Cannabis
JFK And Marijuana – The Fresh Toast
JFK is a hot topic again. If he were alive, what would be his take on marijuana?
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation, including rumors about his alleged cannabis use. While there are some unconfirmed reports, it stands to reason he would consider the plant for his chronic pain. He suffered from Addison’s disease, chronic back problems, osteoporosis, and digestive issues, which he managed in secret. He took numerous medications and approaches to manage his health conditions. So what about JFK and marijuana?
RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life
Medical marijuana has a rich history as a therapeutic agent, dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including those in China, India, and Egypt, utilized cannabis to treat ailments such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. In Victorian England, it gained popularity as a painkiller, with even Queen Victoria reportedly using it for postpartum relief.
Today, medical marijuana is widely recognized for its ability to manage chronic pain. Studies show it can alleviate conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis-related discomfort. Unlike opioids, cannabis offers pain relief with fewer risks of dependency and sedation, improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain and inflammation effectively.
It makes sense Kennedy would consider cannabis. One unconfirmed, secondhand account suggests that Kennedy smoked marijuana once at the White House. This story, published in the National Enquirer in 1976, claimed that Kennedy smoked marijuana with Mary Meyer, one of his mistresses. John F. Kennedy’s relationship with Dr. Max Jacobson, nicknamed “Dr. Feelgood,” was a controversial one beginning during his presidential campaign in 1960. Dr. Jacobson was known for administering “vitamin shots” that were actually laced with amphetamines and other substances.
The 1960s, during and after Kennedy’s presidency, saw a significant increase in marijuana use among the white upper middle class. This cultural shift may have contributed to the rumors and speculation about Kennedy’s personal habits. Reports commissioned during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations found marijuana use did not induce violence or lead to the use of heavier drugs, which began to change public perceptions about the substance
Stacey Flores Chandler, a reference archivist at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, stated that she found no evidence in Kennedy’s medical records or secondary sources indicating that he used cannabis to treat his medical conditions. Today, Kennedy would join millions of senior citizens who lean on medical marijuana to treat inflammation, chronic pain and sleep issues.