The History Of Marijuana

Though no evidence is available about the evolution of marijuana but its description in traditional Chinese medical references of 2737 B.C. is considered as the oldest documentary proof of its existence on the earth. So, the history of marijuana is supposed to start with the first reference of use of marijuana as a psychoactive agent found in 2737 BC in the writings of Shen Nung, the Chinese emperor. At that time its powers were supposed to be used for medicinal purposes for treating gout, rheumatism, absent mindedness and malaria etc. In those writings it was mentioned for its intoxicating features along with its medicinal properties which made if more famous among common people. Later on it was used in India and various other Muslim countries for recreational purposes as their religion has banned the use of alcohol. After its increasing popularity in Persia and North Africa in 12th century AD people introduced it in the form of hashish.

By 500 A.D. its use is supposed to spread from China to Europe through India and North Africa. In 1545 it was introduced to the new world of Spain whereas it was introduced to English Jamestown in 1611 from where it developed as a major source of fibrous crop alongside tobacco which had commercial value. Later on in 19th century the fibrous element of marijuana plant, which was considered as the cash crop, was replaced by cotton in southern states. However its use in some patent medicines also continued in this era but its use was very low than other similar products like cocaine and opium.

In 1920s, marijuana again started gaining popularity due to its restricted use for recreational purposes in various countries. It was mainly used by people in show business like jazz musicians. In most of the major cities marijuana clubs popped up during this period because it was not considered illegal by then.

Since 850 until 1942 marijuana was used as intoxicating herb as well as a prescription drug for various health conditions including nausea, labor pain and rheumatism in the US. But in 1930 the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics conducted a campaign to present marijuana as a powerful substance that can lead to narcotic addiction. Between 1950s and 1960s it was used by hippies and college students to show their revolt against superiors.

In 1970, it was classified as a Schedule I drug along with LSD and heroin due to its non-acceptance for medical use and high abuse potential. Before 1975 Mexico was considered as the main producer of marijuana but due to its toxic side effects Mexican government sprayed herbicides on its crops to eradicate its production. After Mexico Columbia became the main supplier of marijuana but due to its increasing smuggling from southern borders, the administrators of that time passed strict laws against the possession of this drug in United States.

In 1980s, due to initiation of War on Drugs and increasing attention of Drug Enforcement Administration on marijuana farms in US, its plants were grown in small size high yield indoor farms. In 1990s, on one hand it again became popular among youngsters for smoking and on the other hand researches proved its importance in various medical fields.

Since 1990 till today the production and usage of medical marijuana has been legalized in many US States for medicinal purposes after various researches and studies.