Hemp is not a recent discovery. The History of CBD and Hemp dates back to ancient civilisations of Asia, Greece, India, Persia, and Europe!
It originated in China, eventually making its way into neighbouring countries via the nomadic Scythians who migrated to other countries. Hemp finally arrived in the west, reaching Europe in the 12,000's.
The History of Hemp
Dating as far back as 8000 B.C. Hemp was first grown for the seeds, a rich source of amino acids and used for food. By breaking down the stalks, the fibre was suitable for making paper, fishing nets, and textiles and rope. Present in the Form of Hemp Flower & Oil.
Emperor Shen-Nung, an ancient Chinese physician, first documented Hemp's medicinal use in the Pen Ts'ao, as far back as 2000 B.C. The documentation details the use of hemp to soldiers' battle wounds and as an essential part of funeral rituals. This suggests the history of CBD and Hemp is older than we initially thought.
A study carried out for Science Advances corroborated earlier archaeological findings suggesting that Hemp was burned in large burners at funerals throughout China. Many texts and reviews suggest Hemp was revered as a sacred plant in many other ancient cultures. Especially throughout Asia, North Africa, Egypt and India
The Discovery Of CBD Oil
Hemp is one of the most versatile and fastest-growing plants on the planet. It was viewed as a plant that had many purposes and carried varying cultural significance for each country.
In fifth-century BC, the Greek historian Herodotus wrote of the Scythians using Hemp as part of a burial ritual to honour and remember their dead. By throwing hemp seeds onto hot stones while inside small tents.
Studies into Hemp history show other countries viewed it as a sacred plant. The Historical consensus concludes Hemps value as a sacred plant throughout Central Asia, India, Persia, Greece.
As political climates changed and the use of the plant changed too. In Europe, Hemp cultivation was for industrial use. The versatility and rapid growth enabled maximisation. Today Industrial Hemp is used for biodegradable plastics, paint, biofuel, food, animal food.
Who Is The Founder of CBD Oil?
There are many historical facts regarding CBD Oil, and it's origins. The earliest documentation of Emperor Shen-Nung describes adding herbs to oil and tea to drink. We can, therefore, attribute early discoveries to ancient civilisations.
The expansion of colonialism into India and North Africa in the 19th century is associated with Europe's identification of the plant as a narcotic.
Hemp's primary use in Europe was for textile and cordage. The documentation of the benefits of hemp in India and China lent Europeans to become curious about the medicinal benefits it held.
Where Did CBD Originate?
Hemp's use as a medicinal compound dates back thousands of years. Modern scientific discoveries, however, refer to the discoveries of Robert S. Cahan and Roger Adams in the '40s and Dr, Mechoulam in the 60s
However, the studies by Irish physician William O' Shaughnessy could be said to have paved the way. Having studied botanical pharmacology in India, he was a strong advocate for the cannabis plant. He made an important contribution to the history of CBD oil.
He published a study investigating the therapeutic benefits of Cannabis a century before, discussing compounds within the plant.
His discovery, although controversial, did not receive much attention. It was in the 1940s that Robert S Cahan discovery the presence of cannabinoids. A new light shone on cannabis again, and a new chapter in CBD history began.
Although his study was also significant, it took a further two years before any real CBD history was made when the chemist Roger Adams isolated the first cannabinoid and discovered THC.
History of CBD Oil
The discovery of cannabinoids was a breakthrough in Western science. The studies, however, offered only a partial understanding of the complex compounds and their individual effects.
It was over 20 years later, in 1963, that Dr Raphael Mechoulam identified the effect of CBD. His work continued into the '80s, during which time a bill was passed recognising the medicinal benefits of cannabis 1978 Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act.
Despite the stigma, Dr Mechoulam and his teams continued to study the possibilities of CBD to treat various conditions. The plant's stigma didn't allow more significant publication or recognition of his work.
It would be more than a decade later before that interest in the therapeutic use of CBD would lead to the discovery of many other cannabinoids and their interaction with receptors in our bodies. The discovery of what we now call the Endocannabinoid System.
Read our related blog on: 5 Facts Related to the CBD
Political History of CBD
Cannabidiol Oil, the substance extracted from the Hemp Plant, makes a revival as the cure-all wonder product. Cannabis was already readily available commercially in the U.K. and Western world in the late 1800s. Physicians used Hemp extensively to treat gout, migraine, sleep disorders and a variety of other conditions.
Growing Hemp in that period and well into the 1900s was perfectly acceptable and encouraged Industry.
That changed in the 1900s with the FDA's formation, the rise in Synthetic textile production, and negative propaganda explicitly directed towards Hemp's use or production. Synthetic industries were on the rise and in direct competition with Hemp readily available.
The introduction of the marijuana tax act in 1937 enabled other industries to get a foothold on the market and further add to Hemp's exclusion as a viable business.
The now infamous war on drugs waged by America further added to create a shroud of criminalisation around the plant and its use. Other countries followed suit, and Hemp hit the underground.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill means that Hemp's cultivation is once more legal in many states in America.
The U.K. is one of the world's most prominent exporters of the plant. CBD use is legal once CBD products extracted from Industrial Hemp contain no more than 1 mg of THC.
All products containing cannabinoids must also adhere to the Novel Foods requirement.
CBD oil and other products, like edibles, tinctures, and skin creams, are readily accessible. However, the laws about their use are unambiguous.
If you decide to explore CBD oil or products, make sure you check labels for certification. Do your research into regulations in your country. Read labels carefully, buying only from certified companies that produce quality products. Always check for 3rd party labelling.
If you have a medical condition, discuss it with your G.P. before embarking on your CBD journey. Cannabinoids can interact with other medications.
Read our related blog on : CBD Drug Tests UK
Conclusion
CBD and Hemp's history is full of all the political intrigue and drama worthy of a good Netflix series.
If the records are correct, this biodiverse, versatile plant has survived on the planet as long as we have. The contribution to both the earth and humanity is once again the subject of much scientific study.
However, the gloomy cloud of suspicion has not entirely dissipated, but new research continues to discover this amazing plant's potential.
It will be exciting to wonder what the next chapter in CBD and Hemp's history will unfold.
If you liked reading this, be sure to check our other blog: The Ultimate Guide To CBD
