Throughout history, the Black community has defied adversity, turning to marijuana as a powerful healer for various ailments and illnesses. While the recent surge in cannabis acceptance is newsworthy, it’s time we recognize and appreciate the rich history of marijuana’s medicinal use within the Black community. Let’s explore the past, present, and future of this extraordinary plant, unearthing the deep roots that connect us to our ancestors and empower us today.
During the era of slavery, the resilience of enslaved Black people was unyielding, with many finding comfort and healing in marijuana amidst the cruel conditions they faced. This is true for enslaved Black people in America, Brazil, and throughout the Carribbean. Also, contrary to popular belief, enslaved Black people were not passive victims; many actively sought relief from the brutality of their circumstances. Through the use of marijuana, they treated a variety of physical and mental health issues resulting from the inhumane treatment they endured. The plant’s healing properties provided a source of strength and perseverance, allowing them to confront the harshest of realities.
Throughout the years, marijuana remained a steadfast remedy in the Black community, especially in the context of traditional Black American traditions like Hoodoo. This spiritual healing system incorporated marijuana to facilitate communication with ancestors and spirits while treating a range of physical and emotional ailments. Thus, the plant not only offered physical relief but also nourished the spirit, fostering a sense of connection and resilience.
In the past, Black people would use the plant in various forms, such as infusions or as part of ritual incense, to aid in their spiritual practices and provide a sense of comfort and connection during difficult times.
In his book, “Cannabis and the Soma Solution,” Chris Bennett delves into the hidden history of marijuana use among enslaved Black people, revealing how the plant was used in secret ceremonies, including Hoodoo rituals, to provide a sense of community and spiritual connection, despite the horrors of bondage. Oral histories and accounts from the era suggest that marijuana was used to alleviate the symptoms of exhaustion, malnutrition, and illness, as well as to provide a temporary escape from the brutal reality of enslavement.
Now, in the 21st century, the western world is finally waking up to the power of marijuana as a healer. Research has finally proven its effectiveness in treating a plethora of conditions, from chronic pain and epilepsy to anxiety and depression. For Black people, who have known and revered the power of this plant for centuries, this mainstream recognition is long overdue and a call to action.
Enter Wanda James, the first Black woman to own a marijuana dispensary in the United States. A trailblazer in both activism and entrepreneurship, James has made it her mission to increase access to medical marijuana for veterans and people of color. In a Forbes interview, she powerfully stated, “Cannabis isn’t new; it’s been used for thousands of years as a medicine.”
The millennial generation, in particular, is taking the bull by the horns, driving the push for marijuana legalization and social equity. No longer shackled by outdated stigmas, they are championing increased access to this miraculous medicine, especially for communities of color that have been systematically targeted by the war on drugs.
At the end of the day, the benefits of marijuana are not new concepts to us; it’s a return to our roots. It’s time to embrace marijuana’s historical significance within the Black community and to challenge the racist systems that have demonized it for far too long. The millennial generation is leading the charge, but it’s up to all of us to join the fight.
