The Ever-Changing History of Cannabis in America: From Sacred Plant to Legalized Industry
Throughout the decades, cannabis has held the reputation of a miracle plant, a dangerous drug, and just about everything in between. Today, cannabis is legal for medical treatment in 38 states and is legal for adults to use recreationally in 21 states. However, that certainly hasn’t always been the case. Let’s take a look at the highlights of the history of cannabis in America.
Native Americans have been using cannabis for thousands of years, primarily for medicinal purposes and in religious and social ceremonies. They viewed cannabis as a sacred plant that could bring about balance and harmony, using it in pipe ceremonies to connect with the spirit world.
In the 17th century, cannabis was introduced to the American colonies, where it was primarily grown for its fiber. Hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains little to no THC, was crafted into rope, cloth, paper, and other products. Hemp became an important cash crop for American farmers and continued to be grown throughout the 19th century.
It’s interesting to note that in the past, there was no distinction made between hemp and cannabis. The term cannabis was not used to refer to the hemp plant in the US until approximately 1753. Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison were known to have grown hemp on their farms and recognized its medicinal properties.
In the early 20th century, cannabis was still legal in the United States. However, in the 1930s, it became stigmatized and criminalized, largely due to the efforts of Harry J. Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Anslinger spread fear and misinformation about cannabis, labeling it as a dangerous drug that would lead to violence and insanity. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized cannabis at the federal level.
During the 1960s, scientists began studying cannabis and discovered its psychoactive compound, THC, as well as other medicinal compounds such as CBD, CBN, and CBG. This led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which interacts with cannabinoids. Research on the potential benefits of cannabis for various conditions began to grow.
In the 1990s, recreational cannabis use became more mainstream, and states started to legalize medical cannabis. California was the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996, and since then, many more states have followed suit.
In the 21st century, attitudes toward cannabis began to shift even more. Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, paving the way for others. The pharmaceutical industry also recognized the potential medicinal properties of cannabis and the FDA approved the first cannabis-derived drug, Epidiolex, in 2018.
Today, cannabis is a booming industry in America. It is being harvested from coast to coast, with California being the largest producer. The North American legal cannabis market size was valued at $15.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
With the legalization of cannabis in many states, innovative products are emerging. Cannabis-infused gummy candy and cannabis-infused honey are just a few examples of the creative ways cannabis is being blended with other ingredients.
Certainly, the history of cannabis in America is complex, but with the recent legalization and growing body of research, attitudes are changing. The stigma surrounding cannabis is slowly dissipating, and its potential benefits are being recognized. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what new innovations and products emerge within the cannabis market.
