THE HISTORY OF MEDICAL CANNABIS
The Fascinating Journey of Medical Marijuana: From Prohibition to Acceptance
In the inaugural podcast for Tea and Other Drugs, I (Soren Shade) interview Amanda Reiman. In this episode the history of medical marijuana was dissected, closely examining the political activism in California in the 1980’s and the change of tide in the following decades. Amanda Reiman is an influential voice in the cannabis space yet manages to love cannabis without the typical pitfalls of a marijuana-elitist.
Early History and Prohibition
Amanda began by noting that cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It wasn't until Anslinger’s 1937 Marijuana Tax Act that it legality was questioned. This law primarily targeted minority communities, casting cannabis as a dangerous “narcotic.” For decades, this perception was bolstered by propaganda like "Reefer Madness."
During the 1950s-70s, cultural movements rekindled some interest in cannabis, yet its medical potential was overshadowed by fear of legal penalties. The tide began to turn in the 1980s and 90s, largely due to the HIV epidemic. Activists like Dennis Peron and community figures such as Brownie Mary highlighted cannabis's efficacy in alleviating symptoms, leading to Proposition P in San Francisco and later Prop 215 in California.
Prop 215 and the Evolution of Medical Cannabis
Proposition 215, passed in 1996, was a watershed moment. It allowed patients with a doctor's note to use cannabis as a legal defense in court. This marked the beginning of legal medical marijuana in California. Amanda emphasized that Prop 215 changed the narrative from "college students and hippies" to a more sympathetic one involving seriously ill patients.
The early 2000s saw federal raids on dispensaries and landlords, despite growing medical cannabis support. This adversarial climate persisted until the Obama administration's Cole Memo, which directed federal resources away from prosecuting state-legal cannabis activities, paving the way for more states to pass medical marijuana laws.
The Role of Science and Public Perception
Interestingly, as Amanda explained, scientific voices were initially stifled under a Schedule 1 designation, which stated that cannabis had no medical benefits. Researchers like Dr. Tashkin managed to challenge this by cleverly framing their research to secure funding. Amanda herself faced federal pushback during her research on medical cannabis dispensaries but remained steadfast.
Public perception was ultimately swayed not by scientific data but by emotional appeals from patients and doctors. Legislators, like the late Dianne Feinstein, changed their stance after personal interactions with patients who benefited from medical marijuana.
Modern Landscape and Future Directions
Amanda discussed the rise of corporate cannabis and its impact on legislation. Large Multi-State Operators (MSOs) have both facilitated and complicated cannabis legalization. They’ve provided the necessary financial muscle for ballot initiatives but also lobbied against measures like home grow to maintain market control.
The conversation concluded with a look at the present and future. Amanda is pragmatic about the recent HHS recommendation to reschedule cannabis to Schedule 3, acknowledging both the potential benefits and the challenges it poses to existing state programs. While not perfect, it's a step toward broader acceptance and insurance reimbursement for medical marijuana.
Final Thoughts
The journey of medical marijuana is a testament to the power of activism, emotional appeal, and shifting societal attitudes. From its roots in ancient medicine to its stigmatization in the 20th century and renaissance in recent decades, medical marijuana has come a long way. The future looks promising as new generations take the reins, ready to challenge outdated perceptions and laws.
For more insightful discussions on cannabis, visit Amanda Reiman's YouTube series, "The Truth About the Plant," and her platform at mypersonalplants.com, which focuses on integrating psychoactive substances into healthy lifestyles.
