Cannabis Through the Ages

Cannabis has been intertwined with human civilization for thousands of years, primarily for its medicinal, industrial, and spiritual uses. The plant’s versatility made it a cornerstone in ancient remedies, and the discovery of cannabidiol (CBD) in the 20th century opened new doors for its use.

Ancient Roots

1. China (2900 BCE): The first recorded use of cannabis dates back to Emperor Shen Nung, considered the father of Chinese medicine. Shen Nung documented cannabis as a treatment for various ailments, including pain and digestive issues.
2. India (1500 BCE): In ancient India, cannabis was revered as a sacred plant and integrated into Ayurvedic medicine. Known as “bhang,” it was used to treat anxiety, fever, and inflammation.
3. Middle East (1000 BCE): Cannabis made its way to the Middle East through trade routes. It was referenced in Assyrian texts as a sacred plant used in religious rituals.

Cannabis in the Western World

• Greco-Roman Era: Greek physicians like Dioscorides and Galen wrote about cannabis’s therapeutic properties, particularly for pain and inflammation.
• Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, cannabis was used in herbal medicine to treat ailments like migraines, joint pain, and epilepsy.

The Birth of Modern Cannabinoid Science

The journey to understanding CBD began in the 20th century:

1. 1940s – The Isolation of CBD
   Roger Adams, an American chemist, first isolated CBD in 1940. Although he did not fully understand its structure or properties, this discovery laid the groundwork for future research.
2. 1960s – The Work of Raphael Mechoulam
   Israeli chemist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is considered the “father of cannabis research.” In the 1960s, he identified the molecular structure of CBD and THC, clarifying how these cannabinoids interact with the human body.
3. 1990s – Discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
   The 1990s saw the discovery of the ECS, a major breakthrough in understanding how cannabinoids like CBD impact physiological processes.

The Legal and Cultural Evolution of CBD

1. Prohibition Era
   In the early 20th century, cannabis faced widespread prohibition. This was largely due to misinformation and political motives rather than scientific evidence. As a result, research into CBD and other cannabinoids stalled for decades.
2. Rebirth of Cannabis Research
   The 1990s marked a resurgence in cannabis research, fueled by the discovery of the ECS and increasing interest in alternative medicine.
3. Modern Legalization Movement

• 2014: The U.S. Farm Bill allowed limited cultivation of industrial hemp, paving the way for the CBD industry.
• 2018: The Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC, leading to exponential market growth.
• Global Impact: Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia followed suit, legalizing CBD for medicinal or wellness purposes.

Key Milestones

1. Epidiolex Approval (2018): Epidiolex became the first FDA-approved CBD medication for epilepsy, showcasing its potential in treating severe medical conditions.
2. Public Perception Shift: Celebrities, wellness influencers, and medical professionals began advocating for CBD, transforming it into a mainstream product.