Ancient Use
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years. Evidence of use dates back to 5000+ years ago in Central Asia. It was used for fiber (hemp), medicine, and ritual in ancient China, India, and the Middle East.
19th & Early 20th Century
Cannabis was common in Western medicine in the 1800s. It appeared in pharmacopeias for pain, sleep, and other conditions. Use declined as other drugs (aspirin, opiates) became preferred.
Prohibition
In the US, the Marihuana Tax Act (1937) effectively criminalized cannabis. The Controlled Substances Act (1970) classified it as Schedule I (no accepted medical use, high abuse potential). Similar laws spread globally.
Medical Cannabis Movement
California became the first US state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996. Other states followed. Research on cannabinoids expanded.
Modern Legalization
Colorado and Washington legalized recreational cannabis in 2012. Many states and countries have since legalized or decriminalized. Canada legalized nationwide in 2018. The landscape continues to change.