For thousands of years hemp has been known and used globally. The fibers have been made into clothes, paper and rope. The seeds have been used for food and oil. The buds and resin have been used as both a medicine and a drug by the names of hash, marijuana, and cannabis.

Since 1937, a war has been waged against the plant because of its drug properties. It was spearheaded by Harry Anslinger, who had been in charge of enforcing prohibition against alcohol. Later, as co-chair of the UN s Narcotic Control Commission, he was influential in banning cannabis worldwide. In recent years, voices against this prohibition have been raised. Professor Lester Grinspoon in the latest edition of his book, The Forbidden Medicine, lists 35 maladies and symptoms on which marijuana has a beneficial effect. We also hear from patients who have used marijuana successfully for glaucoma. Professor Lynn Zimmer's research contradicts the myth that marijuana can cause brain damage.

One former hardline judge in Germany concluded after twelve years of experience in the courts, that regulation of marijuana was more effective than prohibition. Yet in America, the prohibition continues. Federal authorities vigorously search for crops, even in California where the electorate had voted to legalize its medicinal use.