Medical marijuana might seem like a modern idea, but it’s been used as medicine for thousands of years!
As far back as 2700 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nong wrote about cannabis helping with pain and inflammation. In ancient India, Egypt, and Greece, cannabis was used to treat health issues like joint pain and nerve problems.
👨⚕ The 1800s: Cannabis Goes Global
In the 19th century, Irish doctor William B. O’Shaughnessy saw how cannabis was used in India to treat various conditions. He studied it and introduced it to doctors in Europe and the U.S., where it became a common part of many medications.
🚫 The 1900s: A Shift in Attitudes
Things changed in the 20th century. Due to politics and social fears, cannabis was banned first in the U.S. in 1937, and later in countries like Poland in 1951. It was removed from official medical books, and its medical use was forgotten for decades.
🌱 The Comeback: 1990s to Today
In the 1990s, California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana. Since then, many other places have followed. Today, more and more people are using medical cannabis to manage conditions like:
• Chronic pain
• Cancer-related symptoms
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Anxiety and depression
🧠 And the research is just getting started! Scientists are now learning even more about cannabinoids—the active compounds in cannabis—and how they interact with our bodies.
💡 Tips for Patients: How to Get Started
- Talk to Your Doctor. Bring up medical marijuana as a treatment option, especially if other treatments haven’t helped. Be honest about your symptoms and what you’ve tried.
- Know the Laws. Laws vary by country and state. Check if medical cannabis is legal where you live, and what conditions qualify.
- Start Low and Go Slow. Everyone reacts differently. If you’re prescribed cannabis, start with a low dose and increase slowly under medical supervision.
- Choose the Right Form. Medical cannabis comes in many forms: oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, or dried flower for inhalation. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine what option might work best for you.
- Track Your Progress. Keep a journal of your symptoms, dosage, and side effects. This helps you and your doctor fine-tune your treatment.
📚 Sources:
• The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, National Academies of Sciences (2017)
• Zias et al. (1993) – Early Medical Use of Cannabis
• Russo (2007) – History of Cannabis
• O’Shaughnessy (1843) – Available via PubMed Central / Google Books
• Aggarwal et al. (2009) – PMID: 19662925
• Booth (2003), Kalant (2001) – Medicinal Use of Cannabis