What is the history of cannabis?
Cannabis has been around in the wild for centuries. The first reference to marijuana comes from China, where in 2737 B.C. Emperor Shen Nung mentions its promise as medicine. Many cultures have developed deep relationships with this plant over a long period of time. Although the US is a relatively new nation, cannabis has been part of nation from the beginning. We have a complicated history with marijuana filled with love then hate then love again….
Why is marijuana still illegal in many parts of the USA
The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 dealt recreational and medical cannabis (and hemp) a death blow, effectively stopping production by putting penalties in place for users and growers. Like so many ill-advised policies, this one started with cultural misunderstanding and racism. Beginning in 1910, there was a huge influx of Mexican immigrants looking for work or fleeing political violence during and after the Mexican Revolution. Along with their language, customs, and traditions they also used marijuana after a day’s work for medicine and relaxation. Even though cannabis was present in many American medicines at the time, “marijuana” –a new, foreign, dangerous word and product- alarmed many.
How does cannabis work?
The hundreds of chemical compounds in cannabis are known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the organic compounds that are found in the cannabis plant such as THC, CBD, Terpenes and Flavonoids. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD adhere to your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is like a network of receptors that run throughout your body. When THC and CBD interact with the ECS system, the user gets a "high" (from THC) or experiences relaxation and lessening of inflammation (from CBD). So that is why CBD is so popular. It battles inflammation naturally and the user does not get high. And THC is popular because some people enjoy the feeling of euphoria or pain relief with very few to no side effects.
Read any news outlet about current health trends and you are likely to read about CBD. Visit your local gas station or coffee shop on the corner and you may see CBD tincture or gummies for sale and you may be able to request a CBD infused latte. CBD, it seems is everywhere. In 2020 alone, sales of CBD products stood at 4.6 billion dollars and by 2026 it is predicted that this market will balloon to 16 billion dollars!