The Fascinating History of Cannabis: From Ancient Times to Modern Day
Cannabis has a rich and fascinating history that dates back tens of thousands of years. This post offers just a glimpse into its past, highlighting how deeply this plant has influenced human civilization. Learning about cannabis is an ongoing journey – one that extends far beyond a single blog post or podcast.
As someone deeply intrigued by cannabis, I’ve always sought to learn as much as possible. One standout resource was the Medicinal Cannabis & CBD Oil Diploma from The Centre of Excellence. Below, I share an excerpt from their course that captivated me.
The Origins of Cannabis
Researchers hypothesize that cannabis emerged from hops around 27 million years ago on the Tibetan Plateau in Central Asia. Human remains discovered in this region suggest that people lived near cannabis as early as 40,000 years ago.
Concrete evidence of human interaction with cannabis dates back over 10,000 years. Archaeologists found cannabis seeds in a jar during excavations on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Additionally, Neolithic cave paintings on the same island depict cannabis leaves.
Hemp was likely one of the first plants cultivated for practical use. Evidence indicates it was grown in Japan during the pre-Neolithic era. By the 5th millennium BC, the Chinese were already using hemp for paper, clothing, and shoes. The first written mention of cannabis appears in 2727 BC, attributed to the Chinese Emperor Shennong. Around 2000 BC, Chinese farmers introduced cannabis to Korea, where it quickly became a valued crop.
Cannabis Spreads Across the World
- Aryans and Assyrians: The Aryans taught the Assyrians about cannabis’ psychotropic uses, referring to it as qunubu – a term believed to inspire the modern word “cannabis.” Assyrians used cannabis in religious ceremonies, while cultures like the Scythians and Dacians utilized it for euphoria-inducing rituals.
- China and Beyond: By 1500 BC, Chinese texts praised cannabis for treating ailments like malaria, rheumatism, and constipation. Its medicinal use spread to India, Egypt, and Persia, where it became a prized medicinal plant.
- Vikings and Anglo-Saxons: Vikings carried cannabis seeds on their ships, and Anglo-Saxons likely introduced cannabis to the UK during the 5th century.
- South America: Cannabis reached South America in the 1600s via South Africa and later arrived in the United States with Mexican migrants.
Cannabis in the UK
Records of cannabis use in the UK were sparse until the 17th century. By then, it was recognized for its ability to alleviate melancholy and inflammation, indicating the use of high-CBD, low-THC varieties.
In 1838, Irish doctor William O’Shaughnessy introduced Cannabis indica to Britain after observing its use in India for pain relief and other ailments. His work popularized cannabis as medicine throughout the British Empire and Europe, even earning the approval of Queen Victoria’s physician.
From Acceptance to Prohibition
The late 19th century saw the isolation of cannabinoids from cannabis resin. However, the early 20th century ushered in global prohibition.
- Racist Stigmas: Propaganda campaigns in the 1920s and 1930s painted cannabis as a dangerous drug, targeting minority groups.
- Global Bans: Countries around the world banned cannabis during this period. By the 1930s, cannabis was removed from pharmacopoeias and heavily restricted.
- The Marijuana Tax Act (1937): This U.S. law prohibited the cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis, despite its continued recreational use.
Modern-Day Resurgence
Despite decades of prohibition, cannabis is experiencing a global resurgence, particularly for medicinal purposes:
- Medical Cannabis Legalization: Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the UK now allow cannabis for medical use. In 2018, the UK legalized cannabis for certain medical conditions, inspired by cases of children whose epilepsy was improved by cannabis treatments.
- CBD Oil: Legal and widely available in the UK, CBD oil has played a pivotal role in normalizing cannabis use for health and wellness.
A Journey Worth Exploring
Cannabis is more than just a plant—it symbolizes human ingenuity, cultural evolution, and resilience. As we continue to explore its history, the possibilities for its future seem boundless.
What aspect of cannabis history fascinates you most? Let me know in the comments or on social media @strangeapothecary.
Resources
- Blog by Jess Gelling, Director of The Strange Apothecary
- The CBD Bible by Dr. Dani Gordon
- The Rebel’s Apothecary by Jenny Sansouci
- Medicinal Cannabis & CBD Oil Diploma by The Centre of Excellence
Read more from our trusted online bank of resources – The Apothecary Archives
Please Note
- Keep CBD products out of reach of children.
- This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Purchase with The Strange Apothecary and plant a tree with every order.
