Haze and 9lb Hammer. Then, the offspring of this cross was crossed with Bruce Banner to pump up the potency even more. Finally, this second offspring was crossed back with pure 9lb Hammer, to bring back out that fuel terpene profile. All that work paid off with a final result that produces hits so dank that it has Anslinger ~rolling~ in his grave. One hit of Anslinger’s Demise, and you’re sure to catch Reefer Madness (in a good way). With an average THC level of 28-30%, this strain is as powerful as Anslinger’s reign. Expect an initial head high that will snap you out of any funk and make you feel like maybe you could play jazz music if you just tried hard enough. You’ll tackle your day with unrelenting focus and energy, while Anslinger’s Demise will tackle any aches or pains. However, because of its potency, it’s best to take it easy with this strain, or you might catch Reefer Madness (in a bad way). The aroma and flavor profile has a little something for everyone. The aroma of Ansligner’s Demise captures you with a dank diesel with hints of citrus and berry notes. At the same time, the flavor brings berry sweetness beautifully complimented by citrus and spicy diesel. Honestly, you can’t get much more well-rounded than that.

Anslinger’s Legacy of Imprisonment

Naming a strain with such potent effects and medicinal potential after the man whose life was dedicated to taking it away is a bold move, but it serves as an omnipresent reminder. The ban on cannabis has always been about power: maintaining political power and taking away the power of minorities. Anslinger’s crusade against cannabis created countless victims whose only crime was a plant. Today, thousands of people, many from marginalized communities, remain behind bars for cannabis-related offenses, even as others profit in the growing legal industry. Let Anslinger’s Demise serve as a reminder of the injustice still faced by these prisoners and as a call to action to fight for their freedom. Until every last cannabis prisoner is released and these draconian laws are dismantled, his loathsome legacy persists—and so must our resistance.