The Historical Role of Cannabis (Hemp) as an Industrial Crop, Therapeutic Plant & In Religious Rituals

Cannabis, a plant with a complex and storied past, has been intertwined with human culture and civilization for thousands of years. Its uses have spanned therapeutic, religious, and even recreational realms, shaping its place in society. As hemp and cannabis products gain renewed attention for their potential health benefits, we explore in this article the rich history of cannabis, shedding some light on its therapeutic and religious applications.

The Origins of Cannabis Use in Asia

Cannabis (hemp) has been cultivated and used by humans since ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that this plant was initially grown in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, where it was valued for its fibers, seeds, oil, therapeutic and psychoactive properties. The earliest records we have on hand indicate that it was cultivated for its fiber around 12,000 years ago in China. The first records we currently have for cannabis’ medicinal application date back to Asia around 2,800 BC.

In ancient China, cannabis was known as “ma” and was used for its medicinal properties. The legendary Chinese emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese medicine, is said to have documented the use of cannabis in his pharmacopeia around 2,700 BC. According to historical texts, Shen Nung recommended cannabis for treating various ailments, including pain, gout, and rheumatism. This early use highlights the plant’s significant role in traditional Chinese medicine.

Hemp in Vedic Texts: A Remedy for Anxiety

In India, cannabis has held a sacred and therapeutic place for millennia. The plant is mentioned in the ancient Vedic texts, which date back to around 2,000 to 1,400 BC. These texts, particularly the Atharva Veda, refer to cannabis (hemp) as one of the “five sacred plants” and describe its use in religious rituals and as a remedy for anxiety and other conditions. The Atharva Veda even praises cannabis as a source of happiness, a joy-giver, and a liberator that was believed to relieve anxiety and stress.

Even to this day, the consumption of cannabis is regarded as auspicious during the annual Hindu festivals of Shivaratri, Krishna Ashtami, Kali puja, and Holi and is an essential part of certain religious observances. These historical and mythological accounts underscore the notions of cannabis as a valuable medicinal herb, a source of life force and euphoria, and a means for spiritual accord with the Gods.

— A Review of Historical Context and Current Research on Cannabis Use in India, Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, March 2023. NIH Article

This historical connection between cannabis and spirituality underscores its importance in religious and healing practices in ancient Indian culture.

The Spread of Cannabis to Europe and the Americas

As trade routes expanded, cannabis spread from Asia to Europe and the Middle East. The Scythians, an ancient group of nomadic warriors from Central Asia, are credited with introducing cannabis to Europe around 500 BC. The Greek historian Herodotus documented the Scythians’ use of cannabis in steam baths, where they inhaled the vapors for ritualistic and therapeutic purposes.

Cannabis made its way to the Americas with European settlers, including Spanish and English colonizers, and African slaves. Cannabis had already made its way to the African continent centuries before through trading. By the early 1600s, hemp cultivation was encouraged in the American colonies, especially for the making of ropes, sails and other materials used in naval ships.

Among the several notable historical personages who cultivated hemp throughout the history of the United States, George Washington grew it at Mount Vernon, his plantation, from 1745-1775.

Cannabis in Jamaica: A Cultural and Spiritual Symbol

In Jamaica, cannabis, known locally as ganja, became a significant cultural and spiritual symbol, especially among the Rastafarian movement. The Rastafarians, who emerged in the 1930s, saw cannabis as a sacrament that brought them closer to the divine. They used it to meditate, seek spiritual enlightenment, and strengthen their communal bonds.

Beyond its spiritual significance, cannabis was also used in Jamaican folk medicine to treat various ailments, including pain and insomnia. The plant’s deep roots in both spirituality and health illustrate its multifaceted role in Jamaican culture.

Cannabis (Hemp) in the United States: From Medicine to Prohibition

Cannabis was widely used in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries for therapeutic purposes. It was a common ingredient in over-the-counter medications and was prescribed for various conditions, including pain, migraines, and insomnia.

However, the tide began to turn in the early 20th century when the US government launched an anti-cannabis campaign. Propagandist lectures and movies like Reefer Madness released in 1936 contributed to shifting the perception of cannabis as a crop grown for industrial, therapeutic AND recreational uses to one that was exclusively used recreationally, with a devastating impact on mental health, even leading to (imaginary) loss of life.

As a result, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized cannabis, marking the beginning of its prohibition. The reasons for this shift were complex and included racial prejudice, economic interests, and a lack of understanding of the plant’s benefits. Despite its long history of medicinal use, cannabis was thereafter seen as a dangerous drug.

The Present and Future of Cannabis (Hemp) for Therapeutic Use

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in cannabis, particularly for its therapeutic benefits. The legalization of hemp and cannabis in many states and countries has opened the door for research into its potential health benefits. Today, cannabis-derived products, such as CBD (cannabidiol), are widely used for pain management, anxiety relief, and sleep improvement.

The 21st century has seen a growing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate option for holistic health and wellness. Scientific research is beginning to catch up with the plant’s historical uses, confirming many of the benefits that ancient cultures recognized. As we continue to explore the potential of cannabis, it’s clear that this ancient plant has much to offer modern medicine!

Let us walk into the future with an open mind and eyes wide open, so that we do not miss opportunities to improve our collective health and wellbeing. Discover Jammin Canna’s mission and ethos.

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