The Old $10 Bill: A Look at Hemp Cultivation, Medical Uses, and Criminalization

In the world of currency, there are often interesting stories that give us more insight into a country’s history and culture. A particular example of this is the old $10 bill from the United States, which was not only a valuable means of payment but also had a remarkable depiction of hemp cultivation. This note offers a fascinating insight into hemp in American history, its medicinal applications and the subsequent criminalization.

Hemp on the 10-Dollar Note

The old $10 bill, which circulated between 1890 and 1901, depicts a woman representing agriculture, with hemp fields in the background. Hemp was an important crop in the United States at the time. It was used for a variety of products, from rope and textiles to paper and food. The choice to depict hemp on the bill reflects the value that society at the time placed on this versatile plant.

Medical Applications of Hemp and CBD

In addition to industrial applications, hemp also had a long history as a medicine. During the 19th century, hemp, and especially the cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol), was widely used in medicine. Doctors prescribed hemp products for a variety of ailments, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation. CBD, which does not have the psychoactive effects of THC, was valued for its therapeutic properties and was often used in tinctures and other medicinal preparations.

The great popularity of hemp as medicine shows how highly the plant was valued in society. The use of hemp in medicine was widespread and recognized as a valuable source of relief for many people.

Criminalization of Hemp

Despite the many benefits of hemp, perceptions of the plant began to change in the early 20th century. During the 1930s, hemp, along with its psychoactive relative marijuana, became increasingly criminalized. This was due to a combination of factors, including racism, economic interests, and a lack of knowledge about the plant. The campaign against marijuana, led by people like Harry Anslinger, led to the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which made the cultivation and sale of hemp virtually impossible.

A major player in this criminalization was the pharmaceutical industry. Hemp and the cannabinoids it contained offered natural alternatives to many drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. The rise of synthetic drugs and the commercial interests of this industry contributed to the demonization of hemp. By criminalizing hemp, pharmaceutical companies were better able to market their products without competition from natural remedies.

The criminalization of hemp had far-reaching consequences. It led to a decline in the cultivation and use of hemp in the United States, despite the many benefits it offered, both industrially and medicinally. The use of CBD and other hemp products as medicine was also severely restricted, leading to a lost opportunity for many people who could benefit from these natural remedies.

Conclusion

The old $10 bill depicting hemp cultivation is not only an interesting collector's item, but also a symbol of the complex relationship between society and this versatile plant. The criminalization of hemp, caused in part by the pharmaceutical industry, has led to a lost opportunity for economic growth and environmentally friendly practices, as well as access to valuable medical applications. Now, with the renewed interest in hemp and the emergence of the CBD industry, it is important that we remember the lessons of the past and once again embrace the value of this plant. Hemp has the potential to play an important role in a sustainable future and in healthcare, and it is time that we reexamine its history and explore the possibilities that this ancient crop offers

Author: Soraya Jongbloed