The History of Cannabis
The history of cannabis and its usage by humans dates back to at least the third millennium BCE in written history, and possibly far further back
by archaeological evidence. For millennia, the plant has been valued for
its use for fiber and rope, as food and medicine, and for its psychoactive
properties for religious and recreational use.
The earliest restrictions on cannabis were reported in the Islamic world by the 14th century.
In the 19th century, it began to be restricted in colonial countries, often associated with racial and class stresses.
In the middle of the 20th century, international coordination led to sweeping restrictions on cannabis throughout most of the globe. Entering the 21st century, some nations began to change their approaches to cannabis, with measures taken to decriminalize cannabis.
In 2001 Canada became the first nation to legalize medical cannabis, and in 2015 Uruguay became the first to legalize recreational cannabis.