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Poisoning by Cannabis

In the late 19th century numerous cases of ‘poisoning by cannabis indica’ were reported in medical journals. Many government agencies required that the word ‘poison’ be placed on the label of cannabis tinctures. The antidote for alleged ‘cannabis poisoning’ accepted by the medical establishment was coffee. However, 20th century researchers reviewing these ‘poisonings’ managed to find no more than a couple of dozen genuine documented cases. At least half of these cases (which we would today call overdoses, producing uncomfortable and disorienting but temporary experiences) were the result of doctors’ experimentation on themselves.

Many of the images on the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum website are available for reproduction. Please contact us for more information.

cannabis medicinal bottle

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