From Ancient China to the War on Drugs: A Historical Journey Through Cannabis Use

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" takes listeners on a captivating journey through the history of cannabis, from its ancient origins as a medicinal and spiritual plant to its demonization and criminalization in modern America. Hosts Andy and Nash, joined by guest Matt, weave a narrative that highlights the cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped our relationship with this versatile plant. Cannabis in the Ancient World: Medicine, Spirituality, and Everyday Life: The episode begins by dispelling the misconception that cannabis use is a recent phenomenon. Archaeological evidence suggests that humanity has cultivated marijuana for at least 10,000 years, initially as a source of hemp fiber for textiles and rope. Its medicinal applications emerged later, with the earliest recorded use attributed to the legendary Chinese emperor and deity, Shennong, around 2700 BCE. Shennong, revered as the "Father of Farming," is credited with introducing various agricultural practices, including the use of plants for medicinal purposes. He believed that cannabis could effectively treat a wide range of ailments, from gout and malaria to rheumatism. His insights are documented in the ancient Chinese text, "The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic," a testament to the long-standing tradition of cannabis as a healing plant in Chinese culture. The episode emphasizes that ancient cannabis use extended beyond mere medicinal applications. It played a significant role in spiritual and religious practices, particularly in ancient Asia. Evidence suggests that cannabis was used in burial rituals and shamanic ceremonies, highlighting its perceived connection to the divine and the afterlife. Cannabis on the Move: Spreading Along the Silk Road: From its origins in China and India, cannabis spread westward along the Silk Road, reaching Mesopotamia, Egypt, and eventually Europe. As it traveled, it was integrated into diverse cultures and adopted for various purposes. In India, cannabis became associated with the Hindu god Shiva, often referred to as the "Lord of the Bong," reflecting its continued role in spiritual practices. The Scythians, a nomadic people who roamed the Eurasian steppes, also embraced cannabis, using it for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus documented their practice of throwing hemp onto hot stones in saunas to create a steam bath infused with cannabis. The Shift in America: From Cash Crop to Demonized Drug: The episode then traces the trajectory of cannabis in America, noting its initial arrival with European colonists in the 17th century. Primarily used as a source of hemp fiber, it became a valuable cash crop for producing rope, clothing, and paper. Even the Founding Fathers cultivated cannabis, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and economic importance during this period. However, the perception of cannabis began to shift in the mid-19th century, influenced by the introduction of its medicinal properties to the West by Irish doctor William Brooke O'Shaughnessy. This newfound medical interest coincided with the growing popularity of smoking cannabis recreationally among marginalized communities, particularly jazz musicians and Mexican immigrant workers. The episode argues that this association of cannabis with minority groups fueled a racist campaign to demonize the drug and associate it with crime and social unrest. The term "marijuana," derived from the Spanish word for the plant, was intentionally adopted to distance it from its medicinal uses and emphasize its perceived foreign and dangerous nature. The Rise of Prohibition and the War on Drugs: The demonization of cannabis culminated in the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, effectively outlawing its sale and use throughout America. This legislation, spearheaded by Harry Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, was fueled by racist propaganda and unfounded claims about the drug's purported dangers. The episode highlights the role of the infamous propaganda film "Reefer Madness" (1936) in solidifying the public's perception of cannabis as a gateway to insanity, violence, and social decay. This film, riddled with exaggerated claims and blatant fear-mongering, became a powerful tool in Anslinger's campaign to demonize cannabis and justify its prohibition. The episode then fast-forwards to the 1970s, when President Richard Nixon declared a "War on Drugs," further intensifying the criminalization of cannabis. This policy, rooted in political motivations and a desire to target anti-war protesters, led to the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic, placing it alongside heroin and LSD. The Legacy of Prohibition: Mass Incarceration and a Thriving Black Market: The episode explores the devastating consequences of cannabis prohibition, particularly its disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic communities. The "zero tolerance" policies of the Reagan era led to a surge in arrests and incarcerations for non-violent drug offenses, fueling the growth of the prison industrial complex and perpetuating systemic racial injustices. The episode also discusses the unintended consequence of prohibition: the creation of a thriving black market. The criminalization of cannabis did not eradicate its use but rather pushed it underground, empowering criminal organizations and generating billions of dollars in untaxed revenue. A Shifting Tide: Towards Decriminalization and Legalization: The episode concludes with a hopeful note, acknowledging the growing movement to decriminalize and legalize cannabis across the United States. As of 2020, over half of the states have either decriminalized or fully legalized marijuana, reflecting a gradual shift in public perception and a recognition of the failures of prohibition. Despite these advances, cannabis remains federally illegal, creating a complex legal landscape and hindering the development of a regulated and equitable industry. The episode highlights the challenges faced by businesses operating in this legal gray area, particularly the difficulties in accessing banking services and securing insurance. The episode ends with a call for continued reform, emphasizing the need to address the legacy of racial injustice stemming from the War on Drugs and to create a fair and equitable system that benefits all members of society. It leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of the complex history of cannabis, prompting reflection on the societal and political forces that have shaped our relationship with this plant and the ongoing need to challenge outdated policies and prejudices. To get more content from Nash, follow her on social media at @itsnashflynn, and look out for her book coming out at www.breadandrosespress.com in 2025! For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/