Prof. David Nutt - The Roots of Cannabis Policy Change

Cannabis holds a extensive history as a medicinal tool, as evidenced by archaeological records and its documented use in traditional medicine throughout Asia for thousands of years. Early pharmaceutical and over-the-counter preparations in Europe, like those used by Queen Victoria, relied on its therapeutic properties for various health conditions, yet international policy eventually shifted toward complete prohibition. This shift was fueled by political agendas and commercial pressures rather than evidence, leading to the strict global classification of the substance as dangerous and devoid of medical utility. Despite legal advancements in some regions, the prohibitionist legacy continues to hinder meaningful scientific research and patient access to essential treatments.