Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How Marijuana Works
Apr 20, 2019
Explore the fascinating history of marijuana, from its 8,500-year use for medicine to its tumultuous legal battles in America. Discover how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, alleviating conditions like nausea in cancer patients. The podcast dives into the evolution of marijuana's legality and potency, shedding light on shifting public perceptions. You'll also learn about changing consumption trends, from traditional joints to modern edibles, and the implications for health compared to tobacco. It's a journey through culture, science, and progress.
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Historical Pot Use
- In "Dazed and Confused," a stoner character discusses George Washington growing and smoking hemp.
- It's unclear if historical figures actually smoked it, they may have cultivated it solely for industrial use.
Marijuana's Vilification
- The criminalization of marijuana in the U.S. was fueled by racism against Mexican immigrants.
- Exaggerated news stories demonized marijuana users, creating a moral panic.
Anslinger's Crusade
- Harry Anslinger, head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, led the crusade against marijuana.
- Despite Anslinger's claims, government-funded studies showed he overstated the dangers.