Introduction
The cannabis plant has been used for many things throughout history, including medicine. It has also been called by many names, like weed, pot, and marijuana. But where do these names come from, and why are we having a debate about whether to say cannabis or marijuana?
The History of Cannabis Prohibition
To understand the debate, it’s important to know a bit about the history of cannabis prohibition, particularly in the United States. In the early 20th century, the US began to restrict cannabis. This was a time when cannabis use was often associated with certain groups of people, like jazz musicians and Mexican immigrants.
Sadly, negative views of these groups influenced how cannabis was seen. Sensationalist news stories and political campaigns helped to create a public perception of cannabis as a dangerous drug. This eventually led to the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, adopting the Latin-American word for the plant. This was the first major federal restriction on cannabis.
The authors of a recent paper aimed to examine the historical, etymological, and cultural roots of the term and argue that a shift to the term cannabis is more appropriate.
The Origins of the Word Marijuana
The word marijuana itself has a complex and unclear history. There are several theories about where it came from:
- Some people think it’s from Mexican folk language, perhaps from the names Maria and Juana. This bears similarity to the slang term Mary Jane, which is often used to refer to the plant.
- Others suggest it has Chinese origins, from the phrase ma ren hua, meaning hemp seed flower.
- Another theory connects it to the Bantu word ma kaña, meaning cannabis.
It’s important to note that the way the word marijuana was used in the US was often tied to racism and negative views of certain groups.
Why Cannabis Makes More Sense
In contrast, the word cannabis has a clearer and less controversial history. It’s believed to have come from the Scythian word kanab, with possible later roots in the Hebrew terms kaneh and kanbos.
Many experts and lawmakers now argue that we should use the term cannabis instead of marijuana. They feel that cannabis is a more accurate and neutral term and that it helps to move away from the negative history that the word marijuana has.
Cannabis was the standard term for the plant in scientific and medical contexts since the 16th century. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the term marijuana began to be used in American discourse. The authors of the recent paper, therefore, describe the shift to using cannabis rather than marijuana is, in fact, a reversion, not an introduction.
Why This Matters
So, does it really matter what we call it? Some research suggests that the public doesn’t have strong feelings one way or the other. However, for many, the shift to using cannabis is about:
- Acknowledging the history of racism and prejudice in cannabis laws.
- Using language that is more appropriate in a medical setting.
- Reducing stigma and promoting a more fact-based understanding of cannabis.
What Does This Mean for You?
At Curaleaf Clinic, we are committed to using clear, respectful, and accurate language. This is part of our commitment to providing the best possible care and information to our patients. As the discussion around cannabis terminology evolves, we will continue to stay informed and use the language that best serves our patients and our community.
