What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that has been used by humans for thousands of years for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes.

Researchers report that the first documented use of cannabis was 10,000 years ago, calling it “one of the most ancient plant species used by humans for many purposes.”

Modern medicinal use of cannabis has been documented for centuries in various countries, including China, India, and the U.S. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, seizures, and anxiety. 

In addition to medicinal use, the cannabis plant – including its subspecies hemp – provides fiber, nutritious seeds and oil, and is a sustainable raw material for the production of rope, textiles, building materials, and paper.

Although for several decades the plant was commonly referred to as “marijuana,” in recent years common naming has shifted back toward “cannabis” in recognition of the scientific Latin name, Cannabis sativa L. 

In fact, the word “marihuana” or “marijuana” was introduced by politicians and media in the early 20th century as part of an intentionally racist political movement to influence the public against the plant.

“This disparity between ‘cannabis’ mentions pre-1900 and ‘marihuana’ references post-1900 is wildly jarring. It's almost as though the papers are describing two different drugs,” NPR reported.

While “medical marijuana” may seem like a newer movement, in fact it is a re-establishment of a long precedent of therapeutic use of the plant. 

In 1851, Cannabis was added to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), an official publication containing a list of medicinal drugs with their effects and directions for their use. The USP listed Cannabis flowers as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, and hypnotic.

Cannabis preparations were commonly prescribed and found in U.S. pharmacies for many years, and in the late 1800’s the use of Cannabis in medicine and research continued to increase. 

However, the “anti-marijuana” campaign of the early 1900s led to the “Marijuana Tax Act” in 1937, and the removal of Cannabis from the U.S. Pharmacopeia by the American Medical Association in 1941.

Increasing criminalization efforts led to years of suffering as tens of thousands of people were swept up in the “War on Drugs.”

Data shows that cannabis arrests in the U.S. continue to be racially disproportionate, adding even more injustice on top of Cannabis Prohibition itself.

In more recent years, cannabis has regained its legal status in many places through a determined movement of activism to restore access to this therapeutic plant. 

A growing body of scientific research supports the use of cannabis for medical purposes. 

A landmark 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found “conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective” for several conditions, including chronic pain.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that “Research on cannabis or cannabinoids for other conditions is in its early stages” – however, the number of studies is expanding at a rapid pace. 

While beneficial to many, cannabis is not the appropriate remedy for every condition and every person. 

Preliminary research may indicate that some people have genetic sensitivities to the plant, and it may negatively impact people who are predisposed to or have a history of mental health disorders.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is best to consult a licensed health practitioner about any symptoms or conditions you have and to discuss the use of herbal supplements.