| The debate rages on regarding the effectiveness and | | | | multitude of health ills, including hemorrhoids, tetanus, |
| wisdom of partaking in medical marijuana. Marijuana, | | | | cholera, rheumatism, hay fever, skin disorders and |
| also called cannabis, is derived from the hemp plant. | | | | asthma. |
| Its leaves, stems, and seeds may be smoked, | | | | - During the late 1700's, Napoleon's army used the |
| vaporized into inhalable form, and made into a pill or | | | | drug as a sedative as well as a pain reliever. |
| liquid form. Its color may be green, brown or gray. Its | | | | - In the 1850 United States census, it was reported |
| active chemical ingredient is THC, which is short for | | | | that there were many thousands of acres of |
| "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol". | | | | cannabis growing. There were reportedly more than |
| Some may think this drug has only been around for a | | | | 8,000 plantations devoted to the product. |
| few decades, but this isn't true. It's been around for | | | | - Between the mid-1800's and early 1900's, it gained a |
| a very long time. Here is a historical timeline of | | | | reputation for being an intoxicant rather than as a |
| medical marijuana. | | | | health aid. |
| - There are conflicting reports dating as far back as | | | | - Even though the reputation of being an intoxicant |
| 2727 BC. It is said that a Chinese Emperor allowed | | | | was spreading, medical marijuana was still recognized |
| medical marijuana as a cure for constipation, female | | | | as helping with mental illnesses such as manic |
| bodily problems, malaria, gout, and rheumatism. | | | | depression, seizures and various emotional maladies. |
| - In the year 2000 BC, it is reported that Egyptians | | | | - Through the 1900's and into the 2000's, marijuana |
| began to use this drug as a treatment for painful eye | | | | has had its ups and downs in terms of its reputation. |
| conditions. | | | | It had become an illegal, recreational drug which was |
| - In India, in the year 1000 BC, cannabis was used to | | | | extremely popular with the rebellious youth of the |
| alleviate pain during childbirth, as an anesthetic, to | | | | 1960's and 1970's. It was called the "gateway drug", |
| overcome hunger and thirst issues along with various | | | | meaning that smokers of the illicit substance could |
| other health concerns. | | | | get pulled through the "gateway" and into more |
| - In the years between 70 and 200 BC, Rome and | | | | serious drugs. |
| Greece were reported advocates of the drug in | | | | Many people within the medical community still |
| order to alleviate pain associated with earaches, | | | | recognized the substance for its health affirming |
| edema and the reduction of general inflammation. | | | | properties. The controversy continues; thirteen of |
| - In the year 1621 (AD), an English clergyman stated | | | | the fifty United States have allowed it to be legalized |
| that cannabis cured depression. | | | | as a medicine; others are investigating the possibility. |
| - In the mid-1700's, it was used in Africa for a | | | | |