The Oklahoma Bar Journal May 2025

system. In 1988, researchers work ing at Saint Louis University dis covered cannabinoid receptors, the most abundant neurotransmitters in the human brain. 34 In 1990, the DNA sequence for these receptors was mapped. These findings led to the discovery of endocannabi noids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 35 The ECS is found in all vertebrates and contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis in the body to help regulate sleep, mood, appetite, memory, repro duction and fertility. 36 It impacts our immune, endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems. While doctors are still trying to fully understand how the ECS works in our bodies, we do know the plant-based cannabinoids in cannabis and all cannabinoid- containing foods bind to our CB1 and CB2 receptors to allow our bodies to operate at optimum capacity. 37 The ECS is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 recep tors are mainly found in our central nervous system. CB2 receptors are

medical use in treatment in the United States;” and is one where the potential for abuse is “mod erate or low [for] physical depen dence or high [for] psychological dependence” on the drug. 19 In previous congressional hearings, the DEA has indicated that it will be bound by the recommendations of the FDA. 20 This is important because there is significant scientific data behind the medical use of canna bis. Cannabis has been studied for specific health conditions, such as pain, reduction of opioid use, anxi ety, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, irri table bowel syndrome, movement disorders related to Tourette syn drome, multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting related to cancer che motherapy, PTSD and sleep apnea, to name a few conditions. 21 22 23 There are multiple FDA-approved drugs using cannabinoids and/or synthetic THC. These are Marinol, 24 Syndros, 25 Cesamet, 26 Epidiolex, 27 dronabinol and nabilone. 28 This data is often ignored because the definition of a Schedule I drug fun damentally conflicts with it having medical usage. The approval of these cannabinoid/THC-based medications underscores the impact rescheduling will have while still allowing for compli ance with our wider international treaty obligations. 29 However, recognition of this research and the impact of legalization on the wider international community takes us back to the basic concept of this article: Cannabis is and remains an agricultural and horticultural crop cultivated for food and/or medicinal purposes and has been throughout history.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS History shows that cannabis has been cultivated for usage as food, medicine and materials through out time. It was significant in the early colonization of the United States. Evidence even suggests it was brought to the Americas in 1492 by explorer Christopher Columbus with the hemp ropes on his ships. 30 In the 1600s, when the Jamestown Settlement was estab lished, the colonists were required to grow cannabis, as it was an important crop to the English crown. 31 Cannabis was one of three primary crops grown by George Washington at his Mount Vernon plantation. 32 It was also grown by Thomas Jefferson. 33 Cannabis was grown for fiber, medicine and feed for livestock prior to delegalization. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III has the potential to allow the full use of the plant to positively impact animals and humans. In the 20th century, researchers discovered the endocannabinoid

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

36 | MAY 2025

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL