17 Eye-Opening Facts About Marijuana You Need to Know

17 Surprising Marijuana Facts That Will Shock You

Marijuana’s history is as rich as a well-cured bud, spanning medicine, industry, and pop culture. Beyond its common uses, these surprising facts will expand your cannabis education and deepen your appreciation for this legendary plant.

1. Marijuana Is One of the Oldest Cultivated Plants

Before people were binge-watching TV shows or arguing on the internet, they were growing marijuana. Archaeologists have found evidence that humans have been cultivating cannabis for at least 12,000 years. Ancient civilizations in China and Central Asia used it for medicinal purposes and for making fabric, rope, and even food. Imagine explaining to those ancient farmers that their beloved plant would someday be the center of heated political debates worldwide.

2. George Washington Grew Hemp

Yes, the first U.S. president was also an early advocate for cannabis—though not in the way you might think. George Washington cultivated hemp at Mount Vernon, primarily for industrial uses like rope and textiles. However, in his diaries, he mentioned separating male and female plants, which suggests he was interested in its resinous properties. Whether or not he ever “sampled” the goods remains up for debate.

3. Marijuana Was Once a Common Medicine in the U.S.

Before prohibition turned cannabis into public enemy number one, it was a widely accepted medicine. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, pharmacies across the United States sold cannabis tinctures to treat a variety of ailments, from migraines to menstrual cramps. Marijuana was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (the official list of medicinal drugs) until 1942. So, the next time someone tells you marijuana has no medical value, remind them it was once as common as aspirin.

4. A City in Colorado Accepts Marijuana as Tax Payments

Only in America would a city allow you to pay your taxes in weed money. The town of Aurora, Colorado, started accepting marijuana tax revenue to fund local projects, including building a new homeless shelter. Meanwhile, some states still act like the plant is the root of all evil.

5. Marijuana and Hops Are Cousins

Beer lovers, rejoice! The hops in your favorite IPA share a botanical relationship with marijuana. Both belong to the Cannabaceae family, which explains why certain strains of cannabis give off a skunky, hoppy aroma. So, if you’ve ever smelled a beer and thought, “That smells a little…herbal,” now you know why.

6. Cannabis Can’t Kill You

Unlike alcohol, opioids, or even caffeine (yes, you can technically overdose on coffee), marijuana has an impressive safety record. A fatal overdose is virtually impossible because cannabis does not suppress the brainstem functions that control breathing. You might pass out during a snack binge, but that’s about as dangerous as it gets.

7. The U.S. Government Owns a Marijuana Patent

Despite claiming that marijuana has “no accepted medical use,” the U.S. government holds a patent on cannabinoids for their neuroprotective properties. Patent No. US-6630507-B1, filed by the Department of Health and Human Services, covers the use of cannabinoids to treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The irony is almost too much to handle.

8. Snoop Dogg Has His Own Personal Blunt Roller

Yes, it’s true. The legendary rapper and cannabis connoisseur has an employee whose sole job is to roll blunts for him. According to Snoop, the unnamed blunt roller earns between $40,000 and $50,000 yearly, plus free weed. Career goals?

9. The Word “Marijuana” Has a Controversial History

The term “marijuana” was popularized in the 1930s as part of a racist propaganda campaign to associate cannabis with Mexican immigrants. Before that, the plant was commonly called “cannabis” in the U.S., along with various weed slang names like “reefer” and “ganja.”

Today, many advocates prefer using “cannabis” instead of “marijuana” to distance the plant from its prohibition-era stigma and embrace more accurate, stigma-free terminology.

10. Weed Legalization Boosts Taco Sales

It’s no secret that marijuana and munchies go hand in hand. But in states where cannabis is legal, fast-food sales—especially tacos, pizza, and burgers—have seen noticeable increases. One study found that Taco Bell and McDonald’s sales spiked significantly after marijuana legalization. Coincidence? We think not.

11. Bob Marley’s Family Owns a Marijuana Brand

The Marley name is synonymous with reggae and cannabis culture, so it’s only fitting that the late musician’s family launched “Marley Natural,” a cannabis brand featuring premium strains and lifestyle products. It’s a little ironic, considering Bob was never in it for profit—just peace, love, and good vibes.

12. Dogs and Cats Can Get High—But They Shouldn’t

Cannabis affects animals differently than humans. While THC can be toxic to pets, CBD has gained popularity as a treatment for anxiety and pain relief in dogs and cats. So, if your furry friend is stressed, CBD might be the way to go—keep the edibles out of their reach.

13. There’s a Town Named “Weed” in California

Yes, it’s real. Weed, California, is a small town with about 2,500 people. Tourists flock there for the name alone, and the city fully embraces its cannabis-friendly identity. The welcome sign even reads: “Weed—High on Life.”

14. THC Levels Have Skyrocketed Over the Years

The marijuana your parents smoked in the ’60s and ’70s was nowhere near as potent as what’s available today. Back then, THC levels in cannabis averaged around 2-5%. Today’s strains can reach up to 30% THC or more, making modern marijuana significantly stronger.

15. People in North Korea Might Be Smoking Weed Freely

Rumors suggest that marijuana is not considered an illegal drug in North Korea and is even grown openly in fields. While evidence is scarce, travelers have reported seeing it sold in markets and used as a cheap tobacco alternative. Then again, getting reliable information out of North Korea is as tricky as rolling a blunt in the wind.

16. Cannabis Can Help with Anxiety and Depression

While marijuana is not a cure-all, many studies show that certain cannabinoids—significantly CBD—can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially improve mood and reduce stress. No wonder people are reaching for their vape pens when feeling down.

17. Marijuana Is a Great Source of Fiber

Did you know that hemp, a variety of cannabis, is one of the world’s oldest and most potent natural fibers? It’s been used in everything from clothing to paper to building materials. So, next time you see a hemp-based product, you’re experiencing the versatility of the cannabis plant in a whole new light.

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Conclusion: The More You Know, The Higher You Grow

From ancient medicine to modern legalization, marijuana has a fascinating history filled with twists, turns, and a little bit of absurdity. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker, a curious newcomer, or someone who enjoys a good fun fact, there’s no denying that cannabis continues to shape culture, science, and even tax policies.

So, the next time someone tells you they “know everything” about marijuana, hit them with a few of these facts—because knowledge is power. And sometimes, it’s also pretty hilarious.

I got to run: it’s almost 4:20!