1142: Cannabis Redux | Skeptical Sunday

Ancient Uses

Cannabis has a rich history dating back to 2737 BCE, with its first recorded use in ancient China. Michael Regilio notes that Emperor Sheng Nang prescribed cannabis tea, and it was utilized by Hindu sects for religious purposes and stress relief 1. In the Western world, cannabis was widely prescribed as medicine in the 1700s, popularized by Irish Dr. William O'Shaughnessy 2. However, the perception of cannabis shifted when Napoleon Bonaparte outlawed it after his soldiers brought it from Egypt 2.

   

Modern Perceptions

Modern perceptions of cannabis have evolved significantly, especially since the 1980s. Jordan Harbinger recalls growing up with the "Just Say No" campaign, which painted cannabis as a dangerous drug 3. However, Michael Regilio explains that the endocannabinoid system in our bodies interacts with cannabis, influencing mood and energy 4. Today, cannabis strains are genetically manipulated, resulting in hybrids with varying THC and CBD levels, making modern cannabis much more potent than in the past 5.