The first question the drug crusaders must answer is why is marijuana illegal. According to Congressional history of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 racist lies and tall tales about ultra violence were the reasons given for prohibiting marijuana.

“Marihuana influences Negroes to look at white people in the eye, step on white men’s shadows and look at a white woman twice.”

– (Hearst newspapers nationwide, 1934)

“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 can cause white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”

– Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J. Anslinger

“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”

– Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J. Anslinger, 1930

“Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality and death.”

– Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J. Anslinger, 1937

“Marijuana is the most violence causing drug in the history of mankind.”

– Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J. Anslinger

“(Smoking) one (marihuana) cigarette might develop a homicidal mania, probably to kill his brother.”

– (see U.S. Government Propaganda To Outlaw Marijuana, http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/taxact/t3.htm)

These absurd fictions (now) are the sole reasons for marijuana prohibition. The idea that anyone should be punished because of a lie is ridiculous.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.