History of Medical Marijuana
Marijuana leaves, seeds and buds have been used for over 3,000 years as medicine. Until 1942, marijuana (cannabis) could be found in the US pharmacopoeia where it was promoted for sedative, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects. The American Medical Association (AMA) not only acknowledged the great potential of medical marijuana to ease pain and nausea but supported its’ use, encouraged research and even publicly opposed the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act which forced great restrictions on physicians prescribing Cannabis. In 1970, marijuana was classified by Congressional vote as a schedule I drug categorizing it with heroin and LSD claiming it had no medicinal value. Despite legalization issues, exploring the history of medical marijuana shows research has continued worldwide and pharmaceutical companies, both domestically and abroad, have tried to capitalize on the medicinal cannibinoids found in marijuana.