The History of Cannabis Use

Cannabis has been used across the globe for many years. Some reports on the history of the drug indicate that the drug was first used in China. With time, the drug managed to spread to other parts of the globe, including the U.S.

The plant was mainly used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. For instance, Vikings would use cannabis to relieve pain for toothaches or when a woman was giving birth.

The concept that the drug is evil is a construction that has come about recently. Cannabis has been used for various purposes across the world since its discovery.

Where did Cannabis Come From?

There are two cannabis subspecies, and it is good to know the difference. First is Cannabis sativa which has psychoactive properties. Then there is Cannabis Sativa L., which is also known as hemp; it is non-psychoactive, and it is used to manufacture fuel, cloths, and oil.

There is also Cannabis indica, and it is psychoactive. Another uncommon species is the Cannabis ruderalis.

It is believed that the cannabis plants evolved in Central Asia, specifically in southern Siberia and Mongolia. Cannabis is dated back to over 12,000 years ago, which means this is one of the oldest crops that has been cultivated by the human species.

There is a high likelihood that the plant grew in the dumpsites that were rich in nutrients. Traces of burned cannabis seeds have also been discovered in regions such as Siberia, and they date back to 3,000 B.C. Also, there are tombs in Siberia and China, where huge quantities of psychoactive marijuana had been mummified.

Both psychoactive marijuana and hemp were used in China widely in the past. The first record of cannabis being used dates back to 4,000 B.C. The plant was being used as an anesthetic when surgery was being performed. Some of the ancient leaders in China were also using cannabis regularly.

The coastal farmers went ahead to take cannabis to Korea from China around 2,000 B.C. The plant came to the region when Korea was invaded by Aryans; the group usually conversed in an Indo-European language. With time, the drug was widely used in India. The drug was suitable for dealing with anxiety.

From Asia to Europe

Cannabis was available in the Middle East during 2000 B.C. The drug was most likely used by Scythians, who then carried the drug to other regions, including Ukraine and southeast Russia. The tribes in Germany brought the drug into the nation. From there, cannabis went to Britain in the fifth century when there were invasions by the Anglo-Saxons.

There have been traces of cannabis seeds in Viking ships. Over the years, cannabis has also migrated to other parts of the world, including South America and Africa. Afterward, the drug was carried towards the north, and it reached regions such as North America. Now you can find seed banks throughout the United States among many other geographical sites across the world.

How Cannabis Got to the U.S.

After the long trip, cannabis arrived in the U.S. during the 20th century. The drug first came to the U.S. through Mexico with the help of immigrants who fled the nation because of the revolution in the early 20th century.

Some laws were against marijuana, and the users were greatly feared. Mexicans were also blamed because of consuming cannabis. They were also blamed for other activities such as seducing children, smoking marijuana, and even engaging in sprees that were murderous.

The laws in the U.S. could not recognize the difference between Cannabis Sativa L. and Cannabis Sativa. Utah was among the first regions where the use of cannabis was outlawed. With time, the drug was illegal in at least 29 states.

The federal government still deems marijuana as a controlled substance among other drugs such as LSD and heroin. There is a high potential for abuse, and users can easily get addicted.

About Post Author

Author

See author's posts