Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has a long and complex history that spans thousands of years. For much of this history, the plant was widely used for medicinal and spiritual purposes, but in the past century, it has become increasingly politicized and controversial. In this article, we’ll explore the history of cannabis and its evolution to legalization.

Early Use of Cannabis

The use of cannabis dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use found in ancient Chinese texts and artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization. For much of this early history, cannabis was used primarily for medicinal and spiritual purposes. It was used to treat various ailments, from pain and inflammation to epilepsy and anxiety. In some cultures, it was also used as a spiritual aid, helping to facilitate communication with the divine.

Prohibition and the War on Drugs

In the 20th century, attitudes toward cannabis began to shift. In the United States, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized cannabis use, and in the decades that followed, cannabis was increasingly viewed as a dangerous drug that posed a threat to society. The so-called “War on Drugs,” which began in the 1970s, further intensified this perception, leading to harsh penalties for drug offenses and contributing to the growth of the prison industrial complex.

Medical Marijuana and the Move Towards Legalization

Despite this intense stigma, cannabis continued to be used for medicinal purposes, and in the 1990s, advocates began to push for the legalization of medical marijuana. California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and in the years that followed, many other states followed suit. This growing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate medicine paved the way for broader legalization efforts.

In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, and since then, several other states have followed suit. Today, cannabis is legal for medical use in 37 states and for recreational use in 21 states, 2 territories, and the District of Columbia. While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, many experts believe that federal legalization is becoming increasingly likely in the coming years.

The history of cannabis is a complex and often contentious one, marked by periods of widespread use and acceptance as well as periods of intense prohibition and stigma. Today, however, attitudes towards cannabis are evolving, with an increasing number of states legalizing the plant for medical and recreational use. While there is still much work to be done to address the harms of the War on Drugs and ensure that all individuals have access to safe, legal cannabis, the growing acceptance of the plant is a promising sign of change.