The History of Cannabis

The History of Cannabis: From Ancient Beginnings to Modern Legalization

The cannabis plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana, has played a vital role in human history, with its roots extending back thousands of years. Its history is woven with our own over millennia, and by learning its unique role over the centuries, we can understand why it has been a valuable resource and medicine.  

Origins and Early Uses of Hemp and Cannabis 

We can Cannabis sativa, the species encompassing both hemp and marijuana, back to Central Asia through Mongolia, China, and Mesopotamia.   

Archaeological findings show that cannabis was first cultivated in China for making things like clothes, food, and medicine.

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes can be traced back to approximately 2737 BCE, during the Shennong Dynasty. This long history highlights the significant role cannabis has played in human civilization.

In North China, pieces of cannabis dating back around 3,400 years to the time of the Shang Dynasty were found during excavations in Gaocheng Taixi Village, Hebei Province.

In ancient Chinese society, hemp was really important. People used it to make fishing nets, ropes, and clothes. They also ate the seeds and used them to make oil. Cannabis was also recognized for its psychoactive properties.

Chinese medical texts, such as The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, recorded that consuming cannabis seeds could induce states of "ghostly walking" or madness. This shows an early understanding of the plant's psychoactive effects, which is something that has influenced its use in various cultures for both medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Cannabis in Religious and Cultural Rituals

Cannabis has been used in religious and cultural rituals across many ancient civilizations for its psychoactive effects.

In India, cannabis has held a sacred status for thousands of years and was used by Hindu ascetics to aid in meditation and spiritual practices.

Ancient Persia included cannabis among medicinal plants listed in the Avesta, a sacred Zoroastrian text, and utilized its psychoactive properties for healing and ritualistic purposes.

Arab cultures used cannabis in the form of hashish, with historical accounts suggesting that early Muslim Sufis used it to enhance their spiritual experiences.

In ancient Egypt, cannabis was used medicinally as an anesthetic and to alleviate pain during surgeries.

Early Cannabis Use in the West

Compared to its extensive history in Asia, cannabis was introduced to the West relatively recently.

The first recorded documented use of cannabis in Europe dates back to around 270 BCE. However, it wasn't widely cultivated until the 16th Century.

In 1545, cannabis spread to the Western Hemisphere, where Spaniards imported it to Chile for its use as fiber.

British settlers in Jamestown, Virginia, began cultivating hemp in 1611.

Hemp's industrial uses were invaluable to European empires, particularly for supporting their naval operations. As English settlers arrived in America, King James I and the Virginia Company ordered them to grow 100 hemp plants each for export across the British Empire.  

Sailors brought hemp seeds to colonial ports so the crop could be grown to support shipyards and navies. This practice continued for over a Century, and hemp became a staple crop throughout the colonies, which was essential for making sails, ropes, and oakum for wooden ships.

Prominent figures in early American history, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, recognized the importance of hemp. Despite some cliams the founding fathers didn't smoke pot.

Hemp cultivation spread throughout the United States and remained a major crop until the early 20th Century, driving industry in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. Although a common myth suggests that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper, it was actually written on parchment. Nevertheless, the prevalence of hemp paper at the time perpetuated this myth.

Cannabis as a Medical Drug

Cannabis began gaining recognition in Western medicine during the 19th Century. In 1839, Irish physician William O'Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine after observing its use in India. He noted its effectiveness as a painkiller and sedative, leading to its inclusion in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1854.

Cannabis was prescribed for various ailments, including migraines, epilepsy, and menstrual cramps.

Researchers attempted to isolate the active compounds in cannabis to create more effective medicinal preparations, but the plant's complexity posed significant challenges.

It wasn't until 1940 that the CBD was isolated from the cannabis plant by American chemist Roger Adams. Despite its potential benefits, cannabis was found to cause side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired motor coordination, leading to concerns about its use.

At the start of the 20th Century, some countries began banning cannabis. In 1906, the first restriction on the sale of cannabis was enacted in the District of Columbia.

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 further criminalized cannabis at the federal level, imposing heavy taxes on its cultivation, sale, and possession. Despite opposition from the American Medical Association (AMA), which argued that there was no conclusive evidence linking cannabis to crime or addiction, the act effectively made cannabis illegal. Some historians say that this regulation was influenced by racial discrimination, as cannabis use was more common among non-white populations in the United States.

The Shift Toward Criminalization

The early 20th Century marked a turning point in the perception and legality of cannabis in the United States and other Western countries. Several factors, including racial prejudice, economic interests, and social conservatism, influenced the movement to criminalize cannabis.

During World War II, when Japan cut off the supply of fiber from Asia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the "Hemp for Victory" campaign to encourage the cultivation of hemp for war materials such as parachutes, tents, and ropes. However, this resurgence was short-lived, and by the 1950s, cannabis was once again under strict regulation.

The war on drugs intensified in the 1970s under President Richard Nixon, who established the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This classification placed cannabis alongside heroin and LSD, categorizing it as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Internationally, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, adopted by the United Nations in 1961, grouped cannabis with other serious narcotics such as opium, coca, and their derivatives. This global stance further solidified cannabis's criminalized status.

The Revival of Cannabis in the 21st Century

Despite the stringent regulations, cannabis never fully disappeared from American culture. The 1960s counterculture movement embraced marijuana as a symbol of rebellion against mainstream values, and scientific research into its medicinal properties continued. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, significant breakthroughs were made in understanding the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors in the body that interacts with compounds found in cannabis. These discoveries sparked renewed interest in the medical potential of cannabis.

A pivotal moment in the modern cannabis movement occurred in 1996 when California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. This milestone challenged the federal government's strict cannabis policies and encouraged other states to consider legalization. As of 2024 about 74% of Americans live in a state where marijuana is legal for either recreational or medical use. Almost six in ten Amaericans surved say that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational purposes.

Internationally, countries like Canada and Uruguay have fully legalized cannabis, while many others are exploring or implementing medical marijuana programs.

The modern cannabis industry is now a multibillion-dollar market encompassing everything from medicinal products to recreational cannabis and industrial hemp. Medical cannabis is used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, providing relief to patients who have not responded well to conventional treatments.

The non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity for its therapeutic properties, including its potential to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and treat epilepsy without the high associated with THC.

The industrial hemp sector is also thriving, with hemp being used to produce a wide range of products, including textiles, construction materials, biodegradable plastics, and health supplements. Hemp's environmental benefits, such as its ability to store carbon and its role in crop rotation to improve soil health, have made it an attractive option for sustainable agriculture.

Current Legal Landscape and Future Prospects

Despite the growing acceptance of cannabis, it remains illegal under federal law in the United States. However, state laws are rapidly changing, as of August 2024 there are 38 states permitting the sale of cannabis for medicinal use. 23 states that have legalized it for recreational use. Every year, more states join the movement toward legalization.

The conflict between state and federal laws presents significant challenges, particularly for scientific research and the cannabis industry. Because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, researchers face hurdles in studying its medicinal benefits, and dispensaries risk federal enforcement actions.

Public opinion on cannabis has shifted considerably since it first became illegal. Today, a growing number of Americans support legalization, and the potential rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug could open up new opportunities for research and industry development.

Conclusion

The history of hemp and cannabis is a testament to the plant's resilience and adaptability. From its ancient origins in Central Asia to its current status as a global industry, cannabis has played a significant role in human history.

Its journey from a widely accepted medicinal and industrial resource to a criminalized substance and now to a potential solution for various medical and industrial challenges reflects the complex relationship between society and this versatile plant.

As we continue to explore the potential of cannabis, it is clear that it will play an increasingly important role in the future of medicine, industry, and culture.

The ongoing debate over legalization and the growing acceptance of cannabis's therapeutic potential highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse roles that this ancient plant can play in our world.

The journey of cannabis is far from over, and its impact on society will continue to evolve in the years to come.