A shared history
People and cannabis have been living together for thousands of years, all over the world. It’s even been termed a ‘camp follower’ as almost everywhere we find ancient civilizations we also find evidence of cannabis. We cultivated it, and in turn it provided a versatile plant used for making clothes, shelter, oils, medicines and a little relaxation. Our bodies even have something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which allows us to bind to CBD (cannabidiol) receptors.
Watch Zachary Walsh’s TEDX Talk below for a great introduction into our past, current and possible future relationship with cannabis…..
A recent falling out
As Zachary’s video explains, we were happily using cannabis until very recently. Criminalization largely occurred between the 1930’s and 1980’s as the ‘war on drugs’ drove an artificial wedge between profitable pharmaceuticals and naturally occurring products. When you consider that highly addictive opioids are prescribed by the million and that morphine (medical heroin) is a standard drug in hospitals, it’s impossible not to draw the conclusion that cannabis has been singled out for special attention. The social, health and economic damage of this global program has been extreme.
Given the amount of negative press that cannabis has received in recent decades, it’s worth remembering that two strips of paracetamol or a bottle of whisky can easily kill an adult, let alone a child.
A positive future
While the cannabis family is a big one, with a wide variety of strains, the 2 best known active components are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While THC needs to be treated with caution due to its psychoactive properties (the part that provides a ‘high’), CBD can be extracted and is considered a safe for human consumption by the World Health Organization. The full extent and range of medical uses is being scientifically verified as we speak. Further research on the safe use of CBD and THC/CBD compounds is creating a groundswell of of optimism for millions of people. The UN estimates 3.9% or 190 million people globally use cannabis derived products, so we hope that through progressive legalization and medical research, people and cannabis can share a bright and mutually beneficial future.
At MBC we want to promote a transparent cannabis industry supported by medical research and progressive legalization.