LOOKING BACK AT THE HISTORY OF MARIJUANA IN THE UNITED STATES

As the marijuana debate continues to leave its fragrant green mark across our country, we can only watch in fascination as a drug that was formerly frowned upon has taken its first steps into another positive spotlight. Interestingly, though, the United States’ history with marijuana goes back much further than you might think. To understand how deeply our county is rooted in the pro-cannabis movement, go back to the 1600s, during a time when the little hemp plant was revered rather than despised. In contrast to other world countries, America’s stance on weed is a pretty complicated one, and the addition of drug films showcasing the plant’s negative aspects certainly contributes to the complexity of the situation. Today, let’s take a closer look at the history of marijuana in the United States.

Hemp Rope

Although marijuana’s is best known for its psychoactive properties (thanks to THC and CBD), hemp, a version of the Sativa strain that does not alter the brain, has traditionally been used to make a variety of products ranging from textiles to rope (for over 9,000 years, in fact). During the Colonial Period, hemp became an invaluable product for the inhabitants of the New World. In fact, in 1619, Virginia issued a law ordering that hemp must be grown on every farm in the established colony. Likewise, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland all revered hemp as a form of currency.

Reefer Madness

So where did everything head south and, most importantly, why?

Beneath the squeaky-clean lifestyle shown on black and white TV, the 1950s was a time when an underground movement was slithering across American society. Early in this decade, the Beat Generation appeared in the United States and spread ideas of breaking away from society to adopt a bohemian, poetic lifestyle. Of course, this unbridled lifestyle also included drug use, including the smoking of marijuana. (However, you could consider that jazz singer Cab Calloway, writer of the song “Reefer Man,” kickstarted the revolution in the 1930s.)

Criminal Intent

Prohibition actually took root in the 1930s, nearly two decades before the beatniks showed up on America’s doorstep. During this time, prohibition movements shed a new light on marijuana, and society painted an image of societies and people who used the drug as uncouth and uncivilized. Eventually, the Texas Marijuana Act was passed in 1937, officially making the plant illegal in the United States.

Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.