Cannabis, colloquially known as marijuana, has a past that’s greener than its leaves. It’s been vilified, celebrated, and prescribed; it’s been a spiritual sacrament and a hot-button political issue. Tracing the history of cannabis is an amazing journey that crosses continents and eons, revealing its ancient use, medicinal history, prohibition era strife, and current status.
Around 10,000 years ago, during the advent of agriculture, the cannabis origins can be traced to what is now Mongolia and Siberia. The plant’s durable fibers were used for clothing, food, and as construction material in the form of hemp industry cultivations. But it was revered for more than its practical uses.
The spiritual and medicinal history of cannabis is just as old. In China, emperor Shen Neng prescribed cannabis tea to cure gout, rheumatism and, strangely enough, absent-mindedness as early as 2737 B.C. Medicinal usage was not confined to Asia; ancient Egyptians used it to ease the pain of hemorrhoids, while in India, cannabis was mixed with milk for spiritual and therapeutic practices.
The plant’s psychoactive properties were recognized and celebrated among several ancient societies as well. Those who consumed it experienced euphoria, altered consciousness, and vivid dreams, bolstering its spiritual and cultural significance, while also making it a popular choice for recreational use.
The plant’s reputation, however, began to change with the Western world’s increasing exploration and colonization. In the 19th century, returning European explorers introduced the plant’s recreational and medical use to the West. However, the plant’s psychotropic effects led to an increasing backlash as the perceived moral and societal downfall was often associated with its use.
The backlash intensified in the United States during the Prohibition era. The Great Depression of the 1930s was a time of great societal turmoil, and immigrants faced significant blame. Mexican immigrants who consumed cannabis were unfairly targeted and the plant was vilified as a ‘foreign drug’ that induced violent behavior. This sparked the prohibition era of cannabis and led to draconian policies such as the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.
In the 1960s and 70s, amidst a countercultural revolution, marijuana became symbolic of rebellion against authoritarian structures. It was during this time that the groundwork for legalization movements was laid. These efforts favored decriminalization over harsh penal codes and promoted research into the medicinal benefits of the plant.
The impact of cannabis on American society cannot be overstated. From criminalizing a generation of Black Americans during the War on Drugs to becoming a symbol for the fight against racially biased legal systems, the social impact of the plant is broad and multifaceted.
More recently, public perception and policy regarding cannabis have seen some significant changes. Many states in the US and countries around the world are decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis, recognizing its potential medical benefits, and many hemp industry opportunities.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern debate surrounding cannabis, it’s fascinating to look back on its journey from a spiritual sacrament to a controversial drug and a symbol for social justice. Understanding the history of cannabis sheds light on the complex relationship between societal attitudes, politics, and the use of psychoactive substances. The historical figures who lobbied for or against it had significant influences that can still be seen and felt today.
From ancient cultures who respected its medicinal and spiritual properties to the turbulent periods of prohibition and subsequent legalization movements, the history of cannabis is weaved into the fabric of human civilization and will undoubtedly continue to make history.
