The history of the hemp plant: use, culture and significance

The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. The plant has had different meanings and uses in different cultures around the world. In this article, we examine the historical development of the hemp plant, its uses, and its cultural influence.

Oldest evidence and first uses

The oldest known evidence of hemp use comes from China and dates back to 10,000 BC. The hemp plant was valued there for both its fiber and its medicinal properties. ¹ Archaeological finds also include traces of hemp seeds and hemp oil in pottery from this period.

Distribution in antiquity

Over time, the cultivation and use of hemp spread to different parts of the world. Hemp fibers were used to make ropes, textiles, and paper. In ancient Egypt, people used hemp seed oil for medicinal purposes and hemp leaves in incense ceremonies ² . In ancient Greece, hemp fibers were used to make ropes and cords for navigation ³ .

Middle Ages and Renaissance

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the use of hemp continued in Europe, particularly for rope, sailcloth, textiles, and paper. Hemp paper became an important material for manuscripts, laws, and books. The Gutenberg Bible, one of the earliest printed books, was produced on hemp paper. ⁴

New World and Colonization

When Europeans came to America, they brought the hemp plant with them. Hemp was cultivated in the American colonies and continued to be used for textiles, rope, and paper. Many of the United States' founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, cultivated ^hemp .

20th century: bans and setbacks

In the 20th century, the perception of hemp changed. Due to difficulties in visually distinguishing hemp from THC-containing cannabis, the plant was banned or heavily regulated in many countries. ⁶ In the United States, hemp cultivation was nearly eliminated by the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act.

21st century: Renaissance of hemp and CBD

In recent years, many countries have relaxed their hemp laws, and there's a growing recognition of the diverse uses of hemp, including its medicinal applications. CBD flowers and CBD products, in particular, have gained popularity as they are viewed as a natural, therapeutic agent.

The history of the hemp plant demonstrates its diverse uses and cultural influence in different societies. Today, we are experiencing a renaissance of hemp and its derivatives, reflecting both the plant's historical legacy and its potential future.

Sources:

1. Barber, E. (1991). Prehistoric Textiles. Princeton University Press.
2. National Geographic. (2018). Cannabis: A journey through the ages. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/06/marijuana-science-drug-research-legislation-uruguay/
3. Herodotus. (1998). The Histories. Oxford University Press. (Original work published c. 430 BCE)
4. Gutenberg Bible. (1454–1455). Retrieved from https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/gutenberg-bible
5. Mount Vernon. (nd). George Washington's Mount Vernon: Hemp. Retrieved from https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/farming/hemp/
6. Blütenreich. (2021). History of Hemp: A Brief Journey into the Past. Retrieved from https://www.xn--bltenreich-geb.de/blogs/cannabis-blog/geschichte-des-hanfs-eine-kurze-reise-in-die-vergangenheit