Cannabis has a rich history of being used in medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. William O’Shaughnessy introduced the plant to Western medicine in the mid-1800s after observing its use in India. By the 20th century, Western medical journals had published over 100 papers on cannabis, and cannabis preparations were available at most local pharmacies.
A Cough Syrup with Cannabis
In the late 1800s, a cough drop salesman sold a cough syrup called “One Night Cough Syrup” that contained alcohol, cannabis, chloroform, and morphine. It was available over the counter and promised to eliminate a cough in one night so people could sleep.
Pharmaceutical Companies and Cannabis
Interestingly, major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, Parke-Davis (now owned by Pfizer), and Squibb of Bristol-Myers Squibb, were the original medical marijuana sellers. In a 1919 medical catalog, these companies listed several cannabis products. Cannabis was prescribed for epilepsy, female problems, migraines, stomach worms, mental illnesses, addiction, as well as an aphrodisiac and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Marketing and Brand Recognition
Most medicines were the same, so good marketing and brand recognition was crucial. According to the Antique Cannabis Book, almost 6% of all manufactured drugs at the turn of the century contained cannabis in one form or another. Squibb sold cannabis in powder form, tablets, fluid extracts, and tinctures. Parke Davis worked with Eli Lilly to create its own plant strain, Cannabis Americana, which was a domesticated indica strain.
The Use of Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine
Cannabis is still illegal in many parts of the world, despite its rich medical history and numerous benefits. While some people are concerned about new cannabis products for pets, it’s worth noting that cannabis was also used as veterinary medicine over a century ago. Parke Davis sold cannabis extracts to vets for use as a pain reliever and sedative for animals to relieve coughs and stomach ailments.
The Need for Re-evaluation
It’s time for society to re-evaluate its stance on cannabis and acknowledge its medicinal value. It’s ironic that the original sellers of medical marijuana are now absent from the market while other pharmaceutical companies, such as GW Pharmaceutical and Insys Therapeutics, are pushing ahead in their cannabis research studies. With its rich history and numerous medical benefits, cannabis deserves the recognition it’s been denied for too long.
