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What is the History of Cannabis?

Michael Anissimov
By
Updated Jan 24, 2024
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Cannabis, also known as hemp or marijuana, has been used by humans for fiber, medicine, and as a psychoactive for at least 4,500 years. Its biological name is Cannabis sativa, with a subspecies, Cannabis sativa indica, used most often for recreational or medicinal purposes. The earliest milestone in the history of cannabis are charred cannabis seeds dated to 2500 BCE found on a ritual brazier in Romania. In 2008, nearly two pounds of cannabis was found buried in the tomb of a Gushi shaman who lived about 700 BCE in the Gobi Desert, northern China. Genetic analysis of the plants found they were cultivated rather than from the wild.

The most famous early users in the history of cannabis were the Hindus of India and Nepal. Soma, a drug mentioned in early Hindu texts as an intoxicating hallucinogen, may have been a reference to cannabis. Spreading with the Indo-Aryan culture from India outwards, cannabis was introduced to the Assyrians (Iraq/Syria), Scythians (Eurasian steppe), and Thracians/Dacians (Greece and the Balkans) in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. The shamans of the latter culture were called kapnobatai — "those who walk on smoke/clouds." They used burning cannabis flowers to induce a state of trance. This practice is believed to have been inherited by Greek oracles and worshippers, including members of the cult of Dionysus.

Early users in the history of cannabis would have also been attracted to the plant by its positive medical properties, including the alleviation of pain, nausea, depression, and as an agent for encouraging the appetite. Modern science has uncovered additional benefits from cannabis, including the inhibition of cancer cell growth and the reduction of memory impairment in the elderly. On the negative side, cannabis use has been found to correlate with anxiety, but there is debate as to whether its role is causative or merely correlative. There are harmful chemicals in marijuana smoke, so patients consuming the drug for medical purposes often do so orally or by using a vaporizer.

After cannabis was used freely for thousands of years, a major change in the history of cannabis came in the early 20th century, when prohibitionists in the United States succeeded in getting the government to criminalize the drug, beginning with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This was followed up by subsequent legislation in 1951 and 1971 (the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1971). The leading figure in the criminalization of cannabis was conservative Harry Jacob Anslinger, who linked the drug to moral decline and even spontaneous murder.

From the 1970s to the present, the legality of cannabis has been a contentious issue between those arguing for the repeal of prohibition and those who wish to uphold it. Medical marijuana is allowed in several US states, in defiance of federal anti-marijuana laws. Extensive debates are ongoing at the state and federal levels.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov , Writer
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.

Discussion Comments

By anon268108 — On May 12, 2012

To Glasshouse and Babalaas: This article is not entitled "What is the History of Cannabis in America." It is "What is the History of Cannabis."

By Babalaas — On Jun 06, 2010

The author left out the history of cannabis in the U.S. from colonial times until the 20th century. Cannabis and hemp were mandatory crops in most of the colonies; mostly for their medicinal and industrial uses. President George Washington also imposed trade duties on cannabis to help spur domestic production and support an American industry. Thomas Jefferson even encouraged farmers to grow cannabis. There were also hundreds of scholarly reports on the health benefits of cannabis by doctors and psychiatrists worldwide. The drug was accepted for treatment by the American Medical Association; who by the way formally objected to Anslinger’s claims about Cannabis, and the subsequent passage of the Marijuana Tax Act. About 100 years ago, the USDA even called for the expansion of cannabis farming to replace the role of timber, a somewhat finite resource, in certain industries.

By Glasshouse — On Jun 06, 2010

I am surprised that this article completely omitted the history of cannabis from the early 20th century. The article gave no details about the antics of Harry J Anslinger and his use of 'marihuana' as a tool to promote racial inequality and influence political ideology. Anslinger used his rhetoric to persuade the country that cannabis was an evil that was minorities used to lure white women to their satanic ways (Anslingers direct quotes are probably inappropriate for this post as well as politically incorrect for the times). He also associated cannabis with communism and pacifism. He even popularized the use of the word marihuana; giving the medicinal and industrial plant an ethnic connotation. The tax act was responsible for killing the flourishing hemp industry in this country. Henry ford hoped that hemp seed oil would become a replacement for petroleum based plastics and fuels. Popular Mechanics even ran an issue proclaiming that hemp was the "New Billion-Dollar Crop".

Michael Anissimov

Michael Anissimov

Writer

Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology,...
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