The illegality of cannabis has a racist and illogical background. Harry Anslinger, once the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, needed a new drug to villainize as a tactic to get more federal funding. Seeing marijuana as a plant popular in Mexican and African American culture at the time, he lied about its effects in order to both receive funding and to incentivize the police to arrest minorities. Scientists proved that marijuana isn't harmful in the 1940's; the only reason that the plant remains illegal in many states is due to incorrect propaganda and corruption, as privately owned prisons and the DEA give money to politicians as way in ensure their job security. By prosecuting American citizens for marijuana use, private prisons can increase their populations (and profit) and the DEA can portray themselves as an efficient government agency.