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1993 Marijuana resurgence editorial...
1993 Marijuana resurgence editorial...
Item # 718803
June 22, 1993
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, June 22, 1993
* Marijuana - pot - reefer - dope - cannabis
* Resurgence - Richard Goldstein editorial
* Pre-medical marijuana era
The front page has an image of a green marijuana leaf with heading: "keep dope alive" And starting on page 28 is a lengthy editorial by Richard Goldstein headed: "refer redux" and continues on multiple inside pages. Page 29 has humorous illustrations regarding the drug. (see images)
AI notes: In the June 22, 1993 Village Voice editorial titled “Reefer Redux: Why Pot Is Hot,” Richard Goldstein offers a sharp, culturally attuned critique of America’s complex relationship with marijuana, arguing that its resurgence in the 1990s signified more than just a recreational trend—it symbolized a deeper generational rebellion against the rigid conservatism of the Reagan-Bush era. He explores how marijuana, once demonized in the era of Just Say No, was regaining popularity among youth not only as a pleasurable escape but also as a political and aesthetic stance. Goldstein draws connections between pot smoking and resistance to mainstream consumer values, suggesting that the normalization of marijuana echoed wider shifts in attitudes toward authority, personal freedom, and countercultural identity. The editorial also challenges the hypocrisies of drug enforcement and moral panic, pointing out that the criminalization of marijuana often masked deeper racial and class biases. Ultimately, Goldstein frames marijuana not just as a drug but as a cultural barometer—one that reflected America’s shifting social climate at the edge of the 21st century.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
The Village Voice was an American counterculture newspaper known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. It introduced free-form, high-spirited, and passionate journalism into the public discourse - a tradition it maintained throughout its 60+ year history. It is quite common to find great political cartoons, satirical cartoons and articles, thought-provoking editorials, and ads and reviews for both concerts and theater productions - both on and off Broadway. Many iconic writers and musicians credit their appearance in The Village Voice for at least a portion of their success.
Complete in 148 pages, one fold across the center, nice condition.
Provenance: This issue comes from The Village Voice's own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive.
Alert: Many issues of The Village Voice contain articles and/or photos which some consider offensive, and are certainly inappropriate for children. If purchasing, please do so with discretion.
Category: The 20th Century
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