The History Of The Joint: An Interesting Cannabis History

By Author: Rosiey Bliss
Total Articles: 268
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Cannabis consumption in human civilization goes back as far as thousands of years ago. But the innovation within the industry is definitely broad. There are many modes of traditional consumption such as, through the pipe, hookah, or chillum. The recently invented and much popular mode of usage, the marijuana cigarette is commonly known as a joint, can be found throughout different cultures and places around the world.

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First Recorded Recreational Use of Cannabis

Initially, cannabis was used for medicinal purposes as we do even today. However, the first recreational use of cannabis was recorded in Mexico. According to the University of Guadalajara pharmacists, there were laborers who mix cannabis with tobacco in their cigarettes. The instance started around the year 1856, though it may be even earlier than that.

The cultural tie of the joint is still evident in Mexican roots. The song “La Cucaracha”, which is about a cockroach who cannot get up because he does not have any ...
... marijuana to smoke, is in fact the origin of the word roach.

The first commercial cannabis cigarette can be found in an 1870 publication of The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. Grimault’s Indian Cigarettes are known for the treatment of respiratory illness. This was a powerful mixture of cannabis resin, belladonna leaves (deadly nightshade, a powerful and sometimes deadly muscle relaxant), and a substantial amount of potassium nitrate. This combination is good for asthma as it can deconstruct the bronchial tubes for increased oxygen flow in the lungs.

Joints in the 20th Century

The Rastafarian Movement by Marcus Garvey was the precursor of widespread popularity to the black communities. A lot of musicians, especially the Jazz ones, preferred cannabis to alcohol as it enhanced their creativity without affecting their motor control.
A lot of nicknames for cannabis cigarettes was created ever since. The words “reefer”, “joint” or even “muggle”, which was originated from the Harry Potter franchise. Other terms were killer, goof butt, and joy smoke but they were forgotten as time passed by.

In 1920, an alcohol prohibition was implemented which then enabled the widespread of cannabis consumption. This resulted in the spring of underground hubs which provided a sip of whiskey while listening to jazz. Musicians originating from New Orleans began touring around the country bringing with them the so-called “jazz cigarettes”. This caused the sudden boom of cannabis in most states since back then you can smoke one without any repercussions.

Unfortunately, after a series of increased restrictions and the so-called “Reefer Madness” style propaganda, the Marijuana Tax of Act of 1937, was passed federally which outlawed the use and possession of cannabis essentially. Eventually, the media targeted the usage in newspapers and even school textbooks that cigarettes were being spiked with cannabis which apparently caused children to drive them insane.

Popularity of “Marijuana Cigarettes” Skyrockets

During the 1960s, people’s attitudes towards authority shifted. The Vietnam war was seen as an unjust war, and people were raised to believe that the usage of cannabis, also known as the “Reefer Madness”, made people crazy and insane. However, the usage of cannabis represented an act of non-violent protest against the broken system. Even soldiers in Vietnam smoked pot.

Modern Day Joints

Today’s joints are customizable as cannabis connoisseurs explore varying tastes and methods of consuming. They can choose from selections of strains to different kinds of special papers to expand their experience.

Sativa Bliss offers you a wide variety of cannabis products from its more natural forms such as flowers and pre-rolls. But if you’re keener on new methods of consuming cannabis we also have cannabis edibles, topicals, concentrates, and more. Check out our website, www.sativabliss.ca/shop, for more information!