Early Medical Use and Recognition

Before cannabis became a controversial subject in the 20th century, it was widely used for medicinal purposes. Historical records suggest that cannabis was utilized in various cultures, including ancient China, India, and Egypt. In China, Emperor Shen Nong, often regarded as the father of Chinese medicine, documented the therapeutic effects of cannabis as early as 2737 BCE. Similarly, Indian Ayurvedic medicine used cannabis for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

By the 19th century, cannabis had entered Western medicine. In 1839, Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy published a groundbreaking study on the medicinal benefits of cannabis, particularly for treating muscle spasms, epilepsy, and pain. His work introduced cannabis to European and American medical practices, and it was soon widely available in pharmacies in tincture and extract form.

The Early 20th Century: Regulation and Prohibition

Despite its medical uses, cannabis became increasingly scrutinized in the early 20th century. Several factors contributed to this shift, including political motivations, racial prejudices, and the growing influence of pharmaceutical companies.

In the United States, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized cannabis, including its medical use. This legislation was largely driven by anti-cannabis campaigns that associated the plant with crime and marginalized communities. Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, led an aggressive anti-cannabis movement, framing it as a dangerous drug with no medical value.

Similar prohibitions occurred in other countries. The United Kingdom classified cannabis as a restricted substance under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1928. In the mid-20th century, global agreements, such as the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), reinforced cannabis prohibition, severely limiting research and medical use.

The Counterculture Movement and Cannabis Resurgence

The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in cannabis, particularly in counterculture movements that challenged government policies and drug laws. While recreational use dominated this period, medical interest in cannabis persisted.

In 1971, a breakthrough came when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli scientist, identified and isolated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. His research helped pave the way for a deeper scientific understanding of cannabis and its effects on the human body, including the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the 1990s.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, anecdotal reports emerged of patients using cannabis to relieve symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and glaucoma. In response, some U.S. states, such as California, began exploring medical cannabis programs. However, federal restrictions remained strict, limiting legal access to the plant.

The 1990s and Early 2000s: Medical Legalization Begins

The 1990s marked a turning point for medical cannabis. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis with the passage of Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. This landmark legislation allowed patients with chronic illnesses to access cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. Other states, including Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, soon followed.

Meanwhile, medical cannabis research expanded. Scientists explored its potential for treating multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, and other conditions. The discovery of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with therapeutic properties, fueled further interest in cannabis-based medicine.

Outside the U.S., other countries began reconsidering medical cannabis policies. In 2001, Canada became one of the first nations to legalize medical cannabis at the federal level, allowing patients with serious medical conditions to obtain it legally. The Netherlands also developed a regulated medical cannabis program, making it accessible through pharmacies.

The 2010s: Widespread Legalization and Scientific Advances

The 2010s saw an explosion of medical cannabis legalization and research. In the United States, more than 30 states legalized medical cannabis, and public opinion shifted in favor of its use. Internationally, countries like Germany, Australia, and Mexico implemented medical cannabis programs, recognizing its therapeutic potential.

Scientific advancements further legitimized medical cannabis. Clinical trials demonstrated its effectiveness in treating epilepsy, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant seizures. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived CBD medication for epilepsy, marking a significant milestone in medical cannabis acceptance.

Moreover, studies on cannabis and pain management provided compelling evidence of its role as an alternative to opioids, which had caused a devastating public health crisis. Some researchers and policymakers began advocating for cannabis as a safer pain relief option, further shaping drug policy discussions.

The Present and Future of Medical Cannabis

Today, medical cannabis is legal in numerous countries and U.S. states, with ongoing research exploring its applications for conditions like PTSD, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. However, challenges remain, including regulatory barriers, stigma, and discrepancies between national and international drug policies.

One of the key issues facing medical cannabis is the need for standardized dosing and clinical guidelines. Because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug in some countries, research is often restricted, limiting the development of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis medicines. Nonetheless, companies and research institutions continue to push for expanded studies and legalization.

Looking ahead, the future of medical cannabis appears promising. Advances in cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, personalized medicine, and synthetic cannabinoids may further revolutionize treatment options. Additionally, as more countries recognize the medical value of cannabis, global drug policies are likely to shift, potentially leading to broader legalization and acceptance.

Conclusion
The history of medical cannabis in the modern world is a story of rediscovery, resistance, and progress. From its early use in ancient medicine to its prohibition and subsequent revival, cannabis has endured legal and societal challenges while proving its therapeutic value. Today, as scientific research expands and legal barriers continue to fall, medical cannabis is poised to become a mainstream treatment option for various health conditions. While debates persist, one thing is clear: medical cannabis is no longer an underground remedy but a legitimate part of modern medicine.