CBD also known as Cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant has had a lot of miseducation over the last 100 years. Here is a brief breakdown of the history of the cannabis plant.
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years, with a rich and complex history that spans cultures, continents, and time periods. From its earliest uses in ancient civilizations to its modern-day legal status and growing acceptance, the history of cannabis is a fascinating and illuminating subject.
The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back to ancient China, where it was used for medicinal purposes as early as 2700 BC. The Chinese also used hemp fiber for clothing, paper, and other materials, and cannabis seeds were used as a food source. From China, cannabis use spread throughout Asia and the Middle East, where it was used for a range of medicinal and recreational purposes.
Cannabis use also spread to Africa, where it was used for spiritual and medicinal purposes by various cultures. The Bantu people of southern Africa used cannabis as a sacrament in their religious ceremonies, while the Yoruba people of Nigeria used it for medicinal purposes.
America & Cannabis
One of the earliest known uses of cannabis in America dates back to the 17th century when it was cultivated by English colonists in Virginia for its fiber. Cannabis was also used for medicinal purposes, with the first recorded medical use of cannabis in America occurring in 1850.
Around this time many Mexican immigrants migrated to America; which is called the Mexican Migration. With them, they bought the trend of rolling cannabis up and smoking it for fun. We call this smoking recreational now.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, cannabis use began to be more widely popularized, particularly among musicians and artists. In the 1930s, however, attitudes towards cannabis began to shift, with concerns about its potential negative effects on society.
Although, negative effects were never proven by studies just terrifying headlines were all over America with one goal: to scare the American people away from the cannabis plant.
A lot of people associate the name William Randolph Hearst and Harry Anslinger with this time frame. William was a newspaper owner that put a lot of investments in the timber industry. Hemp was competition for his timber business so he advertised images and articles spreading false information about the cannabis plant.
Harry Anslinger became the first commissioner of the US Treasury Departments Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930. He has been credited for saying comments like " There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.”
He changed the plant name to marijuana to disassociate the well know medical plant cannabis. He also claimed the plant was something foreign, and it was taking over the United States causing terror in the American people. Together the two men were backed by pharmaceutical companies that were trying to protect their pockets.
By the year 1931, 29 states had voted against the cannabis plant, making it illegal. This led to the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized cannabis in the United States. The act imposed a tax on the sale of cannabis, which effectively made it impossible to sell legally.
The war on drugs intensified this prohibition, with cannabis being classified as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin and cocaine. This classification made it difficult for researchers to study the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and has also led to the disproportionate criminalization of communities of color.
Cannabis Plant & Legalization
In recent years, however, there has been a growing movement to legalize cannabis, with many states legalizing it for medicinal or recreational use. This shift in attitudes towards cannabis has been driven by a growing understanding of its medicinal properties, as well as a recognition of the failure of prohibitionist policies.
The legalization of cannabis has had a significant impact on American society. It has created a new industry, with many companies now producing cannabis products for medicinal and recreational use. It has also led to increased tax revenue for states and has reduced the number of people who are incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses.
As of 2023, 23 states have legalized the recreational adult use of marijuana. Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, D.C., California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Michigan, Vermont, Guam, Illinois, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Missouri. The FDA has also approved hemp being 100% legal in all 50 states as long as there is 0.3 or less THC. We have a blog where we talk more in-depth about the difference between THC and CBD. Read here.
In conclusion, the history of cannabis in America is a complex and multifaceted one. From its early use by Native American tribes to its modern-day legalization, cannabis has played a significant role in American culture and society. By understanding this history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the many uses and benefits of this remarkable plant, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. ceces sells high-quality CBD products.