The Untold Therapeutic History of Cannabis & CBD: Cannabis Friends Ep. 1

Welcome to Cannabis Friends and 420 Buds, the place for cannabis advocates and enthusiasts. My name is Al Morentin, and alongside me is Meghan Hall. We're the hosts of Cannabis Friends and 420 Buds. In today's episode, we'll delve into our backgrounds and then dive deep into the history of cannabis. We're really looking forward to this episode. So first off, let me share a bit about myself.

Our Backgrounds in Cannabis

Al’s Journey with Cannabis

My name is Al Morentin. I'm the owner and founder of Myfitlife, a holistic health and wellness company that's been around since 1987—almost 40 years. Here's my story: I went blind from glaucoma, but I regained my vision using cannabis oils. Today, we help people all over the country manage various conditions. If I stop taking my cannabis oils, I go blind in less than a week and enter pain cycles. Along the way, I also overcame massive chronic pain and migraines that I've had for a lifetime.

I depend on our cannabis oils even more than our clients do. That's why I started my company and this show—to spread the good word about cannabis, CBD, and holistic health.

Meghan’s Journey with Cannabis

Yes, so my name is Meghan Hall. I'm the creator of two development shows, the Master Grower Series and the Grassroots of Revolution documentary. I've been interviewing Al for over seven years on all CBD and cannabis topics, including his health journey. He is the talent for both of my shows, along with many other talented individuals. Inspired by Al's story and his role in healing my mom after her surgeries and overall well-being, I’ve been dedicated to bringing the cannabis world into mainstream television—Netflix, History Channel, Discovery Channel, and beyond.

It's a pleasure to be here, and I couldn’t be more excited about kicking off this series with the history of cannabis.

The Therapeutic History of Cannabis

Ancient Beginnings

China and India (3000-5000 BC)

Al: So, can we jump into the history of cannabis? How old is this plant? Well, its therapeutic use dates back to 3000-5000 BC in China. It crossed the Himalayas into India around 2000 BC, where it was written into Ayurvedic texts and used profoundly, just like in Chinese medicine. However, today, it's not included in these texts. It was removed, which we'll cover as we get into more recent history.

Note: "It’s been used therapeutically for thousands of years. We’re just rediscovering this knowledge now."

Europe (1500 AD)

The history of cannabis took a significant turn in 1500 AD when it made its way to Europe. This was a period when homeopathy and natural wellness solutions were popular since traditional medicine wasn't developed yet. Cannabis became quite prominent during this time.

America (1600-1700 AD)

In the United States, colonists were required to grow hemp for utilitarian purposes like fabric and livestock feed. However, by the 1750s, before the Revolutionary War, it had also become recognized for its therapeutic benefits. By then, various practitioners recommended it for a variety of ailments.

Megan: Wasn’t it almost mandatory for everyone to have it for healing?

Al: Yes, it was considered a go-to remedy for many health issues. This aligns with my philosophy that many diseases are simply a cannabinoid deficiency.

Modern History

The American Medical Association (1847)

The 1800s brought significant shifts, such as the establishment of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1847, soon followed by the introduction of vaccines and the collaboration of Big Pharma. Both AMA and Big Pharma sought to vilify anything that competed with them, including cannabis, chiropractic, and homeopathy.

"In the 1800s, cannabis was the most prescribed substance across various practitioners." —Al Morentin

The Marijuana Tax Act (1937)

By 1937, amid campaigns like "Reefer Madness," the Marijuana Tax Act was passed, making cannabis effectively illegal. The Act was not just a U.S. phenomenon; it influenced laws all over the world.

The War on Drugs (1980s)

The 1980s saw further vilification. The DEA, FBI, and local law enforcement executed military-style operations against cannabis farms. Farmers even had armed confrontations with authorities. The War on Drugs, spearheaded by Reagan, left a long-standing impact.

Meghan: Based off a plant that has only helped and healed people since 3000 BC?

Al: Yes, and it’s not even a violent crime substance. It’s not a drug in the harmful sense.

Breaking the Stigma (1990s)

Bill Clinton's infamous "I smoked, but I did not inhale" comment during his presidential campaign in the early 1990s marked a turning point. It opened up mainstream acceptance for cannabis, setting the stage for legalization debates.

The Compassionate Use Act (1996)

In 1996, California passed the Compassionate Use Act for medical cannabis, making it slightly more accessible, albeit still difficult due to federal regulations.

Rediscovering Therapeutic Cannabis

The Early 2000s

I discovered how to regain my eyesight in 2013 through a specific extraction process, setting in motion my company, MOVIDA. I started extensive case studies to explore cannabis’ benefits for glaucoma, anxiety, fatigue, cancer, and more.

           "Patient zero had to be me, reassuring the purity and effectiveness of our products."

The Federal Hemp Bill (2019)

The signing of the Federal Hemp Bill in 2018 marked a significant milestone. By January 1, 2019, hemp was legal nationwide, leading to an explosion in the CBD industry.

Challenges and Triumphs

Not every CBD product is created equal. While this legislation brought a wave of CBD products to the market, it also meant that many subpar products surfaced.

Megan: They were capitalizing on the fact that CBD was legal now, without maintaining quality.

Al: That’s why I emphasize the integrity of our products and hold on to them despite lucrative buyout offers.

The Current State of Cannabis

Fast forward to the present, the challenges persist. Larger corporations are pushing out smaller, more integrity-driven businesses. However, the increased acceptance and access to cannabis and CBD are positive trends.

Conclusion

Cannabis has come a long way from its ancient therapeutic uses to modern rediscovery. Despite ongoing challenges and efforts to vilify it, the plant's undeniable benefits are leading more people to seek it out.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Cannabis Friends and 420 Buds, where we'll continue to explore these themes and share valuable insights. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Hope you have a beautiful day. Peace.

Blockquote for standout quotes include:

         "People don't have all these different diseases; they just have a cannabinoid deficiency."

             "Cannabis has never been a violent crime substance. It's a healer."