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Cannabis

Then vs. Now: The History of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana isn’t a 21st-century invention.

Lauren Smith, MABrian Clista, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD
Updated on January 16, 2026
Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD | January 16, 2026

In this video, learn how medical marijuana was used in ancient civilizations and how that evolved through the modern era.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Brian Clista, MD
Reviewed by:
Brian Clista, MD
Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.
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