Cannabis: A Brief History of its Use and Migration Patterns
Did you know that cannabis has been around for thousands of years? As one of the first crops cultivated by humans, it has a long and varied history. This article will explore the history of cannabis use and its migration patterns.
Cannabis Origins in Central Asia
Cannabis first originated in central Asia but has since spanned all corners of the world. Initially, it was frequently used in tea, smoked, or made into a concentrate or oil.
In these pre-modern times, cannabis was used for medicinal purposes and carried deep spiritual significance.
Cannabis Migration to the Middle East and Europe
From central Asia, cannabis spread to the Middle East and Europe. In the Middle East, cannabis served both medicinal and recreational purposes. It is thought that the first European use of cannabis occurred sometime around 3000 BC.
After gaining popularity in Europe, cannabis eventually spread to Africa and the Americas.
Cannabis in America
Cannabis has been present in America since the early 20th century. It was initially used for medicinal purposes, but it soon became popular for recreational use. However, in 1937, cannabis became illegal in the United States and classified as a schedule one drug.
Despite its illegal status, cannabis use continued to grow in popularity in the United States. In the past decade, numerous states have legalized recreational cannabis use.
The History and Uses of Hemp
While hemp and cannabis are often used interchangeably, they are two different plants. Both hemp and cannabis come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but they have different THC levels. Hemp contains less than 0.03% THC, while cannabis contains more than 0.03% THC.
Hemp has a long history of use in America. It was actually legal to grow hemp in all of the colonies, as it was often used to make rope, clothing, paper, and more. However, in 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, and hemp production became illegal.
In 2018, the Farm Bill passed, and hemp production was once again legal in the United States.
Cannabis Use Now
Now that we know the history of cannabis, let’s look at its current use.
As we mentioned before, cannabis is now legal in several states for recreational use. However, marijuana continues to be illegal at the federal level. This means that there are many restrictions on its cultivation and sale.
Cannabis is often consumed in many ways, including smoking, vaporizing, edibles, and oils. It’s also prescribed as a potential treatment for a wide range of conditions, such as pain, seizures, anxiety, and nausea.
Recreationally, cannabis is often reported to relax users, improve their mood, increase creativity, and provide a better night’s rest.
Conclusion
Cannabis use has come a long way since its early origins in central Asia. Its use has spread worldwide, and it now plays a vital role in many cultures. Different civilizations from all over the world have used cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years.
Today, it is legal in some states for recreational use, but it is still illegal on the federal level. Cannabis is consumed in numerous ways and has a wide range of medicinal and recreational applications.
Sources:
https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-its-evolution/cannabis-first-use-and-migration
https://www.livescience.com/48337-marijuana-history-how-cannabis-travelled-world.html
