Cannabis history

Origins

Marijuana or cannabis is much, much older than the human race. The first traces of its origins go back 28 million years ago. That is about 200,000 years before the first humans and dinosaurs.

Many different theories fight for the birthplace of cannabis, but most show that the Tibetan Plateau is where this plant was born.

The history of marijuana use

The first recorded use of the cannabis plant refers to the hemp species (cannabis sativa). Hemp fiber was used to make an imprint on Yangshao culture pottery in 5,000 BC in China. Additionally, some traces of cannabis from 8,000 BC were found on the Oki Islands near Japan. Based on the evidence they could gather about the history of marijuana, scientists assume that cannabis has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years.

There are three types of marijuana species: cannabis sativa (which includes hemp), cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. Its forms are incredibly versatile. The oldest uses of hemp include the production of fiber for clothing, boat sails, shoes, edible oil, ropes, etc.

As for the history of marijuana use, it could not be said with certainty who is the first person to use it. Archaeologists found evidence of people using marijuana recreationally about 2,500 years ago.

Recreational uses

An ancient Greek historian named Herodotus relates that the Scythians, a large group of Iranian nomads in Central Asia, inhaled the smoke from cannabis seeds and flowers to get high.

Hashish, a purified form of pipe-smoked cannabis, was widely used throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia after about 800 AC. Popularity came with the spread of Islam in the region. The Quran prohibited the use of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, but did not specifically prohibit cannabis.

There is evidence that cannabis was used in ancient China, India, and what is now Romania. From there, it continued to spread throughout Europe and Africa. Finally, it arrived in North America around the 17th century.

Medicinal uses

Mentioned in a Chinese herbarium dating from 2700 BC. C., marijuana was long considered extremely valuable as a pain reliever, anesthetic, antidepressant, antibiotic, and sedative. Although it was generally used externally, in the form of oils, creams, or smoked, in the 19th century, mixtures were made with this plant and consumed as food or medicine to treat gonorrhea and angina.

The effects of marijuana will vary depending on the strength and quantity consumed, the environment in which it is taken, and the user experience. The psychological effects tend to predominate, and the user usually experiences a slight euphoria. Alterations in vision and judgment result in distortions of time and space.

Marijuana is a docile plant, easy to grow, which has many medicinal properties and is extremely versatile to consume as food, cloth and fabrics creation, but with great stigma. Beyond recreational consumption, it makes no sense that a plant with so many properties and uses, which was used for millions of years, is prohibited in most of the world.