The world and evolution of cannabis

The history of cannabis is inextricably linked with human society. Thousands of years ago, people used marijuana to make clothes, cook food, and for medicinal purposes. Next, we will tell you what evolution cannabis has gone through from antiquity to the present.

Marijuana: origin and role in ancient societies

Scientists believe that the birthplace of cannabis in the ancient world is Central Asia. From here, the plant spread to the territory of China and India, and then came to Africa and Europe.

At that time, hemp was widely used to create clothing. If wealthy citizens wore silk robes, commoners sewed outfits from cannabis. Marijuana was considered a valuable resource. In the provinces of China, the rulers collected taxes with hemp. Archaeologists find valuable cannabis products in many burials.

In India, hemp was used in religious ceremonies, as special drinks were prepared from it. It was believed that they help to establish a connection with higher powers.

In ancient Greece, marijuana was first used as an anesthetic during operations. This practice was introduced by the physician Dioscorides.

The history of cannabis bans

In Europe, hemp was officially banned for the first time in the 12th century in Spain. A century later, this happened in France. At the end of the 15th century, Pope Innocent VIII called marijuana "the unlit sacrament of the satanic mass."

Up until the 18th century, cannabis and products based on it were either allowed or banned. In the 19th century, doctors began to explore the medicinal properties of cannabis. In particular, they noted its effectiveness as an anesthetic. By the beginning of the 20th century, dozens of medicinal preparations from marijuana had been developed in Europe and America. They were prescribed to patients:

• for insomnia;
• migraines;
• women's pains;
• neuralgia.

In 1937, the strategic importance of cannabis was challenged by Harry Anslinger, head of the US Bureau of Narcotics. Marijuana has been banned. In 1941, cannabis-based medicines also disappeared from the market.

In the 60s, scientists conducted research to identify the dangerous properties of marijuana. However, the results showed that the use of cannabis has almost no serious consequences. Israeli enemy R. Meshulam discovered the human endocannabinoid system, which affects almost all life processes.

In the 1990s, a mass movement for the legalization of marijuana in the United States and other countries arose. Now it can be used for medical purposes in more than 60 countries and 33 US states.

Breeders and the direction of cannabis evolution

Now any beginner grower can easily buy high-yielding marijuana varieties, but they did not appear by themselves by oneself. Cannabis strains with outstanding properties are the result of a long work of breeders.

For the past 30 years, professional breeders have striven to develop varieties with the maximum amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The psychoactive effect of smoking depends on it. The result of this hemp revolution is strains with THC above 30%. After the legalization of marijuana in many countries, breeders develop varieties in which the uplifting effect is replaced by a pleasant relaxation.

In the past, cannabis crossbreeding was done only for commercial purposes, but now even novice growers can try their hand at this exciting business. However, this is a long way to go. Here's what Nat Pennington, who has run a cannabis company for 20 years, said: “There are a lot of ugly ducklings on your way before you find the golden goose. Ideal seeds will require a lot of time.

Everything you need to grow marijuana can be purchased at the Coffeeshop® online store.