The journey of cannabis from a taboo drug to a medicine and recreational substance is the result of changing public perceptions and evolving marijuana laws. The history of cannabis and its legalization reveals the many facets of this complex plant, from its historical use as hemp and its prohibition in the 20th century, to the decriminalization and legalization of both medical marijuana and recreational use in more recent times.
Cannabis has been used for various purposes throughout human history. The plant’s fibers were used in the production of hemp clothing and textiles in ancient China and Mesopotamia. In addition, cannabis has been used for its psychoactive properties and as a medicine in various cultures. The first recorded use of cannabis as a medicinal drug occurred in China in 2737 BCE (National Geographic) , while evidence of its recreational use dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman periods.
However, the 19th and 20th centuries saw the growth of the prohibition and criminalization of cannabis. This was primarily driven by prejudiced attitudes towards the cultures that used the plant and fears about its psychoactive effects. In the United States, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively outlawed the cultivation, possession, and sale of marijuana, leading to a nationwide crackdown on cannabis culture (History.com) . The 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs further solidified cannabis’s illegal status on an international scale.
In more recent years, there has been a push for cannabis decriminalization and legalization, driven by changing societal views and a growing awareness of the drug’s potential medical benefits. Public opinion on marijuana laws began to shift in the 1970s and 1980s, with some states decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The 1990s saw the first major breakthrough in cannabis legalization, with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 in California, which allowed for the use of medical marijuana for certain conditions.
Medical marijuana has now been legalized in 36 states and the District of Columbia, while recreational use is legal in 18 states, Guam, and the District of Columbia as of June 2021 (DISA.com) . These shifts in marijuana laws have been driven by growing evidence about the medical applications of the drug, such as treating chronic pain, nausea, and epilepsy, as well as growing public support for legalization. Moreover, proponents argue that decriminalization and legalization can address social justice concerns related to the enforcement of cannabis laws, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Cannabis-related industries have similarly expanded in recent years. The use of hemp for industrial purposes has grown significantly, following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the list of controlled substances (CNN) . This has allowed for increased cultivation and use of hemp in manufacturing textiles, paper, construction materials, and other eco-friendly products.
The cannabis culture has also evolved over time. Once associated with criminality and countercultural movements, cannabis use is now becoming more mainstream, with marijuana businesses presenting themselves as professional and responsible market players. Furthermore, various 420 events and cannabis-focused museums showcase not only the plant’s history and culture but also contribute to growing awareness and acceptance of cannabis in different countries.
Despite these advancements, the legal status of cannabis remains fraught. Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, and its use remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. Moreover, prohibitions on cannabis exist in many countries, and international drug conventions continue to classify cannabis as a dangerous drug alongside opioids and other substances.
The journey of cannabis from its origins as hemp and its use in various cultures, through the era of prohibition and the stigmatization of cannabis culture, to the present-day push for decriminalization, legalization, and social justice, reflects the multifaceted history of this complex plant. As public attitudes and marijuana laws continue to evolve, so too will the global cannabis landscape.
