In this episode, we begin to discuss the complicated history of cannabis.
I will share the findings of cannabis from 10,000 years ago through the era of cannabis as medicine and then to the criminalization and demonization of the drug.
We begin by looking at the ancient history of cannabis, the era of cannabis as medicine (1800s-1930s) when the U.S. Pharmacopeia had over 2000 cannabis preparations they could prescribe or patients could access. We look at hemp as an important player in our economy and how financial controls play a role in ultimately the criminalization of cannabis.
Lastly but most importantly both episodes share the impact that cannabis criminalization has had on already marginalized communities and the incarceration rates of African Americans, Hispanics, and other POC communities. We look at the divisive and racist propaganda, incarcerations and financial impact that cannabis and the legal systems have used to keep these communities in the margins.
Cannabis at the time of this recording a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level and not considered for medical use. This level of restriction has made it difficult to continue the research necessary to create greater gains in cannabis medicine. However, we continue to champion on and the government begins to take note of the ever-changing green rush.
In this episode, we talk about the first ancient findings of cannabis as medicine and take a look at the history of cannabis from 10,200 years ago up to 1980. (Episode 4 will take a look at the years 1980-2019)
- Cannabis as medicine
- Reefer Madness Campaign
- Marijuana Tax Act
- Criminalization of cannabis for non-violent offenses
- Historical data, research, and findings showing cannabis as safe all ignored
