Cannabis and Women: A Long History of Healing

The history of cannabis intersects with the lives of women in various intriguing and significant ways, spanning centuries and encompassing roles from midwifery to nursing and beyond. As societal norms and medical practices evolved, women’s relationship with cannabis has been shaped by cultural beliefs, legal frameworks, and scientific understandings. This article explores the multifaceted history of cannabis and women.

For centuries, women have faced unique health challenges, from menstrual discomfort to the difficulties of childbirth and menopause. While modern medicine has made great strides in addressing these issues, it may come as a surprise to learn that cannabis has been used as a remedy for women's health concerns for thousands of years.

In ancient times through the Green Renaissance, cannabis has always been a natural medicine.

Ancient - Medieval Cure-all

In ancient Mesopotamia, cannabis was used to treat menstrual irregularities and aid in difficult childbirth. Similarly, ancient Egyptians employed cannabis as a childbirth aid and to treat gynecological conditions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cannabis seeds were utilized to address postpartum difficulties and stimulate lactation. Ethnobotanical evidence from various cultures worldwide reveals the use of cannabis to alleviate pain during childbirth, treat postpartum complications, regulate menstruation, and ease menopausal symptoms.

In medieval Persia, cannabis was mentioned as a potential abortifacient, while in the medieval Middle East, it was used to treat uterine tumors, prevent miscarriage, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

Interestingly, medieval European medicine also recognized the benefits of cannabis for women's health. It was used to alleviate menstrual cramps, pain, and heavy bleeding.

17th Century Witch Hunts

During the 17th century, Europe was gripped by a wave of witch hunts, a period marked by intense persecution of women accused of witchcraft. Cannabis, known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, found its way into the narratives of these witch hunts, though its exact role remains a subject of historical debate.

Cannabis and other herbs were often used in folk medicine practices by women who served as healers in their communities. These women, who possessed extensive knowledge of herbal remedies, were sometimes viewed with suspicion and accused of witchcraft. The use of cannabis in concoctions or ointments may have contributed to these suspicions, particularly if the herb’s effects were misunderstood or feared.

Some historians suggest that cannabis-infused ointments, believed to induce altered states of consciousness, were used in rituals or healing practices that were later condemned as witchcraft. The psychoactive effects of cannabis could have been interpreted as evidence of supernatural influence, leading to the persecution of women who utilized the plant in their healing practices.

18th and 19th Century Midwifery

The 18th and 19th centuries saw women playing a crucial role in midwifery, providing essential care to pregnant women and assisting in childbirth. During this period, cannabis was recognized for its medicinal properties and was commonly used to alleviate pain and manage various conditions.

Midwives often turned to cannabis as a natural remedy for labor pains, menstrual cramps, and postpartum recovery. The plant’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties made it a valuable tool in the midwife’s repertoire. Cannabis was administered in various forms, including tinctures and poultices, to provide relief to women during and after childbirth.

The use of cannabis in midwifery was part of a broader tradition of herbal medicine that women relied upon to address health concerns. However, the professionalization of medicine in the late 19th century, led predominantly by male physicians, began to marginalize midwifery and the use of herbal remedies. This shift contributed to the decline of cannabis in mainstream medical practices, as medical authorities favored pharmaceutical interventions.

19th Century Nursing

In the 19th century, the field of nursing emerged as a formal profession, with women like Florence Nightingale leading the way in establishing modern nursing practices. Cannabis continued to play a role in medicine, albeit with growing regulation and scrutiny.

Cannabis was included in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 until 1942, recognized for its therapeutic potential. Nurses, who were often on the front lines of patient care, utilized cannabis to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Its use was supported by medical literature of the time, which documented its efficacy in managing symptoms and improving patient comfort.

However, as the 19th century progressed, the perception of cannabis began to shift. Increasing regulation and the advent of synthetic pharmaceuticals led to a decline in its medical use. By the early 20th century, cannabis was subject to strict legal controls, culminating in its prohibition under the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.

20th Century: Prohibition and Activism

The 20th century marked a dramatic shift in the status of cannabis, driven by legal prohibition and changing social attitudes. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized cannabis, and by the 1970s, the Controlled Substances Act classified it as a Schedule I drug, deeming it to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Despite these restrictions, women played crucial roles in advocating for the medicinal use of cannabis. During the 1960s and 1970s, as part of the broader counterculture and civil rights movements, female activists began to challenge the legal and social stigmas surrounding cannabis. Figures like Mary Jane Rathbun, affectionately known as "Brownie Mary," became legendary for her efforts in providing cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients in San Francisco, highlighting cannabis’s potential to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.

21st Century: Legalization and Empowerment

The 21st century has witnessed a significant shift in the perception and legal status of cannabis, largely driven by grassroots activism and evolving scientific evidence. Women have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for legalization, conducting research, and leading businesses in the burgeoning cannabis industry.

Legalization and Medical Use

Women have played pivotal roles in the push for cannabis legalization and medical use. Organizations such as NORML Women’s Alliance and Women Grow have provided platforms for female advocacy, education, and entrepreneurship in the cannabis space. These efforts have contributed to the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in numerous states and countries, recognizing its potential benefits for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD.

Research and Innovation

Women scientists and researchers are expanding our understanding of cannabis’s therapeutic potential. Researchers like Dr. Sue Sisley have conducted groundbreaking studies on cannabis’s efficacy in treating PTSD in veterans, while others have explored its benefits for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cancer-related symptoms.

Industry Leadership

The cannabis industry has seen a growing number of women entrepreneurs and executives who are shaping the market and advocating for inclusive practices. Women like Nancy Whiteman, CEO of Wana Brands, and Wanda James, founder of Simply Pure, have become influential figures in the industry, driving innovation and promoting social equity.

Conclusion

The history of cannabis and women is a testament to resilience, innovation, and advocacy. From the persecution of women healers during the witch hunts of the 17th century to the professionalization of midwifery and nursing, and into the activism and entrepreneurship of the modern era, women have played critical roles in the evolution of cannabis use and regulation. As society continues to reevaluate the role of cannabis in medicine and culture, the contributions of women remain central to its ongoing story, paving the way for a more informed and equitable future.