The presence of a little Cannabis Sativa on the premises of the Van Nuys Jail evoked some comical camera ready reactions from LAPD in 1951.

The coppers are mugging for the camera, ersatz high and stoned.

The plant was there to be used later that day for a lecture on the evils of the drug.

Photo courtesy of USC.

“”Photographer: Glickman. Date: 1951-09-06. Reporter: Massard. Assignment: Marijuana in Van Nuys jail. G31-32: Officer F.G. Plamonden gapes at blooming plant of Marijuana. Note bars in background. G13: l to r: Officers Ken Smith and Harry Kowalski wonder what goes on with the plant. Copsater found out that it was sent to Valley Div. to be in a lecture on narcotics. G14: Eyes wide open and wondering what marijuana plant is doing in police station is Officer Ken Smith”.