Marijuana or Cannabis, what is the difference?

It is safe to say, Marijuana was demonized in the 1930's and still is. Marijuana was unknown to the middle class and the elites of that time. Indian Hemp on the other hand was known as a house hold name. Cannabis was poised to take on the lumber and coal industry.

The term "marihuana" was coined as slang, a derogatory term directed at Mexicans from the south west. Cheap labor and an abundance of farmers in need of laborers, opened opportunity for work. Mexicans where fully aware of the medicinal value of the plant and as recreational pass time.

Then comes Henry J. Anslniger, with ties to big money and capitalist groups, he was son-in-law to Andrew W. Mellon, the Secretary of US Treasury who would appoint Anslinger to his post as Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics for 32 years. Mellon had inherited his fathers coal and lumber industry, which Mellon made very profitable. Mellon had heavy interest in the oil industry as well. Anslinger worked for Mellon as an investigator for the Pennsylvania railroad company. He gained notoriety by saving the company 500,00 in a claim by a widower in a railroad accident claim. He was a chip off the old block

To be continued next week...