The Evolution of Cannabis: From Ancient Spiritual Practices to Modern Mental Health Solutions

Cannabis has a rich history intertwined with mental and spiritual health dating back thousands of years. Across various ancient civilizations, cannabis played a significant role in spiritual and medicinal practices. In China (2700 BCE) it was used to treat ailments, while India (2000–1400 BCE) revered it as one of the five sacred plants. The Middle East and Scythians (1000 BCE) utilized cannabis in religious ceremonies, and Egypt (1500 BCE – 1000 CE) embraced it for medicinal purposes. In Africa, it has long been part of healing rituals. Though less prominent in the Americas, where plants like tobacco and peyote dominated spiritual practices, cannabis eventually became part of indigenous healing after European colonization.

In the past seven years, significant strides have been made in legalizing cannabis at the state level in the U.S., despite its federal Schedule 1 classification. As cannabis becomes more accessible and socially accepted, its uses have expanded beyond the stereotypical “stoner” culture. Pain management, mental health support, and sleep disorders are now the leading reasons people turn to cannabis, offering an alternative to traditional Western medicine.

The shift from traditional smoking to more varied consumption methods, such as edibles, vaporizers, topicals, and tinctures, reflects the growing desire for healthier ways to use cannabis. Legal frameworks have spurred innovation, pushing the industry beyond its roots and introducing new forms of consumption. 

Cannabis Use Today: Shifting Reasons and Methods

Cannabis use has evolved as societal attitudes and legal frameworks have changed. The following are key reasons for modern cannabis use:

• Pain management: Chronic pain remains the leading reason for cannabis use, with 62% of medical cannabis users citing it as their primary concern.
• Mental health: Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, impact 25-30% of medical cannabis users in the U.S., based on a 2022 APA report.
• Sleep disorders: Cannabis is used to address insomnia and sleep disorders, with 10-20% of medical users reporting improvements in sleep quality.

In contrast to earlier cannabis culture, which was heavily focused on the social and recreational aspects of smoking, today’s users are more health-conscious. Many opt for non-combustible forms of cannabis to avoid the risks associated with smoking.

Global and U.S. Cannabis Legalization

As of 2023, more than 50 countries have legalized some form of cannabis use:

• Medical cannabis is legal in countries like Canada, Germany, Australia, and Israel.
• Recreational cannabis is fully legal in Canada, Uruguay, and Malta, while countries like Portugal and the Netherlands have decriminalized personal use.
• CBD and hemp products are widely available, thanks to their low THC content.

U.S. Cannabis Access by the Numbers

In the U.S., cannabis legalization continues to expand across states, giving millions of Americans access to various forms of cannabis.

• CBD and hemp: Following the 2018 Farm Bill, all 334 million Americans have legal access to hemp-derived CBD, though state-specific restrictions may apply.
• Medical cannabis: 38 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical cannabis, giving approximately 240 million people (70% of the population) access.
• Decriminalized cannabis: 27 states have decriminalized cannabis, affecting 185 million people (55% of the population).
• Home-grown cannabis: 21 states allow for personal cannabis cultivation, reaching 125 million people (37% of the population).
• Adult-use (recreational) cannabis: 23 states and Washington, D.C., permit adult recreational use, affecting 160 million people (48% of the population).

Summary

Cannabis has transformed from an ancient spiritual tool to a modern solution for pain, mental health, and sleep disorders. As of 2023, more than 50 countries have adopted legal frameworks, and within the U.S., millions now have legal access to CBD, medical cannabis, and recreational products:

• CBD and hemp: Legal for all 334 million Americans.
• Medical cannabis: Accessible to 240 million Americans in 38 states.
• Decriminalized cannabis: 185 million people in 27 states.
• Home-grown cannabis: Legal for 125 million people in 21 states.
• Recreational cannabis: Legal for 160 million Americans in 23 states.

The rapid growth of the cannabis industry is creating new opportunities for healing and wellness, making cannabis a versatile tool for managing various conditions. With continued changes in legal frameworks, its accessibility and uses will likely expand even further.