Andrew Mellon

When you think of the masterminds behind the criminalization of cannabis, a few names probably come to mind: Harry Anslinger, William Randolph Hearst, maybe even the DuPont family. But there’s another key player in this anti-cannabis cabal, a man who preferred to operate behind the scenes, pulling strings and cutting deals that would forever alter the fate of the plant. That man is Andrew Mellon—banker, industrialist, and one of the richest men in America during the early 20th century. Mellon’s role in the war on cannabis is a tale of power, money, and a healthy dose of good ol’ fashioned nepotism. So, let’s dive in and uncover the story of how Andrew Mellon helped set the stage for the demonization of cannabis.

The Power Behind the Throne: Who Was Andrew Mellon?

Andrew Mellon wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill wealthy businessman. He was one of the most powerful financiers in American history. Born into a wealthy family in 1855, Mellon made his fortune in banking, steel, oil, and pretty much every other industry that defined the American economy at the time. By the 1920s, Mellon was one of the richest men in the world, and his influence stretched far beyond the boardrooms of his many companies.

But Mellon wasn’t content with just being rich—he also had a taste for power. In 1921, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Warren G. Harding, a position he would hold under three different presidents. As Secretary of the Treasury, Mellon had a hand in shaping the nation’s economic policy during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. But while he was busy managing the nation’s finances, Mellon was also quietly laying the groundwork for the criminalization of cannabis.

The Nepotism Network: Mellon, Anslinger, and the Family Ties

Here’s where things get interesting. Andrew Mellon was more than just a powerful businessman—he was also Harry Anslinger’s uncle by marriage. That’s right, the same Harry Anslinger who would become the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) and the leading crusader against cannabis was married to Mellon’s niece. And if there’s one thing Mellon knew how to do, it was taking care of his own.

In 1930, when the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was established, Mellon used his considerable influence to secure the top job for his nephew-in-law, Harry Anslinger. This move was more than just a family favor—it was a strategic appointment that would allow Mellon to protect his business interests and expand his control over federal drug policy. With Anslinger at the helm of the FBN, Mellon had a trusted ally in a position of power, one who was more than willing to do his bidding.

The Hidden Agenda: Protecting Mellon’s Investments

So, why would a man like Andrew Mellon care about cannabis? The answer, as it so often is with the wealthy and powerful, comes down to money. Mellon had significant investments in the chemical industry, particularly in the DuPont company, which was developing synthetic fibers like nylon. At the time, hemp was a major competitor to synthetic fibers, and its continued use threatened the profits of companies like DuPont, in which Mellon had a vested interest.

But it wasn’t just hemp that concerned Mellon. Cannabis in all its forms—whether for industrial, medicinal, or recreational use—posed a potential threat to the pharmaceutical industry, another sector in which Mellon had considerable investments. By criminalizing cannabis, Mellon could help eliminate a low-cost, natural alternative to the synthetic drugs and products being developed by the companies he had a stake in.

With Anslinger leading the charge at the FBN, Mellon’s plan was set in motion. Anslinger launched a full-scale campaign against cannabis, using fear, racism, and misinformation to turn public opinion against the plant. And all the while, Mellon remained in the shadows, quietly reaping the benefits of a policy that would devastate the cannabis industry and boost his own fortunes.

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937: Mellon’s Masterstroke

The culmination of Mellon’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering came with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This Act, which effectively made cannabis illegal in the United States, was the final nail in the coffin for the plant’s legal status. Farmers who had once grown hemp as a staple crop were now out of business, and the medical community was forced to abandon a treatment that had been used for centuries.

Mellon’s fingerprints were all over the legislation. The Marihuana Tax Act was designed to make it nearly impossible to legally grow, possess, or use cannabis without facing crippling fines and legal consequences. And who was responsible for enforcing this new law? None other than Harry Anslinger, the man Mellon had installed at the FBN.

With the passage of the Act, Mellon’s business interests were protected, and cannabis was relegated to the black market, where it would remain for decades. It was a classic case of crony capitalism, with Mellon using his influence and family connections to shape public policy in a way that served his financial interests at the expense of countless others.

The Wake’n’Bake Verdict: The Man Behind the Curtain

So, what’s the takeaway from Andrew Mellon’s role in the criminalization of cannabis? It’s a reminder that the war on cannabis wasn’t just about public health or safety—it was about money, power, and the influence of a few wealthy individuals who saw an opportunity to protect their fortunes by demonizing a plant. Mellon may not have been the public face of the anti-cannabis campaign, but he was undoubtedly one of its chief architects, pulling the strings from behind the scenes and ensuring that the deck was stacked in his favor.

At Wake’n’Bake Lounge, we believe in shining a light on the truth, no matter how inconvenient it may be for the rich and powerful. The story of Andrew Mellon is a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing corporate interests to dictate public policy and the importance of questioning the motives behind the laws that shape our lives.

Today, as we work to undo the damage caused by nearly a century of cannabis prohibition, it’s important to remember how we got here—and to hold accountable those who played a role in criminalizing a plant that has the potential to do so much good. Andrew Mellon may have succeeded in his efforts to protect his wealth, but the tide is turning, and the truth about cannabis is finally coming to light. Here’s to a future where cannabis is once again free from the shackles of greed and deception—and to making sure that the Andrew Mellons of the world never get the last word.