Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana, has a long and storied history. Once revered for its medicinal properties and utility, it was criminalized and stigmatized for much of the 20th century. Today, as legalization spreads across the globe, cannabis is experiencing a renaissance, offering new opportunities in medicine, industry, and culture. However, the journey is far from over. The modern cannabis movement also raises critical issues, including the disparity in how cannabis laws have been enforced and the enduring consequences for those still incarcerated for cannabis offenses—disproportionately people from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
A Historical Perspective: Revered, Then Reviled
Cannabis use dates back thousands of years, with evidence of cultivation as early as 5000 BCE in Central Asia. It was used medicinally in ancient China, where Emperor Shen Nung reportedly prescribed it for pain relief, and in India, where it became a central component of Ayurvedic medicine. In the Middle East and Africa, cannabis was used for spiritual practices, while in Europe, its fibers were valued for textiles and ropes.
By the 19th century, cannabis was embraced by Western medicine for its therapeutic properties. Extracts were used to treat migraines, epilepsy, and even mental health conditions. However, in the early 20th century, racial and political forces led to its demonization. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized the plant in the United States, with propaganda portraying it as a dangerous drug linked to violence and crime, often targeting immigrant and Black communities.
The Path to Legalization
After decades of prohibition, the tide began to turn. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize cannabis for medical use. Over the next two decades, public opinion shifted, bolstered by research on the plant’s therapeutic potential. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.
Globally, countries like Uruguay and Canada have legalized cannabis entirely, while others, such as Germany and the Netherlands, allow medical or decriminalized use. As of 2025, 23 U.S. states and numerous countries have legalized cannabis in some form. Yet, federal prohibition remains in place in the U.S., creating a patchwork of laws and regulatory challenges.
The Medicinal Power of Cannabis
Cannabis owes its therapeutic properties to cannabinoids, compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate pain, mood, and inflammation. The two most studied cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), known for its psychoactive effects, and CBD (cannabidiol), which offers therapeutic benefits without a high.
Conditions Cannabis May Help Treat
1. Chronic Pain: Studies suggest cannabis can alleviate pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
2. Epilepsy: CBD has been particularly effective in reducing seizures in rare conditions like Dravet syndrome.
3. PTSD and Anxiety: Many patients report that cannabis helps manage symptoms of trauma and stress, though results vary.
4. Cancer-Related Symptoms: Cannabis can reduce nausea, improve appetite, and alleviate pain for chemotherapy patients.
5. Neurological Disorders: Preliminary research indicates potential benefits for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
While cannabis holds promise, it’s not without risks, including dependency and potential exacerbation of mental health conditions in predisposed individuals. Its use requires careful medical oversight.
A Cultural Revolution
Cannabis has long been intertwined with culture, from its use in ancient rituals to its role in modern counterculture movements. In the 20th century, cannabis became a symbol of rebellion, embraced by the Beat Generation, the hippie movement, and the reggae music scene, with figures like Bob Marley promoting it as a tool for spiritual growth and social change.
Today, cannabis culture is mainstream. The rise of cannabis-related holidays like “420,” the proliferation of CBD products, and celebrity-endorsed brands have made it an everyday topic. As legalization expands, cannabis is shedding its countercultural image and becoming a normalized part of wellness and lifestyle.
The Dark Legacy of Criminalization
Despite the progress of legalization, the shadow of cannabis prohibition lingers, particularly for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. As of 2023, approximately 40,000 people in the United States were serving sentences for cannabis charges, even as legal cannabis markets flourished (Last Prisoner Project).
Disproportionate Impact on BIPOC Communities
The enforcement of cannabis laws has disproportionately targeted Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Black Americans, for example, are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white Americans, despite similar rates of use (ACLU). These arrests often lead to lifelong consequences, including barriers to employment, housing, and education.
The legalization movement has brought these disparities into sharp focus. While many white entrepreneurs profit from the burgeoning cannabis industry, communities devastated by the “War on Drugs” remain largely excluded. Social equity programs aim to address this imbalance by prioritizing licensing for individuals from these communities, but implementation has been slow and uneven.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
Legalization has created a booming industry. In 2022, the U.S. legal cannabis market was valued at over $30 billion, with projections to surpass $50 billion by 2030 (Statista). This growth has spurred job creation across sectors, from cultivation and retail to technology and marketing.
However, the economic benefits are not evenly distributed. The high costs of licensing and compliance often exclude small businesses and marginalized entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, federal prohibition in the U.S. limits access to banking and loans, forcing cannabis businesses to operate largely in cash—a significant barrier to growth and safety.
Looking to the Future
The future of cannabis lies at the intersection of science, social justice, and economic innovation. Research continues to uncover new therapeutic uses, from managing autoimmune diseases to addressing opioid addiction. At the same time, advocates are pushing for federal legalization in the U.S. and international reform to address the inconsistencies and inequities in cannabis laws.
Crucially, the movement must reckon with its past. Expunging the records of those incarcerated for cannabis offenses, ensuring equitable access to the industry, and reinvesting in communities harmed by prohibition are essential steps toward justice.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Cannabis is more than just a plant; it’s a symbol of healing, resilience, and societal change. Its journey from ancient medicine to modern controversy highlights the interplay of culture, politics, and economics. As we embrace its potential, we must also confront the injustices of its past and ensure that the benefits of legalization are shared by all.
References
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH): “Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Research and Medical Use”
2. ACLU: “The War on Marijuana in Black and White”
3. Last Prisoner Project: “Cannabis Criminal Justice Reform”
4. Statista: “Legal Cannabis Market Revenue Worldwide”
5. World Health Organization (WHO): “Cannabis: Health Effects and Therapeutic Potential”
Cannabis legalization offers a chance to rewrite history—but only if we ensure that its benefits extend to those who have long borne the costs.
Gemma Ortwerth 
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