‘No more may the festive “marihuana” be grown in the city of Phoenix. Not that it is known to have ever been propagated here to any considerable extent. Nor may it be received, sold, given away or had in a person’s possession. All because, under suspension of the rules and with the emergency clause attached, the city commission passed an ordinance at the regular session yesterday morning, making it a misdemeanor to do any or all of the foregoing.
“Marihuana” is the common Mexican name for Cannabis Indica, a species of hemp, from which is derived a substance, which chewed, eaten or smoked, produces a decided narcotic effect. It has long been used by many Mexicans, not only in Phoenix, but wherever Mexicans have been found. Among a certain class of Mexicans in Mexico it is considered the “National Flower.”
Since the abolition of booze in Arizona, it is said by police authorities and others, the use of Marihuana has increased. Many of the arrests of mexicans made by the police are for causes arising out of the use of the weed. If the ordinance adopted yesterday can be enforced, it will mean the doing away with a host of petty crimes that now clutter the police courts.’
