Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Benjamin T. Smith, "The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade" (W. W. Norton, 2021)
Benjamin T. Smith, "The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade" (W. W. Norton, 2021)
Benjamin T. Smith, "The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade" (W. W. Norton, 2021)
Friday 6th August 2021
Benjamin T. Smith uncovers Mexico's drug trade history and its societal impacts in 'The Dope' on New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery.
46 minutes
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Get the buttons here!The Mexican Drug Trade: Unveiling the Real Story with Benjamin T. Smith
There is no intrinsic reason why this commercial activity has to be violent. It is simply the act of growing something, processing that thing and then transporting that thing from one point to another.
Ever thought about how Mexico's drug trade evolved over the past century? Benjamin T. Smith sheds light on this gripping history in his book, 'The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade'.
In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Smith chats with host Marshall Poe about the intricate details of Mexico's drug trade, starting from the early 20th century when substances like marijuana and opium were on society's fringes, used mainly by soldiers, prisoners, and immigrants. Smith uncovers how the association of marijuana with bohemian subcultures in the 1920s led to Mexico's first punitive laws against it.
The conversation also delves into how the US's demand for marijuana and heroin fueled the trade, pushing American officials to pressure Mexico into ending drug production. Yet, economic factors often thwarted these efforts, making the trade more complex and deeply entrenched. The episode also humanizes figures like Ignacia Hasso La Nacha, who controlled Ciudad Juarez's drug industry from the late 1920s to the 1960s.
Smith highlights that while the drug trade is often associated with violence, it's essentially a commercial activity. He also discusses how the trade intersects with state formation in Mexico and other countries like Afghanistan and Colombia. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the true history behind Mexico's drug trade.