Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications

History and Policy of Clinical Cannabis versus Medical Marijuana: U.S. History and Policy
Xeno Rasmusson

Abstract
Despite extensive biomedical and social science research on cannabis, stereotypes and fears are often substituted for scientific fact. Moreover, a limited amount of research is presented to the general public so the public discourse on this topic is quite limited. Policy makers need accurate background on cannabis whereas general knowledge derived from mass media outlets may be biased toward only the most recent policy changes to have made the news or the most recent sensationalized research results. This paper reviews the socio-historical context of US marijuana policy along with a broader review of historical milestones and recent biomedical discoveries. The goal is to provide a factual wide-ranging overview for understanding drug effects, drug development and drug policy with regard to cannabis.

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