The cultivation and use of cannabis have been the subject of much debate in America. Historically, cannabis has been criminalized, stigmatizing it as an illegal drug with no value. Recently though, more states have legalized medical and recreational cannabis use, signaling a shift towards its acceptance as a valuable crop with potential medicinal benefits. This progress was recently highlighted by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton’s request that the U.S. Botanic Gardens display a marijuana plant for the first time.
The letter notes that such a display would highlight the impact of marijuana on “As individual states and the country as a whole are moving toward the legalization of marijuana, having a display with male and female marijuana plants would be a historic opportunity to highlight the impact of marijuana on American society and, especially, the American economy.”
If granted, this request will be an important step forward in normalizing cannabis and educating people on its potential benefits. It will also provide an opportunity for further research into the medicinal value of different strains of cannabis, offering insight that could benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
The potential of this display is compounded by last year’s exhibit at the California State Fair featuring both hemp and THC plants. This provided an opportunity to showcase cannabis in a positive light within a public setting, and it is expected to expand even more this year. With events like these, we can begin to build on the progress made towards normalizing cannabis, highlighting its true value and contributing to greater knowledge about its potential applications.
Cannabis in America
The history of cannabis in America is one steeped in controversy and criminalization. As recently as the 1930s, marijuana was outlawed across the United States despite its long history of medicinal use and cultural acceptance worldwide.
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 essentially made it illegal to grow or possess any form of cannabis, with harsh penalties for anyone who violated these laws. This effectively removed cannabis from everyday life, stigmatizing it as an illegal drug without value or use beyond getting users “high.”
This perception has been difficult to overcome in the decades since, as there is still a great deal of misinformation about cannabis circulating in society today. That’s why it is so important that people are educated on the true value of cannabis and its potential medicinal benefits.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Request
Eleanor Holmes Norton recently sent a letter to Susan K. Pell, executive director of the U.S Botanic Garden, requesting that marijuana plants be displayed for the first time. The letter notes that such an exhibit would highlight the impact of marijuana on “American society and, especially, the American economy.”
This request is compounded by last year’s decision to grow hemp at the garden for the first time in over 70 years, which highlights again how times are changing when it comes to cannabis usage and acceptance in America. It also indicates how important it is for people to be educated about its potential value and applications so that they can make informed decisions going forward about its use.
If accepted, this request from Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton would mark an important milestone in the journey toward normalizing cannabis. It would provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the plant and its various uses and gain a deeper understanding of its potential impact on society and the economy.
California State Fair Set Example Last Year
Last year, the California State Fair made history by launching its first-ever exhibit featuring hemp and THC plants. This marked a big step forward in educating visitors on the potential positive impact of cannabis, as it allowed people to see for themselves the difference between these two forms of marijuana plants.
It was also important regarding its potential to expand this year and beyond. The State Fair has already announced plans to increase the amount of space dedicated to the exhibit and offer more educational materials about cannabis’s various uses and possible medicinal benefits.
Normalizing Cannabis
Normalizing cannabis can be incredibly beneficial for society, allowing us to explore its potential uses and applications in more depth. For example, hemp has been used historically in the United States for centuries, being a major component of paper production and rope-making in the early days of our nation’s history.
By continuing to normalize cannabis today, we open avenues for further research into its medicinal value and other applicable uses. We also have the opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come with cannabis acceptance since the first days of prohibition, building on the progress already made toward understanding its true value.
If accepted, this request from Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton would mark an important milestone in the journey toward normalizing cannabis. It would provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the plant and its various uses and gain a deeper understanding of its potential impact on society and the economy.
Enjoyed that first hit? Come chill with us every week at the Friday Sesh for a freshly packed bowl of the week’s best cannabis news!
