Legalized It: A Biochemical, Anthropological, and Legal Analysis of Cannabis

The human consumption of cannabis has a rich history, originating in central Asia in 2800 BCE and still widely-used for medicine and recreation today. The use of cannabis, however, remains a controversial topic in society due to varying legal status and common misconceptions about drug abuse.

In this course, we aim to demystify cannabis by diving into the differences between Cannabis plant species, the chemistry of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the varying spiritual practices and attitudes towards cannabis across cultures, and the history of prohibition, decriminalization, and legalization of cannabis. We welcome any and all questions such as: What are CBD, delta-8 THC, and terpenes? How different are indica and sativa strains? What kinds of medical conditions can cannabis treat? How does it increase appetite? Is it harmful? What are the differences between smoking, vaping, and taking an edible? Why are the laws around its use constantly changing?

We encourage all to come to our course with an open mind, as we hope to facilitate healthy conversations aimed at understanding the science, laws, and social impacts surrounding the use of cannabis.