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7 Early Uses of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been used as a healing plant for thousands of years—long before it was ever misunderstood or restricted. Across ancient cultures and continents, cannabis was recognized as a natural medicine used to ease pain, calm the mind, and promote balance in the body. Today, as more Canadians gain access to medical cannabis through licensed programs, it’s worth remembering that this plant’s medical history runs deep.
Records trace one of the earliest uses of cannabis to Emperor Shen Nung of China around 2900 B.C., often regarded as the father of Chinese medicine. He documented the therapeutic properties of “ma,” describing how the plant relieved symptoms like pain and inflammation. Cannabis also appeared in early spiritual and medicinal traditions—some experts even suggest that the “kaneh-bosem” mentioned in the Book of Exodus referred to cannabis oil used in ancient Hebrew anointing rituals.
In Egypt, cannabis was used to treat eye conditions like glaucoma and inflammation. Archaeologists have even discovered cannabis pollen in the tomb of Ramses II, offering proof that the plant played a role in both medicine and ritual life. The Greek and Roman worlds also embraced its therapeutic potential—Pliny the Elder’s Natural History and the writings of Dioscorides both describe cannabis as a pain reliever and natural treatment for various ailments.
By 200 CE, Chinese surgeon Hua To reportedly used cannabis mixed with wine as an anaesthetic during surgical procedures—one of the earliest documented forms of herbal anaesthesia. Fast-forward to the 1840s, when cannabis-based medicines were widely available in pharmacies across North America. Physicians prescribed it for everything from migraines to sleep disorders until early 20th-century restrictions shifted public perception away from its medical use.
Today, medical cannabis is once again recognized for its therapeutic potential in managing symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. Veterans in Canada, for example, can access compassionate medical cannabis support through programs designed specifically for them, including GrowLegally’s veteran services.
If you’re exploring whether medical cannabis may help improve your quality of life, it’s important to work with trained cannabis patient educators and authorized physicians. They can help you obtain your personal grow licence under Health Canada’s program and ensure you’re following all regulations for safe, legal access.
GrowLegally is a trusted medical cannabis clinic in Toronto serving patients across Canada. We’ve been helping Canadians—including veterans—navigate the authorization process since the beginning of medical cannabis regulation. Reach out today to learn how our compassionate team can guide you toward a safer, more natural path to wellness.
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Before Acquiring Medical Marijuana, Here Are 2 Questions That Your Doctor Is Likely To Ask You (Plus a Bonus One!)
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Go To PostGrowing medical cannabis successfully isn’t just about planting a seed—it’s about creating balance. Every cannabis plant has its own rhythm, and learning to align your growing environment with that rhythm is what separates average results from exceptional medicine. For Canadians growing under a Personal Grow Licence, understanding how light, air, humidity, and soil work together is the foundation of cultivating safe, effective, and consistent cannabis. Under Health Canada’s ACMPR personal grow licence program, authorized patients can legally cultivate marijuana plants for personal medical use. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, arthritis, PTSD, or anxiety, growing your own cannabis gives you control over purity, strain selection, and supply. But quality depends on more than genetics—it’s about creating the right growing environment. The foundation begins with light, air, and temperature. Cannabis thrives under full-spectrum LED lights that mimic natural sunlight. These systems are energy-efficient, generate less heat, and provide consistent coverage—perfect for indoor growers. During the vegetative stage, aim for 18 hours of light and 6 of darkness; when flowering begins, switch to a 12/12 light cycle. Proper air circulation is just as important. A steady airflow strengthens stems, distributes carbon dioxide, and prevents mould—a small oscillating fan can make a big difference. Temperature and humidity control are vital for plant health. Cannabis prefers 22–28°C during the day and slightly cooler nights around 18–22°C. Humidity should start around 60–70% in early growth and drop to 40–50% during flowering. Maintaining this balance helps prevent mould, while encouraging resin production and terpene development—key factors for medical potency and aroma. Your growing medium also plays a major role. Whether you choose soil, coco coir, or hydroponics, ensure your roots get both oxygen and drainage. Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8, and use clean, organic nutrients rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at different growth stages. Overfeeding or inconsistent watering can cause “nutrient burn” or root issues, so pay attention to your plants—leaves often reveal the first signs of imbalance. For detailed techniques, explore our related GrowLegally guides: Hydroponics for Medical Cannabis — Learn how soilless systems boost yields and efficiency for licensed patients. The Best Lighting Options for Indoor Marijuana Farms — Find out which lighting systems deliver the healthiest plants and biggest harvests. How to Dry and Cure Cannabis Flowers Safely in Canada — Preserve cannabinoids, terpenes, and quality post-harvest. Security and compliance are equally important under a medical cannabis grow licence in Canada. Health Canada requires that all plants be kept in a locked, enclosed space that prevents unauthorized access. Outdoor growers should consider fencing or greenhouses—especially near harvest time when theft risk increases. Maintaining a safe and controlled grow not only ensures compliance but also protects your medicine. For many Canadians, growing cannabis is more than just a medical necessity—it’s a mindful, therapeutic process. Veterans, in particular, have found great relief cultivating their own medicine for PTSD and chronic pain. Since the beginning, GrowLegally has proudly supported medical cannabis for veterans , helping them navigate Health Canada’s system and offering free grow licence services when registering with a licensed producer. If you’re ready to start cultivating your own medical cannabis safely and confidently, our Medical Cannabis Clinic in Toronto can help. GrowLegally provides compassionate, knowledgeable support to patients in all provinces—from medical authorization to personalized cultivation guidance—so you can grow your own medicine with confidence and care.
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