Cannabis and medical practice--1970.

In the time of the Chinese emperor, Shen Nung, about 2700 B.C., Cannabis was mentioned as a subject of controversy; this state of affairs has continued ever since (Grinspoon, 1969). It will be remembered that with alcohol, another controversial self-administered substance known to have toxic effects, the imposition of a large tax on gin in the 18th century (a social measure, not a medical one) is said to have greatly reduced the social problem of drunkenness; while the imposition of a recent more drastic social measure, American Prohibition, not only failed to reduce the problem of alcohol, but led to new and unforseen social complications including general disrespect for law and the growth of a large and powerful criminal underworld.