Imagine a plant that has shaped human history, sparked debates, and could change industries. This plant is cannabis, known as "green gold." Its history spans millennia, crossing continents and cultures1. From ancient Asia to today, cannabis has made a lasting impact.
Cannabis has been grown since the 3rd millennium BCE. Its psychoactive effects were first used around 500 BCE2. It's been valued for centuries, used spiritually, medicinally, and practically. But the 20th century saw a big change, leading to prohibition and the "War on Drugs."
Despite laws, cannabis is still widely used. Countries like Zambia and the United States have high usage rates2. Since the 1970s, cannabis has become stronger, with more THC and less CBD2. This has sparked debates about its risks and benefits.
Now, more places are legalizing cannabis. Uruguay was the first to allow recreational use in 2013. Canada, Georgia, and others have followed2. In the U.S., 24 states and D.C. allow recreational use, though it's still illegal federally2.
The cannabis industry is growing fast, creating jobs and opportunities. Hemp, a low-THC cannabis variety, is becoming a sustainable resource. It's used in textiles and construction.
Let's explore cannabis's history, from ancient times to today. We'll look at its origins, cultural impact, prohibition, and the fight for legalization. We'll debunk myths, discuss its medical uses, and talk about social justice. Get ready to learn about green gold's impact on our world.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations in Central and South Asia.
The plant has been used for spiritual, medicinal, and practical purposes across various cultures.
Cannabis prohibition in the 20th century led to the controversial "War on Drugs."
Despite legal restrictions, cannabis remains the most commonly used largely-illegal drug globally.
The legalization movement is gaining momentum, with several countries and states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational purposes.
The economic potential of the cannabis industry is creating new opportunities in various sectors.
Hemp, a variety of cannabis, is emerging as a sustainable resource with diverse applications.
The Origins of Cannabis
The history of cannabis is deeply tied to human history, going back thousands of years. The exact origin of cannabis is still debated, but it likely started in low-latitude Asia3. Recent studies suggest the northeastern Tibetan Plateau might be where cannabis first grew3.
Central and South Asian Roots
Central and South Asia were key in cannabis's early history. Marijuana was used as a drug in Central Asia at least 2,700 years ago3. These regions helped spread cannabis across the ancient world.
Cannabis was easy to grow in different climates and had many uses. It spread from Asia to Europe, Africa, and more through ancient trade routes.
Early Domestication and Cultivation
Cannabis was domesticated in East Asia during the early Neogene period, studies show3. People first grew hemp for its strong fibers. These fibers were used to make textiles, ropes, and paper3.
As people learned more about cannabis, its uses expanded. It was grown for medicine and its psychoactive effects. This started a long, complex relationship between humans and cannabis.
Despite cannabis's complex genetics, research is uncovering its history3. As we learn more, we appreciate cannabis's role in human history worldwide.
Ancient Uses of Cannabis
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years. Ancient people used it for spiritual, medicinal, and practical needs. Its versatility and wide availability made it popular across cultures and regions2. People started growing cannabis plants in the 3rd millennium BCE. They used it for psychoactive effects in Central Asia around 500 BCE2.
Spiritual and Religious Significance
In ancient times, cannabis was seen as sacred. It was used to connect with the divine. In the Indian subcontinent, the Atharva Veda, written around 1400 BCE, mentions its sacred status. The Hindu god Shiva was often linked with cannabis, earning him the title "Lord of Bhang."
This spiritual use of cannabis continues today. The Rastafari movement sees it as a sacrament and aid to meditation.
Medicinal Applications in Ancient Cultures
Ancient people knew cannabis could help with many health issues. It was used for pain, digestive problems, and more. In ancient China, it treated gout, rheumatism, and malaria. Indian Ayurvedic medicine used it for anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.
Today, cannabis is used for medicine again. It's legal in places like Canada, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and many U.S. states2.
Hemp as a Versatile Material
Hemp, a type of cannabis, has been used for centuries. It's known for its strong fibers1. These fibers make great textiles, ropes, and paper.
Hemp was first used by ancient civilizations. It was grown in China, Europe, and the Middle East. Its fast growth and adaptability made it valuable for many societies.
Ancient Use | Description |
Spiritual and Religious | Used as an entheogen in religious and spiritual contexts, believed to facilitate divine experiences |
Medicinal | Employed in traditional medicine systems to treat various ailments, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation |
Hemp as a Material | Cultivated for its strong, durable fibers to manufacture textiles, ropes, paper, and other products |
Cannabis has a long history of use. It has played a big role in cultures and traditions worldwide. As we learn more about cannabis, we should remember its rich history and the wisdom of ancient civilizations.
The Spread of Cannabis Across the Globe
As ancient civilizations moved and set up trade routes, cannabis spread worldwide. Its use as a fiber source helped it reach different continents4. Over time, both wild and domesticated cultivation led to many cannabis types5.
Migration and Trade Routes
Cannabis followed humans as they migrated and traded. People from Central Asia, where cannabis likely started5, took seeds and knowledge with them. It was used in ancient times across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, showing its wide reach through trade.
The Silk Road, an ancient trade route, played a big role in cannabis trade54. It helped exchange goods, ideas, and practices, including cannabis use.
Adoption in Different Cultures
Cannabis was welcomed in many cultures for its medicinal, spiritual, and practical uses. In India, it's used in religious rituals and medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese used hemp for textiles and cannabis in medicine.
"Cannabis has been used in India for thousands of years, with pollen evidence dating back to around 32,000 years ago5."
In the Middle East and Africa, people used cannabis for its psychoactive effects. It also reached the Americas, where indigenous peoples used it in medicine and culture.
Cannabis's adoption worldwide shows its versatility and recognized benefits. Today, countries like Uruguay and Thailand have legalized it, showing its ongoing global importance56.
Cannabis in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, cannabis was key in many cultures worldwide. In Europe, hemp was grown everywhere for its strong fibers. These fibers were used to make ropes, sails, and clothes7. Italy's history with cannabis goes back to Roman times, with pollen showing Cannabaceae plants since the Late Pleistocene7.
In Italy, hemp was grown throughout the Middle Ages, but less after Rome fell. It was mainly for local needs like fabrics and ropes7. Different areas in Italy had their own hemp names, showing how common it was7. From the 15th to the 19th centuries, Italy grew hemp on a large scale again. The Venetian model controlled hemp sales to supply the navy7.
In the Middle East, cannabis was used for both practical and psychoactive reasons. "The Herb: Hashish versus Medieval Muslim Society" gives insights into cannabis use and views in the Middle Ages and Renaissance8. Works like "The Pursuit of Pleasure: Drugs and Stimulants in Iranian History, 1500–1900" explore cannabis use in Iran and the Middle East8.
"The presence of hemp pollen in central Italy dates back to the Late Glacial, before agriculture, with cannabis pollen values and human influence increasing by around 3000 cal BP and peaking in the 1st century A.D."7
Old teeth and fibers show hemp's importance in early societies7. Also, pollen and oil traces in ancient containers from Magna Graecia prove cannabis's long history there7.
While some cultures used cannabis for its effects, its main use was for textiles and ropes. Doctors and herbalists also used it for medicine, but not as much as for its industrial uses.
The Rise of Cannabis Prohibition
Cannabis has a long history of use, but the 20th century saw a big change. Laws against it spread, affecting many people. This was due to social, political, and economic reasons. Despite its benefits, cannabis became a focus of the war on drugs, causing harm to many.
Early 20th Century Restrictions
In the early 1900s, countries started to limit cannabis use. The U.S. passed the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, making it illegal. This law was based on fear and misinformation, targeting certain groups.
The War on Drugs
The "War on Drugs" started in 1971, focusing on cannabis and other drugs. It led to more police work and harsher laws, hurting minority groups. This war caused many problems, including more people in jail and unfair treatment.
"The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I'm saying? We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities." - John Ehrlichman, former Nixon domestic policy chief
International Treaties and Conventions
International laws also played a big part in banning cannabis worldwide. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 made cannabis a Schedule I drug. This made it hard to study and use for medicine.
But, the World Health Organization (WHO) now wants to change this because of cannabis's benefits9.
The WHO says cannabis is not as harmful as alcohol or tobacco9. This change shows a move towards legalizing cannabis9.
Even with laws against it, the cannabis market is growing fast. It's expected to be worth $57 billion by 20279. In Canada, cannabis companies raised a lot of money in 2018, showing its economic value10. New rules could open doors for food and drink companies10.
The history of cannabis prohibition has had big effects on people and society. From early laws to the war on drugs and global treaties, it's been a complex issue. As views on cannabis change, it's important to learn from the past to make better laws for the future.
The Counterculture and Cannabis
The 1960s and 1970s were a big change for how people saw cannabis. The hippie movement in the U.S. spread worldwide, using cannabis to show peace, love, and rebellion11. These years were key for cannabis culture, with different groups like hippies and hip hop fans using it11.
The Hippie Movement
The hippie movement was very important for cannabis culture. The Woodstock Festival in 1969 was a big moment for cannabis in the U.S11.. It was a huge music event that celebrated peace and freedom, with cannabis being a big part of it.
The hippies' love for cannabis changed popular culture. Music, art, and writing from that time often talked about cannabis11. Famous artists like Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z have also been part of cannabis culture, making products and music about it11.
Cannabis as a Symbol of Rebellion
In the counterculture era, cannabis was a way to reject old values and try new ways of living. Using cannabis was seen as a way to challenge the status quo and social norms. Terms like "420" and using secret words in cannabis culture show how language shapes subcultures11.
The legal cannabis market is expected to reach $166 billion by 202512. This growth is partly because of the counterculture movement and cannabis becoming more accepted in pop culture. The Marley family, for example, started Marley Natural to keep Bob Marley's cannabis legacy alive11.
Subculture | Influence on Cannabis Culture |
Hippies | Embraced cannabis as a symbol of peace, love, and rebellion |
Beatniks | Incorporated cannabis into their literary works and lifestyle |
Hipsters | Popularized cannabis use as a trendy and alternative habit |
Ravers | Associated cannabis with electronic dance music and party culture |
Hip Hop | Referenced cannabis in lyrics and embraced it as part of the genre's culture |
The counterculture movement's effect on cannabis culture goes beyond music and art. Artists like Greg Welch have made art inspired by cannabis11. Cannabis has also grown the personal care market, with hemp seed oil and CBD products becoming popular12.
Medical Rediscovery of Cannabis
In the 20th century, cannabis was banned in many places. Yet, scientists kept studying its health benefits. In the 1940s and 1950s, they found special compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD13. These were even listed in the US Pharmacopeia in the late 1800s, showing its value as medicine13.
Early Research and Findings
In 1944, Roger Adams found HHC by changing THC in marijuana13. This discovery led to more research into cannabis's health uses. In the 1960s and 1970s, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam's work helped us understand cannabinoids better.
The Endocannabinoid System
In the 1990s, scientists found the endocannabinoid system. It's a network that helps control our body's functions, like pain and mood. They also found endocannabinoids like anandamide, linking cannabis to our bodies.
Research showed that CBD's hydrogenated forms work well with our CB1 receptors. They also have anti-inflammatory effects13. This shows the endocannabinoid system could be a key area for cannabis research.
Medicinal Applications and Potential
Research has shown cannabis could help with many health issues. CBD extracts are used to treat seizures, especially in kids14. Studies have proven CBD is better than a placebo for reducing seizures in certain syndromes14.
Condition | Potential Medicinal Cannabis Benefits |
Chronic Pain | Analgesic effects, reduced inflammation |
Epilepsy | Anticonvulsant properties, seizure reduction |
Multiple Sclerosis | Muscle relaxation, improved spasticity |
Cancer-related Symptoms | Nausea relief, appetite stimulation, pain management |
There's growing interest in using cannabis for epilepsy treatment14. As we learn more about the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids, cannabis's future in medicine looks bright.
The Legalization Movement
In recent years, a global movement towards legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis has grown. This change is driven by several factors. These include the recognition of cannabis's medicinal value, concerns about the costs of prohibition, and shifting public views.
Decriminalization Efforts
Decriminalization of cannabis means reducing or removing criminal penalties for personal use. Many countries are moving towards decriminalization or full legalization. For example, Thailand aims to have a $3 billion cannabis industry by 202715.
This optimism has sparked interest in the cannabis market. Companies like JSP Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing expect their revenue to double due to legalization15.
Medical Marijuana Laws
Medical marijuana laws allow cannabis use for therapeutic purposes with a doctor's approval. Globally, 50 countries have legalized cannabis for medical use16. In the United States, Oklahoma has become a leader in medical marijuana, with the most dispensaries in the country17.
Over 370,000 Oklahomans have medical marijuana licenses. The state has made $195 million from sales in less than three years17.
Recreational Legalization
Some places have gone further, legalizing cannabis for adult recreational use. In the United States, 23 states allow recreational use16. Colorado, which legalized in 2012, has seen both benefits and challenges.
While fewer people see marijuana as a health risk, hospitalizations related to it have almost doubled17.
In India, cannabis cultivation has been banned for 40 years16. Yet, some states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are considering legalization16. Himachal Pradesh believes legal cultivation could boost its revenue by Rs 400-500 crore in the first years16.
The legalization movement is growing, with both economic and social implications. Governments must create regulated frameworks to ensure safe use and mitigate risks.
Green Gold: The Economic Potential of Cannabis
Cannabis legalization has opened up new economic doors, turning a once-stigmatized plant into a booming industry. As more places legalize cannabis, its economic value is clear. The cannabis market is growing fast, with global sales expected to soar in the future.
The Growing Cannabis Industry
The cannabis world includes many areas, like growing, processing, and selling. This growth has brought jobs and boosted local economies. But, it also shows the need for strong rules to keep everyone safe18.
One big issue is pesticide use in growing cannabis. Pesticides can protect plants but might harm health and the environment18. The fast growth of the industry has led to gaps in pesticide rules18. The EPA might look into this to fix these problems18.
Despite these hurdles, cannabis's economic value is huge. Studies and experts warn about pesticide dangers in cannabis products18. This has led companies to focus on safe and green growing methods18.
Hemp as a Sustainable Resource
Hemp, a type of cannabis with little THC, is a sustainable option. It can make many products, like clothes, paper, and building materials. Hemp uses less water than other crops, which is good for areas with little water19.
But, growing hemp has its own challenges. In Jamaica, farmers struggle with weather damage, like hurricanes19. Temperature changes can also hurt yields, causing losses19.
Still, hemp's economic benefits are clear. In Jamaica, the cannabis market could reach US$41 million soon, a Statista report says19. Farms like Jaccana and Cannabliss offer tours and treatments, helping the economy19.
Country | Legal Status | Market Potential |
United States | Legal in some states | $30 billion by 2025 |
Canada | Federally legal | $5 billion by 2024 |
Jamaica | Decriminalized; regulated for medical and research | $41 million by specified year19 |
As more places legalize cannabis, its economic benefits will grow. The cannabis industry can create jobs and produce sustainable products. By focusing on safe growing and good rules, we can make the most of this green gold for a better future.
Cannabis and Social Justice
The ban on cannabis has hit hard on communities of color and the poor. They face more marijuana arrests, keeping them out of the legal cannabis market20. Supporters push for fairness in cannabis laws. They want those hurt by the ban to get a fair share of the benefits20.
Disproportionate Impact of Prohibition
Black and Latino people use cannabis as much as whites but face more arrests. Legalizing weed has cut down on arrests, but racial gaps still exist21. The environmental harm from big cannabis farms also falls hard on poor and minority areas20.
The environmental damage from cannabis farming links to old issues of environmental racism and racial capitalism20. Adding environmental justice to social equity plans could tackle these issues. It would support current efforts for fairness20.
Expungement and Reparations
As laws change, calls for justice grow. This includes clearing past weed crimes and giving reparations to affected communities. Social equity in cannabis aims to open up the industry, clear records, and use tax money for good20.
In places where weed is legal, sales and taxes bring in more money than expected21. For example, New York expects half a billion dollars in the first year21. Using some of this money for clearing records and helping communities could help fix the harm done by the ban.
State | Cannabis Legalization Status | Social Equity Provisions |
California | Recreational and medical | Expungement, equity licenses, community reinvestment |
Illinois | Recreational and medical | Expungement, social equity applicants, community grants |
Massachusetts | Recreational and medical | Expungement, equity programs, community reinvestment |
As more places legalize cannabis, focusing on justice is key. We must make sure the benefits are shared fairly and the harm of the ban is fixed. By working on clearing records, giving reparations, and investing in communities, we can make the cannabis industry fairer and more just.
The Future of Cannabis
The world is excited about cannabis, and its future looks bright. Already, 50 countries have legalized medical marijuana, and 20 have allowed recreational use. The global cannabis market is expected to hit $70.6 billion by 202822. Even the CEO of Canopy Growth thinks it could reach half a trillion dollars22.
Continued Legalization Efforts
More places are seeing the good in cannabis, leading to more legalization. In the US, the legal cannabis market made $25 billion in 2021, up 33%22. This growth has created jobs, with over 400,000 people working in North America's cannabis industry22.
Research and Innovation
Cannabis isn't just about being legal; it's also about research and new ideas. It has a hundred substances called cannabinoids, which could help in many ways22. Companies like Canopy Growth are working with others to improve medical marijuana22. As the industry grows, we'll see more amazing discoveries and products.
Challenges and Opportunities
While cannabis has a bright future, it also faces challenges. The CEO of Grow Generation talked about the ups and downs of rising interest rates22. The industry must also deal with rules, banking issues, and keeping products safe and good quality.
Despite these hurdles, the cannabis industry is doing well. Big names like Aurora Cannabis and Canopy Growth are making a lot of money22. They're helping the industry grow strong and lasting.
But, we must watch out for risks in the cannabis industry's growth. For example, Chinese workers were misled into working on illegal hemp farms23. It's important for the industry to be fair and protect everyone involved.
Looking ahead, cannabis has both challenges and chances. With more legalization, research, and fair practices, its future is promising. The world is eager to see what cannabis can do, and the next years will be exciting.
Cannabis in Popular Culture
Cannabis has been a big part of popular culture for decades. It has left a lasting mark on music, films, TV, and art. It's seen as a symbol of counterculture, rebellion, and creativity.
From jazz musicians in the early 20th century to today's hip-hop artists, cannabis has inspired many songs. These songs celebrate its effects and challenge societal norms.
In movies, cannabis has appeared in many genres, from comedies to dramas. Films like "Up in Smoke" (1978), "Friday" (1995), and "Pineapple Express" (2008) feature it prominently. They often show its use in a funny way.
These movies entertain and start conversations about cannabis's role in society and its legal status.
TV has also shaped how people see cannabis. Shows like "Weeds" (2005-2012) and "High Maintenance" (2012-2020) delve into the cannabis trade. They offer a more realistic look at cannabis use, moving away from old stereotypes.
"I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?" - Willie Nelson
The legalization movement has changed how cannabis is seen in media. As more places legalize it, media shows a more diverse view of cannabis. Shows like "Disjointed" (2017-2018) and "The Marijuana Show" (2015-2018) focus on the cannabis business side.
They highlight the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the cannabis industry.
Recently, cannabis's medicinal benefits have become more recognized. This has changed how it's shown in popular culture. Documentaries like "Weed the People" (2018) and "CBD Nation" (2020) explore its therapeutic uses. They challenge old myths and misconceptions about cannabis.
Medium | Notable Examples | Impact |
Music | "Legalize It" by Peter Tosh, "Because I Got High" by Afroman, "Smoke Two Joints" by Sublime | Celebrating cannabis use, challenging societal norms, and advocating for legalization |
Films | "Up in Smoke", "Friday", "Pineapple Express" | Portraying cannabis use in a humorous light, sparking conversations about its legal status |
Television | "Weeds", "High Maintenance", "Disjointed", "The Marijuana Show" | Exploring the complexities of the cannabis trade, providing a more nuanced portrayal of cannabis use, and highlighting the business side of the industry |
Documentaries | "Weed the People", "CBD Nation" | Shedding light on the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions |
As cannabis becomes more accepted and legalized, its role in popular culture will likely grow. With a focus on its medicinal and economic benefits, media will show cannabis in more diverse and nuanced ways. In the USA, marijuana sales hit 25 billion dollars in 2021. They're expected to reach 40 billion dollars by 202624. This shows the big economic potential of the cannabis industry and its growing impact on culture.
Debunking Myths and Stereotypes
Cannabis is becoming more accepted and legal. It's important to clear up myths and stereotypes about it. These misconceptions come from years of wrong information and fear.
Gateway Drug Theory
Many think cannabis is a "gateway drug" leading to harder substances. But, science doesn't back this up. Most cannabis users don't move to harder drugs. Instead, social and personal factors are more important.
Cannabis and Mental Health
There's worry about cannabis's effect on mental health. Some studies link heavy use to mental disorders like schizophrenia. But, the link is complex.
Heavy use might worsen mental health or trigger problems. Yet, moderate use is not clearly linked to mental illness. More study is needed.
Addiction and Dependence
Some worry about cannabis's addictive nature. While it can be a problem for some, the risk is lower than with alcohol or tobacco. About 9% of users become dependent, compared to 15% for alcohol and 32% for tobacco25.
It's key to use cannabis responsibly and with awareness. This is true for any substance with misuse potential.
Substance | Dependence Rate |
Cannabis | 9% |
Alcohol | 15% |
Tobacco | 32% |
As we learn more about cannabis, we should keep an open mind. We should rely on science, not myths. This way, we can make policies that help everyone while using cannabis's benefits.
Global Perspectives on Cannabis
Cannabis has caught the world's attention, with countries facing its social, economic, and health impacts. Laws and views on cannabis vary widely, showing different cultures, histories, and politics.
Varying Laws and Attitudes
In places like the Netherlands and Canada, cannabis laws are more relaxed. The Netherlands allows coffee shops to sell small amounts for personal use. Canada made history in 2018 by legalizing cannabis for fun use.
But, many countries still ban cannabis. In Asia and the Middle East, using or having cannabis can lead to harsh penalties, even death. These strict rules reflect deep cultural and religious views on cannabis.
The African cannabis market is expected to hit $7.1 billion by 202326. South Africa's cannabis industry could grow a lot, reaching $936 million in 2024, maybe doubling to $1.9 billion26.
International Trends and Developments
There's a shift towards changing cannabis laws worldwide. Many countries are thinking about decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for medical and fun use.
In 2021, Malta became the first EU country to let people use cannabis for fun. Luxembourg followed in 202327. Germany, the biggest EU country, now lets adults have 25 grams of dried cannabis and grow three plants at home27. It's also planning "cannabis clubs" where members can get up to 50 grams of cannabis per month starting July 127.
International drug control treaties have shaped cannabis policies. But, there's a growing need for policies that focus on health, rights, and fairness.
As more countries look at changing their cannabis laws, talking and working together is key. They'll face challenges like regulating across borders, health messages, and fair cannabis industries.
Country | Cannabis Policy |
Netherlands | Tolerant policy, coffee shops openly sell small amounts for personal use |
Canada | Legalized recreational cannabis in 2018 |
Uruguay | First country to legalize recreational cannabis in 2013 |
Malta | First EU country to legalize recreational cannabis in 2021 |
Luxembourg | Legalized recreational cannabis in 2023 |
Germany | Legalized recreational cannabis, allowing possession of 25g and home cultivation of 3 plants |
The world's cannabis scene is changing fast. No single solution fits all. Countries must consider their own needs and learn from others. By focusing on health and fairness, we can make cannabis laws better for everyone.
Conclusion
The history of cannabis is both complex and fascinating. It spans thousands of years and has touched cultures worldwide. From ancient Asia to the 20th century's prohibition, cannabis has shaped human society. It has been used for spiritual, medicinal, and practical needs.
Today, as laws change, we must understand cannabis's past. We should focus on policies that help public health, justice, and the economy28. The cannabis industry is growing, offering materials and a sustainable resource in hemp28. New technologies and circular economy ideas are making the industry greener28.
By learning from history and embracing new ideas, we can unlock cannabis's full potential. Legalization, research, and social justice are key to a brighter future. As we explore cannabis's history, we see a resilient plant ready to shape our modern world.
FAQ
What are the origins of cannabis?
Cannabis is thought to have started in Central or South Asia. It was first used about 12,000 years ago. People in East Asia first domesticated it, seeing its value in fibers.
How was cannabis used in ancient cultures?
Ancient cultures used cannabis for spiritual and medicinal reasons. It was also used to make textiles and paper. In many religions, it was considered sacred, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
When did cannabis prohibition begin?
Cannabis prohibition started in the early 1900s. Countries began to limit its use and growing. In the U.S., the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 made it illegal. The "War on Drugs" in the 1970s made it even harder to use.
What role did the counterculture movement play in the history of cannabis?
The 1960s and 1970s counterculture movement saw cannabis as a symbol of peace and rebellion. This changed how people viewed cannabis, linking it to alternative lifestyles.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system is a complex system in our bodies. It helps control pain, mood, appetite, and more. The discovery of this system in the 1990s helped us understand how cannabinoids work.
What are the potential economic benefits of cannabis legalization?
Legalizing cannabis has opened up new economic opportunities. The global market for legal cannabis is expected to grow. It has created jobs in many areas, including cultivation and retail. Hemp, a type of cannabis, is also being used for sustainable products.
How has cannabis prohibition impacted social justice?
Cannabis prohibition has hurt marginalized communities, especially people of color. In the U.S., Black and Latino people have been arrested and jailed more for cannabis crimes. This is despite similar use rates across races.
Is cannabis a gateway drug?
The idea that cannabis leads to harder drugs is a myth. Studies show most cannabis users don't move to other drugs. Social and environmental factors are more important in drug use.
How do global attitudes and laws regarding cannabis vary?
Views and laws on cannabis differ worldwide. Some places, like the Netherlands and Canada, are more open. Others, especially in Asia and the Middle East, are strict. International treaties have shaped policies, but reform is growing.
Timeline History of Hemp
10000 - 8000 BC
The first-ever pieces of evidence of hemp are found in Asia after which it was discovered in Europe, Africa, and South America, along with hemp seeds and oil used for pottery and food.
Imagine traveling back in time, over 10,000 years ago in Northern China, where ancient civilizations first cultivated the versatile hemp plant. It's fascinating to think that even then, people recognized its potential, using it for fiber to craft clothing, rope, and even paper. Millennia later, the legendary Emperor Shén Nóng, also known as the Divine Farmer, delved into the world of plants and their healing properties, possibly stumbling upon the medicinal wonders of cannabis around two millennia BC.
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2000 BC-800 BC
Bhang is one of the five sacred plants of India mentioned in the Hindu sacred text Atharva Veda as “Sacred Grass”.
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600-200 BC
The use of hemp continues across northern Europe, as ropes made with hemp were found in southern Russia and Greece along with hemp seeds and leaves found in Germany.
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100 BC
China has started using hemp to make paper.
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1533
The King of England, King Henry VII prioritized hemp by making it mandatory for farmers to grow it by imposing fine on them.
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1534
A botanist & doctor, Garcia de Orta wrote about the uses of cannabis in his early work Colloquies on the Simples and Drugs and Medicinal Matters of India and of a Few Fruits. Garcia noted that bhang was used to improve work and appetite and was generally used by a lot of people.
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1606
By this time, North America had already discovered that hemp was a key ingredient to make clothes, shoes, ropes, paper, and food.
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1700
Many of America’s founding fathers started advocating the benefits of the plant and made it mandatory for American farmers to grow hemp as a staple crop by law
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1776
Several believe Thomas Jefferson wrote the draft of the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.
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1798
The British Parliament began imposing a tax on bhang, ganja, and charas stating that the tax was proposed to reduce cannabis consumption "for the sake of the locals' good health and sanity"
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1840
By this time, hemp seed oil was being used as a fuel for household lamps and it is said to believe Abraham Lincoln used hemp seed oil to fuel his household lamps.
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1894
The British Indian government completed "The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report" a wide-ranging Indo-British study of cannabis usage in India. The Commission report produced was at least 3,281 pages long, with testimony from almost 1,200 "doctors, coolies, yogis, fakirs, heads of lunatic asylums, bhang peasants, tax-gatherers, smugglers, army officers, hemp dealers, ganja palace operators, and the clergy."
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1916
United States Department of Agriculture publishes findings that reveal, Hemp produces 4 times more paper per acre than trees.
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Early 1900’s
Hemp becomes an excuse to search and deport Mexican immigrants. As a result, the word “marijuana” replaced “cannabis” as a way to directly associate the plant with the Mexican population.
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1929
The first commissioner of the United State’s Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry Anslinger, who was previously on record stating that cannabis use was “not a big deal,” changes his position when the ban on alcohol is lifted and tells the public that cannabis is a “devil drug” that “turned men into wild beasts that would attack women.” Anslinger contacts thirty scientists requesting evidence that cannabis is dangerous, and twenty-nine say they can’t find any valid proof. Only one expert agrees with him.
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1937
Many prominent American businessmen, including Anslinger, decide that cannabis, with no distinction between marijuana and hemp, poses a threat to their businesses. Anslinger joins forces with William Randolph Hearst, Andrew Mellon, and the DuPont family to draft the Marihuana Tax Act to make cannabis illegal.
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1942
The U.S government realized they need hemp for the war effort and the United States reverses its stance on hemp, encouraging its production.
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1942
Henry Ford builds an experimental car body made from hemp fiber, which is ten times stronger than steel.
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1942-1945
The U.S. government releases a pro-hemp documentary called Hemp for Victory, encouraging farmers to grow hemp to support the war.
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1970
The United States returns to its original anti-hemp position and bans hemp with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, classifying marijuana, with no distinction from hemp, as a Schedule 1 drug and grouping the plant with heroin and LSD. As mandatory compliance many countries including India ended up doing the same, preventing any research and production.
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1985
The U.S. Government approves a synthetic form of cannabis for the pharmaceutical industry. Marinol, made with a synthetic form of THC, is approved by the government as a legal drug to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia patients.
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2007
The first hemp licenses in over 50 years are granted to two farmers in North Dakota.
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2014
President Barak Obama signs the Farm Bill into law, allowing research institutions to start piloting hemp farming programs. The Farm Bill legally separates hemp from marijuana and legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes, defining industrial hemp as cannabis Sativa L. plants 0.3 percent concentration of THC or less(the psychoactive cannabinoid).
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2015
The Great Legalisation Movement India founded by Viki Vaurora, took first organized efforts to re-legalize cannabis in India by holding medical marijuana conferences in Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi.
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2015
Lok Sabha MP Dhenkanal Tathagata Satpathy said on a Reddit AMA(Ask Me Anything) that he supported the legalization of cannabis, and also admitted to having consumed the drug on several occasions when he was in college.
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2 November 2016
Lok Sabha MP Dharamvir Gandhi proclaimed about receiving clearance from Parliament to table a Private Member's Bill seeking to amend the NDPS Act to allow a medically supervised supply of "non-synthetic" intoxicants including cannabis and opium.
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July 2017
Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi suggested the legalization of medical marijuana because it would reduce drug abuse and aid cancer patients.
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July 2017
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) received the first-ever license to grow cannabis, in collaboration with the Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO) for research purposes in India.
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12 December 2017
Viki Vaurora, the founder of the Great Legalization Movement India, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all members of Parliament signifying the importance of cannabis and the need to legalize the cultivation of cannabis and hemp for medical and industrial use.
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February 2018
The Prime Minister's Office sent a letter to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guiding the ministry to examine the potential benefits associated with cannabis and issue a response to the letter.
5 June 2018
Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor wrote an opinion article expressing his support for the legalization of cannabis and concluding that it was "high time for India to embrace the health, business, and broader societal benefits that legally regulating cannabis can bring".
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July 2019
The Delhi High Court agreed to hear a petition, filed by the Great Legalization Movement Trust, challenging the ban on cannabis. The public interest litigation argues that grouping cannabis with other chemical drugs under the NDPS Act is "arbitrary, unscientific and unreasonable".
“I don’t think [pot] is more dangerous than alcohol.” – Barack Obama / 44th U.S. President
Source Links
Highlights in the History of Cannabis - https://academic.oup.com/book/8984/chapter/155329913
Cannabis (drug) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_(drug)
Cannabis sativa: origin and history, glandular trichome development, and cannabinoid biosynthesis - https://academic.oup.com/hr/article/10/9/uhad150/7231120
Understanding Cannabis sativa L.: Current Status of Propagation, Use, Legalization, and Haploid-Inducer-Mediated Genetic Engineering - https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/9/1236
Cannabis sativa: origin and history, glandular trichome development, and cannabinoid biosynthesis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10485653/
Grassroots revolution: The road to legal cannabis - https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/grassroots-revolution-the-road-to-legal-cannabis/articleshow/108893170.cms
History of cannabis in Italy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cannabis_in_Italy
Doctoring the Body and Exciting the Soul: Drugs and consumer culture in medieval and early modern Iran | Modern Asian Studies | Cambridge Core - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-asian-studies/article/doctoring-the-body-and-exciting-the-soul-drugs-and-consumer-culture-in-medieval-and-early-modern-iran/E9450F2B255A84EA772D80C2B0C9DDD2
Tapping into Green Gold: Why Tanzania Should Embrace Marijuana as an Export Crop and Reform Cannabis Laws in Light of WHO's Recommendations - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tapping-green-gold-why-tanzania-should-embrace-export-massinde
The green gold rush - https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/the-green-gold-rush/275928
Cannabis culture - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_culture
Personal care product makers follow the green gold rush of cannabis - https://cen.acs.org/business/consumer-products/Personal-care-product-makers-follow/97/i18
Saturated Cannabinoids: Update on Synthesis Strategies and Biological Studies of These Emerging Cannabinoid Analogs - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10490552/
Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Hard Evidence at Last? - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5767492/
Thailand Ponders Promise of Legalized Pot - Green Gold or Fool’s Gold? - https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-ponders-promise-of-legalized-pot---green-gold-or-fool-s-gold-/6653584.html
How Himachal plans to turn a grass into gold - https://m.economictimes.com/industry/cons-products/tobacco/how-himachal-plans-to-turn-grass-into-a-gold/articleshow/104104335.cms
Green Gold Rush: The debate over recreational marijuana in Oklahoma - https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/green-gold-rush-the-debate-over-recreational-marijuana-in-oklahoma
Green Gold in Peril: Navigating the Future of Cannabis Amid Regulatory Challenges eBook : Radio, Cannabis: Amazon.in: Kindle Store - https://www.amazon.in/Green-Gold-Peril-Navigating-Regulatory-ebook/dp/B0DDZG8N8L
Climate and the green gold: A look at Jamaica’s cannabis industry - Climate Tracker - https://climatetrackercaribbean.org/climate-justice/climate-and-the-green-gold-a-look-at-jamaicas-cannabis-industry/
Greening the Green Rush: How Addressing the Environmental Impact of Cannabis Can Enhance Social Equity and Remediate the Harms of the War on Drugs - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4519142
Green Gold Rush - https://www.chronogram.com/river-newsroom/green-gold-rush-18194413
Green Gold: Invest in Cannabis - https://getbux.com/blog/green-gold-invest-in-cannabis/
A cannabis empire that caused chaos on Native land - https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p09k763l/a-cannabis-empire-that-caused-chaos-on-native-land
Cannabis legalization: A drug as a lifestyle trend and economic booster? - https://www.ispo.com/en/health/cannabis-legalisation-a-drug-as-lifestyle-trend-and-economy-booster
List of common misconceptions - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_misconceptions
South Africa’s green gold - https://www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/news/publications/2021/Corporate/agriculture-aquaculture-and-fishing-sector-alert-26-february-south-africas-green-gold.html
Germany gives controversial green light to cannabis - https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/germany-gives-controversial-green-light-to-cannabis/article68017098.ece
Sustaining Earth's Green Gold: A Perspective on Forest Products Production - INFLOR® - https://inflor.com/blog/sustaining-earths-green-gold-a-perspective-on-forest-products-production/
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