Marijuana was criminalized on a federal level with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937. (A few states already had restrictions.) During which, Harry J. Anslinger, commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, testified to all sorts of outrageous lies, including, “Smoke a joint, and you’re likely to kill your brother,” and calling marijuana the “deadliest drug ever known.” (His motive was partly racism, and partly ambition. He was willing to exploit anything for political and/or financial gain.) Anslinger testified that fifty percent of all violent crimes in the US were committed by blacks, Mexicans, etc., and could be traced directly to marijuana, when, in fact, 65 to 75% of all violent crimes committed in the US were (and still are) alcohol-related.

An actual medical doctor, Dr. James Woodward, testified on behalf of the American Medical Association, that “there is no evidence that marijuana is a dangerous drug,” and calling the whole fabric of federal testimony “tabloid sensationalism.” However, when the bill came up on the floor of Congress, one pertinent question was asked: “Did anyone consult with the AMA and get their opinion?” Rep. Carl Vinson replied, “Yes, we have, a Dr. Wharton [a mispronunciation of Woodward] and the AMA are in complete agreement.” And with this bold-faced lie, the act was passed.