In 1930, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was established as a branch of the Treasury Department. Harry J. Anslinger was named it's director. He was an overly ambitious man and wanted to build his career. By using themes of racism and violence, he drew national attention to marijuana and the problems he wanted it to create. Finally, on August 2, 1937, Aslinger succeeded in making marijuana an illegal drug at the federal level. He is known for the following statements: “Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."
All images used for this essay are royalty-free and are available via googleimages. Historical facts and information were found in the following books: Marijuana-The First Twelve Thousand Years by Ernest L. Abel, 1980; The History of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, by David F. Muso, M.D., 1972.