The World and its Love/Hate relationship with Cannabis

The History of Cannabis through the Ages

Cannabis plant image by Nicky Pe

Cannabis has an ancient history starting some 10.000 years ago. When one investigates a bit it will soon become evident that one can find the use of this plant in about all cultures worldwide.

They used hemp cords in making pottery. There was a find of this type of pottery discovered in an ancient village dating back some 10.000 years. It seems that hemp was the first crop grown by men. Before humans were hunter-gatherers, eating meat, different kinds of berries, and tubers.

Starting agriculture was the beginning of civilization, and one could also say the beginning of upcoming illnesses unknown till then to the human race.
Cannabis seeds and also their oil was used for food in China already 6000BC, and there is evidence that they used the hemp fiber for making fabric some 4000 years ago.

The Emperor Shen Nung

The Red Emperor of China Shen Nung, who lived from 2838 to 2698 BC, that is an impressive 140 years, wrote the first pharmacological book “The Herbal” sadly lost in history. This legend tells us that he wrote this book with divine inspiration.

Myth or not, even nowadays this knowledge is still used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The oldest existing copy is from the year 50 AD, even if its source is accepted to be of a much earlier age.

In 190 AD lived Hua Tue considered in China “The God of Surgery” He was a pioneer in surgical anesthesia known today as “ma-fei-san”. The word ma means Cannabis and most historical scholars agree that in that first anesthetic brew for sure Cannabis was used. Mr. Hua Tuo found a sad ending as he was sentenced to death by an angry ruler.

Herodotus image by Janka OO Simka O

Many famous historical figures have mentioned the use of cannabis. Here are a few examples

In The Histories from 439 BC, Herodotus writes about the use of Cannabis by the Scythians, be it for ritual purposes or recreation.

Pliny the Elder, 23-79 AD, mentions in his The Natural History the use of Hemp rope and the analgesic effects of marijuana.

Then there is Dioscorides, 70 AD, who was a physician in Nero’s army. In his Pharmacopoeia he listed marijuana.

Between 900-1000, AD Scholars were debating the pros and cons of eating hashish and its use spread throughout Arabia.

King Henry image by David Mark

King Henry VIII

With a big jump forward, we arrive at 1533 where King Henry VIII fined his farmers if they disobeyed the order to plant hemp in their fields for industrial use. I find this a curious bit of information, as nowadays one is punished if one has a plantation. Here in Spain, you can have a couple of plants for private use, but that is all.

A different type of book

This is an original book as the approach is holistic. You will read about the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of marijuana. Connecting ancient wisdom with modern science. Nowadays it so often happens that forgotten remedies are “rediscovered”, which is a positive thing.

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Egypt was the supplier of Indian Hemp

“Egypt surpasses all the other nations in the variety of compounds into which this fascinating drug enters, and will one day supply the western world with Indian Hemp when its solid merits are duly appreciated. At present, in Europe, it is chiefly confined to the apothecary’s shelves,”

This is a quote from the book Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to el-Medinah and Meccah by Richard Francis Burton, who lived from 1821 to 1890. He was a British orientalist, soldier, spy, and diplomat.

There are much more examples, but that would take too long.

CBD oil can be used to alleviate many conditions. In this YouTube video, you will hear about the many health benefits of CBD oil.

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Cannabis in Modern Times

Much later in history, it became a crime to have cannabis plants and people ended up in jail.
The sad thing is that the authorities forgot completely about the medicinal use of this powerful plant. They only concentrated on its hallucinogenic effects. Nature provides us with food and cures, but we humans often think we can do it better and that ends up in disaster.

Many people object to this plant because of its negative recent history. On the other hand, one should not forget that this plant forms part of Creation, so even Christians have come to accept this. The benefits of Cannabis are being studied again, and many people with severe ailments have found relief and often a cure.

As one cannot patent something from nature, Big Pharma opposes Cannabis. They prefer to sell their treatments and pills, which have side effects. Be informed and choose what is best for you.

Let us hope that soon worldwide the benefits of Cannabis will be recognized and one can buy CBD oil in shops. Some countries have already softened the laws, but there are still others that refuse to change some outdated ones. My other website is healthy Anti-Aging Alternatives. I have a page on the Health Benefits of Cannabis, please visit it.

Before you leave, you might like to have a look at Recommendations. That is a page with a collection of special things. I hope you will find something of your interest.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo Source: Pixabay

Nature comes up with amazing things. When I read this information, I was very surprised. Perhaps you are interested to read the following post.

The Amazing Mushroom, How it will Save our Planet