Cannabis History

Humans have used the cannabis plant for thousands of years, yet we are just starting to scratch the surface of its properties and effects. 

Historical records show cannabis was used at least 5,000 years ago. Ancient texts indicate it was used to treat a variety of ailments, from glaucoma to inflammation and pain. In the last few centuries, marijuana has been banned and decriminalized in several locations.  

In 1931, Illinois was one of the first U.S. states to ban recreational cannabis use, even before a national ban. Negative notions about marijuana would begin to change in the 1960s. 

Illinois passed the Cannabis Control Act in 1978, which would have allowed State Police and the Department of Human Services to regulate medical marijuana. However, neither department took any action on this, making it fruitless. 

Illinois legalized medical marijuana in 2013, becoming the twentieth state to do so. Medicinal sales in Illinois began in 2015. And in 2019, it became the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana. Recreational sales started on January 1, 2020.