In his new book, "Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America," Box Brown surveys the broad history of marijuana, from its role in Hindu mythology to its importation into the Americas by Spain.
Brought into the U.S. by Mexican immigrants in the 19th century, marijuana eventually became associated with jazz musicians and inevitably became tainted by a racist social mythology—one that linked weed to violence and sex—which was used to justify legal restrictions of the drug.
In his work of graphic nonfiction, Brown provides a look at the history, pharmacological affects, and legalization movement surrounding marijuana in North America.
Brown is an award-winning graphic novelist and will discuss the new book with Paul Benzon, Assistant Professor of English at Skidmore College on tomorrow at 6PM at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, New York.
