If you’ve found this article by searching for “mariwana” online then you have come to the right place. Because chances are that you are new to the world of marijuana or the more modern term of cannabis.
Learning about how cannabis transitioned from a widely used medicinal herb in antiquity to a schedule one substance and then back again to the most widely used recreational drug today is worth knowing.
Get started on your marijuana journey by continue reading.
Cannabis as an Ancient Herb and Fiber
The history of marijuana is a long one that began as early as 500 BC in Asia or further back 5,000 years were burnt hemp seeds were discovered in a Romanian archeological site.
There is enough proof to show that the cannabis sativa plant was used as a medicine in ancient times.
Fast forward to colonial America when it is believed that the Spanish brought hemp plants to the new world to grow. This crop was essential for the use of its fiber in clothing, ropes, and even paper.
Mariwana Origins
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that marijuana got its bad reputation. This was caused by the Mexican Civil War where refugees began to flee legally to the states, bringing smokable pot with them.
This was the first time Americans saw that the consumption of marijuana was associated with the flood of immigrants to the country. The created racial prejudices toward immigrants as well as the offensive name of marijuana.
Politicians used the term to ostracize people of color while blaming cannabis, immigrants, and new music such as jazz on the changing times.
Beginning of “Reefer Madness” and Prohibition
As the popularity of smoking cannabis increased among the younger population so did marijuana laws to stop its spread.
It began with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 where all production of hemp was stopped. This led to a large marketing campaign led by Harry Anslinger to impose the stigma of marijuana as a violent drug used by criminals and rapists.
Then in 1970, Former President Richard Nixon placed marijuana under the Controlled Substance Act, making it a felony to consume and sell the herb.
A Cultural Rebellion and Renaissance
In the 1960s, a cultural revolution, including the civil rights movement, occurred that some might attribute to the wide-spread use of cannabis. This paved the way for marijuana legalization. It also developed into a sub-culture of cannabis activism.
It also developed the artistic aspect of marijuana use with the creation of glass pipes, tie-dye T-shirts, and experimental music.
The Rise of Modern Marijuana
Advocates of cannabis multiplied over the next few decades to finally giving way to new medicinal marijuana legalization. It also led to other forms of cannabis like CBD oils, edibles, and vaporizers. More products opened up the market to a larger and diverse population.
Booming Markets and the Future of Cannabis
The latest step toward full legalization was in 2018 when the Farm Bill revived hemp production to begin in the U.S. This legislation, along with public acceptance and state legalization, created a $9 billion industry in 2019.
Staying Current on Cannabis
Knowing not to call cannabis “mariwana” is just the beginning of your lesson. Cannabis laws, markets, and trends change all the time.Â
Want to stay in-the-know about the rapidly growing Cannabis and CBD industries? Join Dopeletter.
