A Brief History Of Medical Cannabis
It’s a natural healing-gift from Mother Nature.
This short video gives a brief history of medical cannabis.
Unveiling the Medicinal History of Cannabis.
Written by Casper Leitch
The debate surrounding the medicinal properties of marijuana has raged for decades in the United States, yet its healing potential has been acknowledged for centuries in other parts of the world. Dating back nearly ten thousand years, ancient China and Taiwan were pioneers in recognizing the therapeutic benefits of this remarkable plant. Cannabis was utilized as an anesthetic, ground into powder, and mixed with wine for surgical procedures. Interestingly, the Chinese word for anesthesia directly translates to ‘cannabis intoxication’. In ancient Indian medicine, cannabis was prescribed to alleviate insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and pain. This is a testament to its versatility in treating various ailments.
Even the ancient Greeks and Islamic cultures recognized the medicinal value of cannabis. Greeks used it to dress wounds and soothe their horses' sores, while Islam employed it for its anti-inflammatory and anti-epileptic properties. The rich history of cannabis as a healing agent continued into the 19th century when it made its way to the Western world. Before 1937, over 2000 cannabis-based medications were available, showcasing its widespread acceptance and effectiveness.
One notable figure in cannabis history is William O'Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor who introduced cannabis medication to the Western world in the early 1830s. He experimented with cannabis as an anti-convulsant, laying the foundation for its use in treating seizures, a practice that continues today. In the 1960s, Dr. Albert Lockhart and his colleague observed a low incidence of glaucoma among Jamaican communities, attributing it to the local practice of using cannabis-infused eye wash. This discovery further highlighted the potential medical benefits of cannabis.
In the 1970s, the U.S. witnessed a pivotal moment with the development of synthetic THC, leading to the FDA approval of Marinol, a capsule form of cannabis medication. However, patients faced challenges with dosing and administration, as the capsules were difficult to swallow and took longer to take effect compared to inhaled forms of cannabis.
Despite these hurdles, the rich history of cannabis as a medicinal plant continues to inspire research and advocacy efforts worldwide. As we work towards ending hemp prohibition and advocating for the legalization of medical cannabis and recreational marijuana use, it's crucial to acknowledge the centuries-old tradition of cannabis healing and its potential to alleviate suffering and improve lives.
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Weed Helps.
This video is an in-depth presentation on the history of medical cannabis featuring Dr. David Bearman, one of the most clinically knowledgeable physicians in the field of medical cannabis and Board Member of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine.
