Marijuana has had many recorded uses in diverse cultures throughout the past 5,000 years. The first possible recorded use of cannabis occurred as early as 2727 BCE with the legendary Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese agriculture and herbal medicine. In “The Herbal” which is considered the oldest Chinese text for the use of herbs as medicine. Shen Nung wrote of the benefits of cannabis in tea. Historians, however, cast doubt on the historicity of this account and doubt on Shen Nung as a real figure. The ancient Greco-Roman cultures were also familiar with cannabis and provide a more clear record. For example, in the third century, the Roman Emperor Aurelius imposed a tax on Egyptian cannabis. Later, cannabis use spread throughout the Islamic empire to North Africa. In the 9th century, the physician Rhazes prescribed it for migraines and syphilis. In 1545, cannabis also spread to the western hemisphere when Spaniards imported it to Chile for use as fiber, and in North America, cannabis, in the form of hemp, was grown on many plantations for use in rope, clothing and paper.
NEW YORK STATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM
In July 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature enacted the Compassionate Care Act to provide a comprehen- sive, safe and effective medical marijuana program that meets the needs of New Yorkers. The program will ensure that medical marijuana is available for certified patients with qualifying conditions and is dispensed and administered in a manner that protects public health and safety. It is Columbia Care’s pleasure to offer qualifying patients access to medical marijuana treatment.
Currently, New York State law identifies the following as qualifying conditions: cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, and Huntington’s disease. The associated or complicating conditions are cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe or persistent muscle spasms. Contact your physician to determine if you qualify. Click here for information on how to become a medical marijuana patient in NY.