Now we come to the core concept and the prime directive:
Say as little as you possibly can consistent with remaining calm and civil. Anything you say -- and when it comes to establishing what you said it is what the police officers say you said that counts -- can and will be used against you in and out of court. Verbal utterances alone can trigger an arrest, if in the view of the police on the scene those utterances mean you are being "disruptive". We suggest that you print and carry a copy of this card and let it do your talking for you.

[The following is excerpted from "Drug Wars" FRONTLINE, WGBH, Boston, 2000 www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline]

Marijuana cultivation began in the United States around 1600 with the Jamestown settlers, who began growing the cannabis sativa or hemp plant for its unusually strong fiber that was used to make rope, sails, and clothing. Until after the Civil War, marijuana was a source of major revenue for the United States. During the 19th century marijuana plantations flourished in Mississippi, Georgia, California, South Carolina, Nebraska, New York, and Kentucky. Also during this period, smoking hashish, a stronger preparation of marijuana derived from the dried resin of the plant, was popular throughout France and to a lesser degree in the US.