Sanjay Gupta, the pro-cannabis doctor

The Doctor Sanjay Gupta was born on October 23, 1969 to Indian parents who had migrated to Michigan. After studying biomedicine at the University of Michigan, he became a teacher-researcher at the same university. His life changed when cannabis became his favorite subject.

Sanjay Gupta, a former opponent 

Sanjay Gupta has long been a staunch opponent of the use of cannabis in medicine. He wondered «how a drug classified in category 1, the most dangerous, could have medical virtues». By moving away from official reports and gathering results from small independent laboratories, his rhetoric evolved. The definitive turning point in his approach to cannabis came when he met with Charlotte Figi, This young girl became famous for the success of her cannabis oil treatment. Her 200-300 epileptic seizures a month were reduced to 3 or 4. This little girl, featured in the video below, gave her name to the Charlotte's Web variety of cannabis.

After numerous testimonials and positive findings, Sanjay Gupta publicly apologized for turning a blind eye to the positive impacts of cannabis-based medical treatments. He now accuses other media and researchers of focusing on the dangers of cannabis rather than its benefits. He argues that since the Second World War, only 6% of studies have focused on the plant's beneficial effects. He points out that American doctors were already recommending cannabis between 1850 and 1927.

A doctor who became very influential

This staunch pro-legalization advocate now has unrivalled influence. The national news channel CNN hired him for a salary of $4.5 million a year. He became the channel's Mr. Serious Weed. His reputation grew steadily, and he multiplied his television appearances.

But his real contribution to the cause of legalization comes in the form of superbly realistic reports. Through «Weed», Sanjay Gupta offers 45 minutes of reports, rooted in the reality of the plant and not overplayed. Unfortunately, these reports are not translated into French. For some, however, it will be an interesting way to work on their English while learning about the plant. The testimonies of patients and parents are gripping and full of emotion, easily transmitted across the screen.

Théo Caillart