What is “Medicinal or Medical Marijuana”?
Marijuana is also known as “Cannabis” and is a psychoactive drug. The drug is used for rehabilitation as well as recreational purposes.
Marijuana has strong effects on the mind and body. With its sedative qualities, the drug helps your mind to relax and rejuvenate.
A Walk Down the Lane: History of Medicinal Marijuana
For several years, marijuana in the United States has been thought of as an addictive drug for narcotic addicts.
While on one hand, the use of marijuana is used as a sedative drug that slows down your cognitive function and ultimately nullifies all your worries temporarily, species Cannabis (of Marijuana) is widely used and valuable in the field of medicine.
17th to 19th Century: Era of Domestic Production
Dried and shredded leaves and flowers form hemp plant are mixed to produce Marijuana. In the 17th century, the government of America encouraged production of hemp to manufacture ropes, tents, shoes, baggage, fabrics and more.
Virginia Assembly passed a law in 1619 that made it compulsory for all farmers to plant hemp. Hemp was also allowed to be used as a legal tender i.e. as payment of debt or in place of money in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
Finally, in the late 19th century, Cannabis made it to the list of the most effective medicinal components and started getting sold at public pharmacies/dispensaries.
Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906 that made it compulsory to label any OTC products for containing Marijuana/Cannabis.
1900 to 1930s: Recreational Use of Marijuana
Mexican immigrants crowded the U.S after their revolution in 1910. They introduced recreational uses of marijuana and since then the drug became associated with them.
IFBN (federal Bureau of Narcotic) was created in 1930 to control usage of marijuana and ensure that it is being used for good causes. In 1937, Congress also passed the Marijuana Tax Act. This act aimed to control and restrict negative usage of the drug.
1940 to 1990: A Bumpy Ride
Starting from 1940 until the year 1990, use of marijuana/cannabis faced a number of ups and downs, especially because of being associated with Mexicans. Different groups came out every so often to demand a ban on marijuana, but each activity or protest resulted in the formation of several government units and passing of acts that ensured safe use. These units and acts were introduced to deal with public concerns.
The La Guardia research combating false beliefs against marijuana, the “Hemp for Victory” program, formation of sentencing laws, Merger of FBN and Bureau of Dangerous Drugs, Establishment of NORML, Creation of U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) were few of the many measures government ensued to control problems that could come with legalizing marijuana.
This was done knowing marijuana was a very useful medicinal drug and it was important to legalize it.
1996: Legalization of Medicinal Marijuana
Finally, Preposition 215 was passed in California allowing marijuana for use and sale for medicinal purposes, particularly for patients with AIDS, cancer, and other serious and/or terminal illnesses.
Today marijuana products are widely used to cure the incurable diseases and manufacturer such as Sacred Garden are working every day to make the most of marijuana in the field of medicine.
