Marihuana Tax Act

Definition: A US federal law seen as the start of cannabis prohibition. Drafted by Harry Anslinger, opposed by the American Medical Association, and introduced in April 1937, the law imposed tax on all cannabis, marijuana and hemp, effectively cutting the knees off the burgeoning cannabis preparations market in natural medicine at the time. The law is often suggested links to the rise in adult use of cannabis by minority groups, including people of color in music, specifically. Legend trumpet player Louis Armstrong was among the more prominent proponents of cannabis, in the face of growing pressure from government and law enforcement.

Category: Compliance & Legal

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