Cannabis: A review of its history and controversies

Marijuana or cannabis and humans become talks of the town every now and then. The history of Cannabis is long so let’s take time to talk about it in detail.

The cannabis plant was first grown around 500 BC in central Asia. Experts have found burned cannabis seeds in graves in China and Siberia, dating back to 500 BC. According to estimates, the hemp plant then evolved in Africa and Europe. Hence, the cultivation of cannabis moved to America, where people first used it to make clothes, paper, ropes, and sails. Later on, many people also consumed it as food. During its initial years, the intention of cannabis production was not to get high.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, cannabis popularity grew manifold, leading to its production for commercial purposes across American states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia. According to research, cannabis cultivated however had an extremely low level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during that period, the chemical that causes high among people. Evidence suggests that people later started experimenting with cannabis plants to produce marijuana with higher THC levels. As a result, using them for health purposes and religious ceremonies. But, various racial and political factors played a big role in criminalizing cannabis in the 20th century.

Discovery of cannabis as a healer medicine

The first commercial use of cannabis as a healer medicine can be traced back to the 18th century when Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor who was studying in India, found that cannabis can treat patients suffering from stomach pain and cholera. The history of cannabis as a cure for these two diseases received widespread publicity across Europe and the United States. Once researchers realized the main source of medicinal properties in marijuana, cannabis then became the primary element to treat various other ailments too. Scientists found that THC has several mind-altering properties, which affects brain areas and leads to relief from various types of pains.

As more people used, they also consumed cannabis to get high by vape produced by burning seeds and flowers. The rise of the Islamic religion across the Middle East also led to its immense popularity. The Islamic religion prohibited the use of alcohol but did not specifically talk about cannabis. This led to the discovery of hashish, a purified form of weed smoked by using a pipe. By around 800 AD, the use of Hashish to get high became prevalent.

Criminalization of marijuana

Cannabis became a popular drug for recreational purposes in the 1900s. According to history, cannabis was first introduced as recreational medicine in the United States by Mexican immigrants. The Mexican Revolution led to its immense popularity. But, its popularity dwindled soon during the Great Depression in the 1930s, when massive unemployment led to fear among the masses that it’s an “evil drug.” 

Politics and racial factors forced authorities in 29 states of the United States to ban cannabis, thereby dealing a massive blow to its proponents. This led to the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937. The law criminalized marijuana throughout the United States. Under that law, cannabis can be used for industrial purposes only. And, anyone selling or possessing cannabis had to pay heavy sales tax. People flouting the norms suffered from several years of imprisonment, depending upon the quantity of cannabis seized from their possession. This history was another trendsetter for Cannabis among the news channels.

What led to the legalization of marijuana?

In 1970, US President Richard Nixon brought into force the Controlled Substances Act, which repealed the Marijuana Tax Act. Under the new act, cannabis was listed among highly contagious drugs like ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. The new law stated that cannabis possessed no medical properties and was being misused for substance abuse. In 1972, a report by the National Commission of Marijuana and Drug Abuse released a report concluding that the US government should impose lower penalties on marijuana use, but the report fell on deaf ears. 

The US state of California was the first state to pave the way for legalizing marijuana after over 25 years in 1996. The new law introduced by the state allowed the medical use of cannabis to treat severe chronic illnesses. This led to a wave of states, including Washington DC and 29 others, legalizing marijuana for limited medical purposes. As the awareness regarding the medical benefits of medical marijuana increased, states opened up to its recreational use. Now 11 states allow marijuana consumption for recreational purposes. These states are Oregon, Michigan, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Vermont, Alaska, California, Colorado, and Washington DC. Many other states have decriminalized it, and many now allow its use for medical purposes.

What are the side-effects of marijuana?

Marijuana has been a controversial plant of the 20th century. A number of people across the world want governments to legalize it due to its medicinal properties. Critics, however, have raised doubts saying the full legalization could lead to widespread misuse. They cite the side-effects of marijuana overuse as the reason to keep it under control.

If you are too much into marijuana, you may experience heightened euphoria and sensory issues. Many people also experience increased appetite, anxiety and go into a state of panic. Medical experts suggest the balanced use of marijuana possesses many health benefits, but its abuse can be extremely potent. Apart from smoking and vaping, people consume marijuana in a host of ways, including food ingredients, gummies, tea sachets, and oil. 

• Each different method can have a unique effect on our body and mind. Marijuana affects our respiratory, circulatory, central nervous systems, and digestive and immune systems. Too much smoking can lead to wheeze, phlegm, cough, and can cause lung infection and bronchitis. It may also increase the risks of heart attack if you have any heart disease. The longer use of marijuana can affect the thinking process and damage the liver. In essence, it can be said that marijuana abuse can have serious health implications but controlled and balanced use can also cure several ailments affecting your body. 
• The other factor that determines marijuana’s potency is its THC level. As per some estimates, the THC level in marijuana has increased dramatically in recent years, from roughly 4 percent in the 1990s to over 37 percent now. This has increased the chances of people getting addicted to highly potent marijuana, which can have serious health consequences.