Why is cannabis illegal but not cigarettes?

Question

The latter is a much worse health hazard.

Answer 1

When anything is made illegal, it's either because it's dangerous, or because it's easier to regulate and thus more profitable when illegal. Obviously the former of the two doesn't apply here as nobody has ever died directly from cannabis use, and many deaths have been linked directly to cancer and other terminal illnesses. We can assume that a good deal of this is financial or control based. You asked two questions. To answer the first one (Why is cannabis illegal?)we need only to look back in history at when it became illegal. From 1906 through the 20's when the Uniform State Narcotic Act (1925–1932) was passed acrossed the country, until the Marijuana Tax act of 37. We see one name constantly showing up, Harry J. Anslinger. An apathetic public, distracted (as usual) a feverish Anslinger was all it took to make a plant illegal. Anslinger continued all the way into 1964 when he retired. Did I mention that the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was overseen by the Treasury. bottom line... it's illegal because
    * Racism
    * Fear
    * Protection of Corporate Profits
    * Yellow Journalism
    * Ignorant, Incompetent, and/or Corrupt Legislators
    * Personal Career Advancement and Greed
    * Politicians wanting to appear tough on crime and passing tougher penalties
    * Constant increases in spending on law enforcement and prisons
    * Racist application of drug laws
    * Taxpayer funded propaganda
    * Stifling of opposition speech
    * Political contributions from corporations that profit from marijuana being illegal (pharmaceuticals, alcohol, etc.)
As for cigarettes, that's a short answer, it's HIGHLY profitable...

looks like the answer to both of your questions is ultimately simplified with one word: "MONEY"