by Rachel Brodsky

The age of Prohibition (1920-1933) was a relatively unsuccessful period in American history where the American government sought to ban all alcoholic beverages from being exported, imported or sold. And though the 20's are remembered for paving the way of the Jazz Age, Women's Suffrage and the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the government's Prohibition of alcohol catalyzed a seedy underbelly of organized crime, speakeasies and liquor smuggling.

Although the massively unsuccessful Prohibition law was repealed years ago, the skulking nature of speakeasies has morphed into a trendier aspect of today's bar culture. SF's own Bourbon and Branch is known for its series of secret doors and sexy vintage appeal.

This Wednesday night, Bourbon & Branch owner Brian Sheehy joins with author and former owner of Pierre's, Dick Boyd and marijuana theorist/activist Michael Whitson at CounterPULSE to discuss the shared similarities of prohibitions past to the current marijuana legalization debate. Considering New Jersey's recent legalization of medical marijuana, not to mention California's herb victory today, this discussion is not to be missed.

What: Prohibition: Then and Now
Where: CounterPULSE
When: Wednesday, January 13 (7:30pm)
How Much: Free