MAKE WEED GREAT AGAIN
How did a plant with its myriads of medicinal properties become a danger to society eventually criminalized around the world? For thousands of years, revered for its spiritual connection to nature and a doorway to altered consciousness, this plant has slowly made its return.
Cannabis is one of humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.
Archeological evidence shows that the plant was cultivated over 10,000 years ago in ancient Taiwan. It was one of the earliest plans humans domesticated for food, fiber, and medicine.
What the hell happened? How did we end up here? The short of it is this, cannabis became a threat to some powerful people who felt that their industries under their control like newspaper and timber were in jeopardy of losing market share or their products losing their place in line for decades of profit.
HIGH NOTES:
Did you know that early drafts of the constitution and the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper?
The word “canvas” is derived from “cannabis,” as hemp was widely used to make durable sails and ropes for ships during the Age of Exploration.
Hemp seeds are a complete plant-based protein source and contain all the nine essential amino acids.
In the early 20th century, hemp was explored as a raw material for plastics with Henry Ford even developing a prototype car in 1941 with body panels made from hemp-based bioplastics.
Ancient Use of Cannabis (Prehistoric - 1000 BCE)
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years, first appearing in the archaeological record in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Early evidence from Taiwan around 10,000 BCE suggests the use of hemp fibers in pottery.
The medicinal properties of cannabis were first documented in ancient China around 2700 BCE, where it was considered one of the “fundamental herbs” in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia. The plant was prescribed for pain relief, malaria, and absent-mindedness.
In India, cannabis became central to Ayurvedic medicine, valued for its ability to improve appetite, aid digestion, and relieve headaches. Known as “bhang,” it was also an essential element in spiritual rituals, believed to connect the user with divine consciousness.
Classical Era (1000 BCE - 500 CE)
As cannabis spread westward, ancient Greek and Roman cultures began incorporating it into their medicine and rituals. Greek physician Dioscorides documented cannabis in De Materia Medica as a treatment for earaches and inflammation. Meanwhile, Roman physicians, including Galen, used it to relieve pain and suppress sexual desires.
Scythian nomads introduced the plant to Europe, where it was used for its psychoactive and physical properties, such as reducing fevers and treating wounds. The plant’s dual use in medicine and as a textile fiber ensured its steady proliferation.
Medieval Times (500 - 1500 CE)
During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars and physicians expanded the understanding of cannabis. Avicenna, a Persian polymath, included cannabis in his Canon of Medicine, noting its effectiveness in treating epilepsy and digestive issues. In Europe, cannabis gained recognition for its utility in treating everything from toothaches to rheumatism.
Religious doctrines of the time sometimes conflicted with its use, but its versatility made it indispensable. Cannabis use also flourished in India and the Middle East, where it was often infused into drinks or smoked for relaxation and healing.
Colonial Era and Industrial Use (1500 - 1800s)
European colonists brought hemp to the Americas. Native American tribes had already discovered its medicinal properties, using it to treat various ailments, from respiratory problems to labor pain.
By the 19th century, cannabis tinctures were a staple in Western medicine. Apothecaries sold cannabis extracts to treat migraines, insomnia, and menstrual cramps. As the Industrial Revolution began, hemp became a vital crop for its durability and adaptability.
The Founding Fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both cultivated hemp on their plantations. Washington even wrote in his diary about the importance of planting hemp seeds. In the 1600’s, American colonies like Virginia passed laws requiring farmers to grow hemp. It was considered a strategic resource for making ropes, sails and other essential goods.
After Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798, his soldiers discovered the local use of hashish (cannabis resin) for relaxation. They brought this practice back to Europe, influencing recreational and medical cannabis use.
During World War II, the US government reversed its anti-hemp stance to support the war effort. The “Hemp for Victory” campaign encouraged farmers to grow hemp for ropes, parachutes, and other military supplies.
Here comes the boom
Hemp was a cornerstone of agriculture and industry in the late 29th century. Its fibers were cheaper and more sustainable than wood pulp for paper production, threatening the profits of burgeoning timber companies. Hemp paper was known for its durability and eco-friendliness, making it a preferred choice for historical documents, including early drafts of the U.S. Constitution. Its utility extended to textiles, ropes, and even biofuel.
William Randolph Hearst and DuPont
In the early 20th century, William Randolph Hearst, a powerful media mogul with significant investments in timber, began a smear campaign against hemp. Using his vast network of newspapers, Hearst published sensationalist articles portraying cannabis (rebranded as “marijuana” to sound foreign) as a dangerous drug linked to crime and moral decay.
Simultaneously, DuPont Chemical Company, which had patented synthetic materials like nylon, lobbied the government to criminalize hemp, viewing it as a competitor. Together, Hearst and DuPont exploited racial stereotypes and economic fears to turn public opinion against the crop.
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
Under pressure from industrialists, the U.S. government passed the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937, heavily taxing hemp and cannabis cultivation. This legislation effectively outlawed the plant, despite protests from farmers and the American Medical Association. The Act conflated industrial hemp with psychoactive cannabis, ensuring that both industries were stifled. Hemp’s decline marked the victory of corporate interests over a sustainable and historically significant crop.
We then entered the “dark ages” for a little while until the Counterculture movement emerged. The 1960s brought a cultural revolution that rekindled interest in cannabis. The plant became a symbol of resistance against the establishment, embraced by the counterculture for its psychoactive properties and anti-authoritarian symbolism.
Researchers like Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in Israel isolated THC, the primary psychoactive compound, and CBD, a non-intoxicating compound with therapeutic potential.
Despite these discoveries, the U.S. government reinforced its stance with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, classifying cannabis as a Schedule I drug with “no medical value.”
Activists and scientists, however, continued to challenge this narrative.
Medicinal Cannabis Advocacy (1990s-2010s)
The medicinal cannabis movement gained traction in the 1990s, particularly with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Patients reported significant relief from symptoms like nausea, pain, and appetite loss. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis through Proposition 215.
Over the next two decades, states across the U.S. followed suit, often prompted by the compelling stories of children with epilepsy or veterans with PTSD finding relief through cannabis. Organizations like NORML and the Drug Policy Alliance spearheaded efforts to educate the public and legislators.
Modern Legalization (2010s-Present)
The push for recreational legalization began with Colorado and Washington in 2012, setting a precedent for other states. Cannabis rapidly evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with advancements in cultivation, extraction, and product development.
Public opinion shifted as research highlighted the plant’s potential to alleviate chronic pain, reduce opioid dependence, and treat various conditions. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized industrial hemp, signaling a broader acceptance of the plant’s economic and medicinal value. By 2023, federal legalization remained on the horizon as states continued to lead the way.
Will Cannabis be legal at the National Level?
We are slowly seeing that the stigma of the stoner is losing its shine. Weedscape wants to make weed great again and see homeowners enjoying the craft of growing cannabis alongside their vegetable and flower gardens next spring and summer.
Although we are strictly based in Massachusetts, once we see other states in New England allowing outdoor home grows, and it is not a matter of if but when cannabis is legal nationwide, we are planning to expand to as many states as we can.
The Green Rush is steadily moving upon us and we are about to witness “weed history” in a few short years.
See you at the Farmer’s Market.
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