We once had alcohol prohibition in North America. The arguments that promoted it are depressingly similar to those that maintain cannabis prohibition today. Both revolve around the notion that mind-altering plants harm children and families. But there, as they say, the similarity ends. Alcohol prohibition, for all its faults, was attended by widespread public dialogue. Moreover, it didn’t last long. Within half a generation, it was over and […]
After Marco Polo opened up the trade routes between the east and west many foreign goods and traditions began appearing in Europe, but none were as intriguing as hash and opium. Despite the best efforts of the church, a surge of interest in secret arts spread like wildfire. Known as alchemy or witchcraft depending upon […]