Marijuana History and THC Legality

Marijuana has a long and complicated history, but it is mainly known for its THC content. Despite being illegal in many places, marijuana still has a number of medicinal benefits that are being studied. With more states legalizing marijuana for recreational use, the debate about THC legality continues. Here we will take a look at the history of marijuana and how THC became its main compound.

History

Marijuana has been used for centuries, but its THC content was not discovered until the early 1900s. THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, and it is what gives the plant its unique effects. THC was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam. However, it was not until the 1970s that THC began to be studied for its potential medicinal benefits.

In the United States, marijuana was initially used for medical purposes. It was used to treat a variety of conditions such as pain, nausea, and seizures. In the early 1900s, marijuana was added to the U.S. Pharmacopeia, which is a book that lists all of the approved drugs in the country. 

Since the early 1900s, marijuana has been subject to legal restrictions in the United States. Its use was initially limited to medical purposes, but it was later banned for both medical and recreational use. In recent years, however, a number of states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. The legal status of marijuana is therefore complex and ever-changing.

However, marijuana's medicinal use began to decline in the 1930s after the passing of the Marihuana Tax Act. This act taxed all sales of marijuana, making it more expensive and less accessible. In 1937, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics launched a campaign against marijuana, claiming that it was a gateway drug to harder drugs like heroin. This campaign led to the criminalization of marijuana in the United States. 

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which is a category for drugs with no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse. This classification made it illegal to grow, sell, or possess marijuana in the United States. Despite its illegal status, marijuana use continued to rise in the 1970s. In response to this increase in use, states began passing their own laws to decriminalize or legalize marijuana. 

Legality

The legal status of marijuana is complex and ever-changing. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell marijuana in the United States. However, individual states may have their own laws governing the legal status of marijuana. For example, some states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, while others have legalized it for recreational use.

The changing legal landscape of marijuana has had (and continues to have) a profound impact on American society. The legalization of marijuana has led to increased use and abuse of the drug, as well as a number of other social and economic consequences. By the early 21st century, a number of states had decriminalized or legalized marijuana for medicinal use. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then, a number of other states have followed suit. As of 2019, 10 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Bottom-Line

 The debate over THC legality is ongoing, but there is no doubt that marijuana has a long and complicated history. With more states legalizing marijuana, the study of its potential medicinal benefits is sure to continue.