UPDATE: Cannabis Use During the Civil War

This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on April 15, 2015.

UPDATE APRIL 15, 2015:

The following article was published after quotes were found suggesting that two Civil War Generals endorsed Hasheesh oils. In the 1800’s claims were often made without peoples knowledge and copyright laws did not exist, some coined these advertisers snake oil salesmen. Our research led us to quotes that were likely misrepresentations, yet the information was published in established publications at that time. No one denies the use of cannabis as a medicine during the Civil War.

During a recent interview with noted historian Mark Hall-Patton of Pawn Star show fame, Mark did not believe the quotes to be genuine, but he did not deny the use of cannabis at the time of the Civil War.

Clark County Museum & Pawn Stars historian discusses cannabis use during the Civil War.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Because cannabis was never considered an illegal substance prior or during the US Civil War, marijuana was widely accepted as a medical solution, and used frequently by soldiers to help with ailments and wounds.

On this day before Memorial Day the following advertisement from the Good Samaritan and Daily Physician, circa 1862, seemed appropriate. General Ulysses S. Grant (later US President) tells about the medical use of marijuana, “It is of great value to the wounded and feeble, and that it is harmless.” Possibly referring to opium that was being used and abused frequently during that period of history, and still today.

Confederate General General Robert E. Lee declares, “I wish it was in my power to place it (cannabis) in the pocket of every soldier, because I am convinced that it speedily relieves debility, fatigue and suffering”

It is beyond my comprehension that today we limit cannabis to those soldiers that defend our freedom. We also ignore science, common sense and the voice of the commanders in their charge by denying these brave men and women every treatment available, do we not owe them that much?

In 2014 our leadership in the military support the use of cannabis, but solely for veterans. This needs to change. And now.