T Harish Kumar

Human Evolution and Cannabis T Harish Kumar

Cannabis was commonly used during the ancient civilisation period and has many global advocates including Bob Marley, Carl Sagan and even the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. However, by law, cannabis is illegal in most countries. The global ban started off when the First Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry J. Anslinger, declared that marijuana should be illegal, as it is an addictive drug that causes insanity, criminality and death. Following that, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 officially criminalises marijuana in the United States and this was then adopted by other nations. Despite it being illegal, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug that researchers around the world proved to have numerous medical benefits. The psychoactive compound Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis could intervene the psychological body and develop it.