CANNABIS: POTTED HISTORY
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cannabis use was first documented in the fifth century BC, when the Greek historian Herodotus observed that the Scythians (Russian nomads) burnt it in small tents, inhaling it collectively.
The Chinese started using cannabis as a herbal medicine for its pain- relieving properties in the first century AD.
Western medicine did not discover its benefits until the 1840s. Queen Victoria's physician was one of many who began prescribing it for various illnesses.
The growth of jazz clubs in the 1950s and immigration from the West Indies led to its popularity as a recreational drug in this country.
Cannabis was outlawed after an Egyptian delegate at an international opium conference in the 1920s made an impassioned plea for Britain to include it in any agreement on the prohibition of opiates.
In 1973 the Misuse of Drugs Act outlawed the use of cannabis medicinally. Under the Act, it is an offence to allow any premises under your control to be used for growing, preparing, supplying or smoking cannabis.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments