Have you heard this before? I am sure some of you are remember the “this is your brain on drugs” commercial; there were four (4) versions plus a more recent one in 2018. But I’ll get back to that in a minute.
By the 1930’s some state governments and a few countries had banned Cannabis. The U. S. hesitated because it was profitable from a commercial standpoint and plus therapeutic uses of Cannabis were still being researched.
A Federal Bureau Of Narcotics Commissioner named Harry Anslinger became the most powerful anit-marijuana voice. He was against all things Cannabis, which led to the passage of the “Marihuana Act of 1937.” In principle, it stopped the use of the plant as a recreational drug. In practice though, Cannabis got caught up in the anti-dope legislation. Research and medical testing virtually disppeared.
Just prior to the passage of the “Marihuana Tax Act of 1937” the Customs Agency put together a Narcotics Manual that stated: “Marihuana can be cultivated and grown wild in almost any locality. Inasmuch as this drug is so readily obtained in the US, it is not believed to be the subject of organized smuggling from countries.” Now, marijuana trafficking is a major concern.
By 1970, it was classified and restricted on the same level as narcotics and new laws were made. Thankfully, the Endocannabinoid System was discovered in 1988. Study of the ECS was initally focused on trying to understand this illegal drug. The ECS is truly amazing when you consider that is it critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning.
Although there have been changes within the last forty (40) years, eighteen (18) states have legalized marjiuana for medical and recreational purposes but still illegal at a federal level.
In 2018, a chef was cast to minic the motions and lines from the original 1987 commercial, “This Is Your Brain On Drugs.” It was meant to help bring awareness to changing laws and preception of legal cannabis. I don’t want to ruin it for you so you should definitely check it out for yourself.
Any questions?
