Constructing cannabis : a Foucauldian genealogy (critical history) of Western cannabis discourse and knowledge : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
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2023
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Massey University
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The twenty first century has seen dominant Cannabis discourse and knowledge across Western cultures change drastically, with drug Cannabis going from being almost universally positioned as a dangerous and illegal narcotic, to being legally sold as a valuable recreational drug and medicine in a steadily growing number of countries around the world. This thesis is a work of Foucauldian genealogy (critical history), employing a mixed-theoretical approach drawing on Foucauldian archaeology and genealogy, Edward Said's work on Orientalism, and Bradley J. Borougerdis' 'post-commodity approach' to studying the history of the commodification of Cannabis in Western cultures. As a work of Foucauldian genealogy, this thesis intends to explain and problematize current belief systems and discourse around Cannabis, by strategically excavating the historical narratives and systems of thought (epistemes) that governed the evolution of Western Cannabis discourse and knowledge. Beginning in the 11th century AD, this thesis traces the development and evolution of dominant narratives, systems of belief, and constructions of Cannabis in Western cultures, examining how these were employed historically in relationships of power-knowledge and control, paying particular attention to the way certain historical constructions of Cannabis transmogrified over time, becoming part of the Oriental degeneracy narrative of Western imperialism. While the episteme of Orientalism is presented as evident throughout the entire recorded history of Western Cannabis discourse, strongly influencing the evolution and development of dominant Cannabis discourse and knowledge in the West, the Western Orientalism of Cannabis is a fluid and dynamic phenomenon, changing significantly over time. Medieval European discourse and knowledge of Cannabis was largely defined by the romanticism and mysticism characteristic of early European Orientalist myths and stories, and these beliefs created a foundation of negative discourse and knowledge that was later adapted and tactically deployed in relationships of power-knowledge, to help justify Western imperialism and colonialism, and suppress and control certain minority groups. However, it was also a fascination with the Orient and 'Oriental magnificence' that led certain Western authors, artists, poets, and others to begin experimenting with Cannabis drugs during the 19th century, eventually leading to an entirely new dominant discourse developing around drug Cannabis throughout the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries.