One drug that has been of interest to many throughout the years is cannabis, which has been used for various reasons such as medicine, recreation, and even religious purposes. One country that undoubtedly has a role in the cannabis market today is Mexico. It has been linked to the production and exportation of marijuana in the United States for decades. In this blog post, we will shed some light on the history of cannabis cultivation in Mexico and how it has affected the cannabis market in the United States.
Cannabis consumption in Mexico dates back to ancient times, where indigenous people used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, making it part of their traditional medical practices. The use of Marijuana was documented in the 16th century when Spanish colonizers took over. During this time, the commercial production of cannabis began in the country. Cannabis was initially grown for hemp fiber, from which clothing, ropes, and other materials were made. The psychoactive properties of the plant were not as well known until much later.
In the 20th century, attitudes towards cannabis changed in Mexico and other parts of the world, following the United Nation's call for the criminalization of cannabis. Mexican authorities followed suit by placing restrictions on the plant's cultivation. Despite these efforts, the production of cannabis continued in Mexico, mainly in the mountainous regions of the country. It is believed that drug cartels and other criminal gangs are responsible for most of the marijuana exported to the United States.
When cannabis was banned in the United States, many individuals found ways to get around the law, especially during the Prohibition era. Mexican migrants and farmers brought marijuana with them when crossing the border, leading to cannabis consumption in the US. The cannabis industry in the United States was birthed, and it eventually spread to other continents, making marijuana a worldwide commodity.
The 1960s and 1970s saw the hippie movement, which favored the use of marijuana. The demand for marijuana was on the rise, but the production in the United States was not enough to satiate it. This created an opportunity for the Mexican cartels, who gained influence in the US market and exerted total control over the marijuana industry.
Mexico's cannabis cultivation has played a significant role in the cannabis supply chain, which influences the current cannabis market in the United States. With several states legalizing marijuana in the US, various cannabis products now come from legal sources, making it easier for consumers to access products of higher quality with more information. Mexico is also embracing the idea of legalizing marijuana, although the country still faces challenges such as violence and the illicit activities of cartels. The history of cannabis cultivation in Mexico is fascinating and is indeed a significant factor that has contributed to the growth of the cannabis market worldwide.