Panel Mania: ‘Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America’ by Box Brown

March 29, 2019 | 1 book mentioned

In 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 this illuminating work of graphic nonfiction, Brown provides a thoughtful look at the history, pharmacological affects, and legalization movement surrounding marijuana in North America. This is a 15-page excerpt.

This piece was produced in partnership with Publishers Weekly and also appeared on publishersweekly.com.

is senior news editor of Publishers Weekly and editor of PW Comics World.