On my social media platforms, I have dedicated myself to presenting facts over stigma a few times a week. I want to spread my knowledge and normalize cannabis as it once was 80 years ago. As of today, we have legal dispensaries in 33 states that have legalized cannabis either medicinally or recreationally. The history of this plant is extremely important, as is what it can do for our bodies and earth. You can check out a previous blog “Fascinating Truth About Hemp.”
Today, I’m going to drop some history facts over stigma for you. You may know these and you may not. If you have any facts on cannabis not mentioned, please comment below.
History
- At one point in our history, Cannabis was our PLANET’S number one agriculture crop. It was the primary source for fiber, fabric, lighting oil, paper, incense, medicine and essential food source for animals and humans.
- Hemp was used as legal tender in most of America from 1631-1800s to encourage farmers to grow more. You could even pay your taxes with cannabis for 200 years across America.*
- Majority of the paper made was made out of hemp, until 1883.
- Benjamin Franklin started Americas first paper mills with cannabis, in 1750. This allowed Americans to have free colonial press.*
- In the 1920s, doctors wrote 3 million prescriptions for cannabis. In addition, Cannabis was the 3rd most used over the counter and prescribed medicine.
- At one point in our history pharmaceutical companies produced cannabis extract medicines. There were NEVER any reports of death and overdoses*
- They used cannabis on ships, right down to the sailors clothes. Canvas sails, anchor ropes, cargo nets, fishing nets, flags, and shrouds were made from the stalk of the marijuana plant. Along with the ships charts, maps, logs, and bibles were made of hemp paper.*
- I love this paragraph from this history book about hemp. “Finally, it must be noted that approximately 50% of all chemicals used in American agriculture today are used in cotton growing. Hemp needs no chemicals and has few weed or insect enemies – except for the US government, and DEA”*
- Art canvas were made of Hemp. Van Gogh, Gainsborough, and Rembrandt were all created on hemp canvas. *
- “In early 1937, Assistant U.S. Surgeon General Walter Treadway told the Cannabis Advisory Subcommittee of the League of Nations that, “It may be taken for a relatively long time without social or emotional breakdown. Marihuana is habit-forming… in the same sense as… sugar or coffee.” Source: https://ushempmuseum.us/prohibition
- Four men in 1930s, started their journey destroying this plant. Harry Anslinger, William Randolph Hearst, Andrew Mellon, and Lammot DuPont.
*The Emperor Wears NO Clothes by Jack Herer
I will continue my journey on providing facts over stigma in the future. We are dedicated to making this plant normal, and providing education on how cannabis can benefit our world. (again)
Help me spread the love of this plant with others. Let’s break this stigma together!
Stay Blissful,
Chelsea