TWO LANDMARK STUDIES THAT CHANGED PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA

Interestingly, sources indicate that the negative public perception about marijuana started at some point in 1974, when an infamous man named Dr. Robert Galbraith Heath (who developed electro-shock treatment as conversion therapy for homosexuals) determined that marijuana impairs brain function. As a result, the press ran headlines that “Pot Causes Brain Damage,” and the media erupted into a firestorm of disbelief. Sometime later, the National Center for Toxicology Research confirmed Heath’s study was a fraud, but the little green plant is still listed as a Schedule-I drug. Nevertheless, several landmark studies throughout the years have showcased potential benefits of this herb. Let’s take a look a closer look at what researchers have uncovered as they attempted to shed a positive light on marijuana.

1894: Indian Hemp Drugs Commission

For the first study, we must travel back in time to 1893, when Indian was still under the control of Britain. At some point, the government voiced concern over the large quantities of marijuana being consumed by the public. As a result, officials dispatched teams of Indian and British medical experts across the country to determine the health benefits of the drug, as well as its impact on social and moral behavior. As a result, the researchers compiled a near-3,000 page research paper containing 1,200 testimonies. What were the conclusions? Moderate marijuana consumption provides health benefits and is not harmful. Furthermore, officials determined that prohibiting the drug would be unethical.

1964: Discovery of THC

In 1964, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team of Israeli researchers discovered the mind-altering chemical THC and determined it was the main psychoactive compound of the marijuana plant. Ultimately, this landmark discovery opened the floodgates for additional studies on the herb, including the historical moment in the 1980s when scientists identified the endocannabinoid system in the human body.

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.

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