Have you ever wondered about the origins of your favourite cannabis? While it’s grown on farms today, the cultivation of weed actually began thousands of years ago. Astonishingly, people started using cannabis as early as 2,800 B.C.!

The history of weed is both long and fascinating, shaping the diverse strains we enjoy today. If you’re curious about the question, “When was cannabis discovered and by who?” read on to uncover the answer.

The origins of cannabis

Today, cannabis, also known as weed and hemp, is cultivated on farms using advanced technology to enhance the potency of the crops. However, long before growers began experimenting with hybrid strains, weed grew wild in Central Asia. While it can still be found growing there, it’s probably quite different from the hybrid strains you’re familiar with today.

Experts believe weed evolved around 28 million years ago on the Tibetan Plateau. Pinpointing exactly when humans began using cannabis is challenging, but archaeological research provides some compelling insights.

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Early cannabis use

So, when was weed discovered and by who? The earliest recorded use of weed dates back to 2,800 B.C., when it was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia. This ancient text, known as the Divine Husbandman’s Materia Medica, catalogues 365 medicines derived from plants, animals, and minerals.

Emperor Shen Nung is often called the father of Chinese medicine for good reason. He introduced acupuncture and taught people how to cultivate grains for food. He also personally tested medicinal herbs, eventually succumbing to a toxic overdose.

Archaeologists have found evidence that people burned weed for ritual purposes around 5,000 years ago.

However, this early cannabis had very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for its psychoactive effects.

Evidence of cannabis with higher THC levels has been found in the Pamir Mountains of Western China, suggesting that recreational use of cannabis began about 2,500 years ago.

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A brief history of cannabis

Once early humans discovered weed’s effects, the cultivation and use of the plant surged. While a comprehensive history of cannabis is extensive, here is a condensed timeline highlighting key events:

• 129-200 A.D.: Galen of Pergamum utilised cannabis for its mood-enhancing and therapeutic properties.
• 1849: William Brooke O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine, detailing its therapeutic uses to medical experts.
• 1898: Dunstan and Henry isolated cannabinol (CBN).
• 1936: The film Reefer Madness was released, portraying weed as a dangerous, highly addictive drug.
• 1937: The U.S. cannabis Tax Act made it nearly impossible to obtain cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.
• 1964: Raphael Mechoulam isolated THC from cannabis.
• 1970: The U.S. federal Controlled Substances Act listed cannabis as having “no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
• 1988: Allyn Howlett discovered CB1 receptors in rat brains.
• 1992: Mechoulam and William Devane discovered anandamide, a lipid mediator involved in the psychoactive effects of THC.
• 1993: Researchers identified CB2 receptors.
• 1996: California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the passing of the Compassionate Use Act.
• 2012: Researchers demonstrated that CBD could alleviate schizophrenic symptoms.
• 2016: Australia legalized weed for medical purposes.
• 2017: Scientists confirmed that CBD could reduce seizures associated with childhood epilepsy.

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Now that you know the answer to “When was weed discovered and by who?”, we invite you to explore our offerings at dispenseree.green. We boast an exceptional selection of hybrid, indica, and sativa cannabis strains from renowned brands in the UK and Ireland.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.