# Cannabis as Medicine: A Brief History of Humans Using a Plant While Pretending It’s Dangerous > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-as-medicine-a-brief-history-of-humans-using-a-plant-while-pretending-its-dangerous/ > **Published:** 2026-07-06T17:14:44-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:49:44-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Understand endocannabinoid system biology and clinical evidence for cannabis medicine. Evidence-based physician perspective on cannabinoid pharmacology. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #67 Notable Clinical Interest Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ResearchPolicyCBDTHCPainAnxietyMental Health Why This Matters Clinicians need to understand that cannabinoid biology is not new to human physiology, as endocannabinoid systems exist naturally in the body and regulate inflammation and immune function, which has implications for therapeutic applications. Recognizing cannabis’s historical medical use alongside contemporary evidence of biological mechanism can help clinicians counsel patients more effectively about potential [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) and risks rather than relying solely on outdated stigma. This knowledge gap between clinical education and emerging evidence is critical because patients are already accessing cannabis for medical purposes, and evidence-informed clinicians are better positioned to provide harm reduction and optimize outcomes. Clinical Summary # Clinical Summary This historical overview examines the long medical use of cannabis and the disconnect between its documented therapeutic applications and its legal classification as a dangerous substance. The article emphasizes that the human [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) represents a biological substrate for cannabinoid effects, suggesting that [cannabis pharmacology](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-tolerance-behavioral-models/) is not novel but rather represents a rediscovery of treatments used historically for inflammation, immune modulation, and other conditions. The framing highlights how legal and policy barriers have obscured rather than eliminated the clinical evidence base for cannabis, creating a gap between traditional medical practice and modern regulatory restrictions. For clinicians, this historical context underscores that emerging [cannabis-based therapies](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-inhibit-keratinocyte-proliferation-non-cb1-cb2/) are grounded in established human biology and longstanding empirical use rather than experimental innovation. Understanding this background is important for clinical decision-making and patient counseling, as it provides scientific rationale for reconsidering cannabis in conditions where conventional therapies have limitations, particularly those involving inflammatory or immune dysregulation. Clinicians should recognize that legal status does not reflect the biological plausibility or historical medical precedent for cannabis use, and should engage with current evidence to determine appropriate clinical applications for their individual patients. Dr. Caplan’s Take “What’s clinically important here is that we have an [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) in the human body, which is well-established neurobiologically, but translating that basic science into validated medical treatments requires the rigorous [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) we’re still largely lacking for most cannabis indications. The biological capacity to respond to cannabinoids doesn’t automatically mean we understand the risk-benefit profile for specific patients and conditions.” Clinical Perspective 💊 While the historical criminalization of cannabis has undoubtedly impeded scientific investigation, clinicians should recognize that historical use does not constitute modern clinical evidence. The endocannabinoid system’s existence is well-established, yet current knowledge gaps remain substantial regarding dose-response relationships, long-term safety profiles, and comparative efficacy against conventional therapies for most conditions. Patient interest in cannabis for inflammatory and immune-related conditions continues to grow, but high-quality randomized controlled trials remain limited for most indications beyond epilepsy and chemotherapy-related nausea. Providers should engage in open, nonjudgmental conversations with patients who express interest in or are using cannabis, gathering detailed information about products, dosing, and outcomes while acknowledging that regulatory inconsistency and variable product quality complicate evidence interpretation. Given the gap between patient expectations shaped by historical narratives and current clinical evidence, the practical approach is to thoroughly document cannabis discussions, 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? 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