Cannabis: Essential Herb For Centuries
First Published April 1, 2022
The History Behind Weed
Marijuana, which is a variety of the cannabis plant, has been an Essential herb to humanity for centuries. It has been cultivated for well over seven thousand years, as food and for its healing properties.
Importantly, cannabis also served as a vital raw material for making clothes, paper, rope etc. Such a plant does not seem like a candidate for vilification and prohibition. In order to gain insight into its evolvement, this article will explore the historical uses of marijuana / cannabis, which is also called weed, ganja and pot. We will also examine the political blitz against the plant as well as the eventual reclamation of cannabis as an important medicinal plant.
The medicinal and recreational properties of cannabis are well known to some. It’s a herb that grows well in temperate climates with the two main varieties of the plant being hemp and what is today called marijuana. The major difference is that marijuana has a higher concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical compound that may cause a feeling of intoxication. Conversely, hemp is low in THC while loaded with Cannabidiol (CBD), which is a known anti-inflammatory. Both THC and CBD are of high interest to researchers and are central to the notion that marijuana deserves consideration as an essential herb.
Fundamental Herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Chinese have been credited with the earliest documented use of this medicinal herb. From as far back as 2900 BCE, Emperor Fu Hsi declared that cannabis (referred to as “Ma”) was endowed with both “yin and yang.”
In the 28th century BCE, emperor Shen Nung wrote a book explaining certain uses of cannabis. For example, he outlined how cannabis was prescribed in the form of tea for the treatment of rheumatism, malaria, gout and constipation. He even noted that it was a memory aid, according to a report by the Medical Science Monitor.
Cannabis has been listed in a Chinese handbook from approximately 1500 BCE as one of the 50 “fundamental herbs” of Chinese medicine. As outlined on the website cannabisnow.com, the information indicates that the ancient Chinese did have knowledge of the intoxicating effect of cannabis and its ability to cause numbness. Specifically, Hua Tao, a surgeon from the Han Dynasty, mixed cannabis with wine to create a surgical anesthetic from as far back as the first century CE.
More recent affirmations can also be found in studies reported by Cannabis Now. They indicate that certain Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, like acupuncture, when joined with cannabis, may effectively address certain impairments in the human endocannabinoid system. Though banned in China today, marijuana’s value as an essential herb has not diminished.
Historical Use of Marijuana Herbal Remedies in India
In early East Indian society, cannabis was evidently used in many forms. It was an essential medicinal herb used to treat pain, fever and dysentery. Furthermore, recreational marijuana figured prominently as a stimulant. Confirming this long history, the herb is listed as a “joy-giver” and “liberator” in the Vedas, an ancient Indian religious text dating back to roughly 1500 BCE.
The Atharvaveda, a part of the Indian Vedas religious manual, acknowledged cannabis as one of the five sacred plants of India. It was widely utilized in religious rites to enhance spiritual experiences. Thus, the THC Museum points out that in addition to its use as medicine, the herb was also prepared for ritualistic offerings to Lord Shiva.
Indians were among the first to document the euphoric effects of cannabis. In particular, it was exploited for personal enjoyment and anxiety relief. However, the focus on medicine by Indian physicians from the period, enabled them to exploit the effectiveness of the plant in treating chronic conditions like gastrointestinal diseases. The marijuana plant served the Indians as an essential herb for multiple applications.
Even today, the East Indians still maintain a strong connection with the cannabis plant. In fact, during religious holidays like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, the consumption of “bhang” is central to the celebrations. Bhang is a traditional drink containing grounded marijuana herb blended with milk, ghee and spices.
Therapeutic Herb In The Mid East and Africa
Just like Indian societies, nomadic tribes in the Middle East have a long history of engrossing themselves with marijuana. They derived both spiritual enlightenment and pleasure from its usage. Besides that, cannabis was widely incorporated in Medieval Islamic Medicine as a vital healing herb. For example, doctors recommended it for the treatment of fevers, pain, convulsions, inflammation, and vomiting.
The website THGROW shows that Assyrian tablets with cuneiform scripts (which pre-date the use of the alphabet), list cannabis as a therapeutic and sacramental herb from prehistoric times. Equally important, is the fact that hemp fibers served as an important raw material in this region, while the seeds were eaten.
Early African tribes integrated marijuana into their spiritual rites. They also benefitted from the nutritional value of the hemp seeds, an even more crucial use of the herb.
The Ancient Egyptians, in particular, are known to have included marijuana as an essential herb in their assortment of medication. From as early as 2000 BCE, they applied the extracts to treat inflammation, glaucoma and eye sores. Furthermore, the Ebers Papyrus, which is an Ancient Egyptian manuscript (about 1550 BCE), documents a number of treatments recommended at the time. Included in the prescriptions, is cannabis ground in honey to soothe the female’s lower abdomen according to THC Museum.
In Ethiopia, smoking-pipes containing cannabis extract dating back to the 14th century have been discovered. This leaves no doubt about recreational use of the drug during the period.
Queen Victoria Reportedly Utilized Cannabis Medicine
Europe’s Fibers and Medicinal Herb
Cannabis use was documented in Europe much later than in Asia and Africa. Close to 70 CE, the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides (see thcmuseum.org) published a book in which he detailed his study of plants. This compilation, which was influential for centuries, referenced hemp fluid as treatment for earache. Suppression of sexual urges was also mentioned as a property of the plant. Further to that, cannabis served as an important herbal remedy to the Ancient Greeks. They used the dried leaves to treat nose bleeds and wounds on humans and horses alike.
It is believed that the Moors, who originated in North Africa, were responsible for distributing cannabis across Spain between 800-900 CE. Additionally, the Hempshopper points out that they have been credited with building the first paper mills in Europe, using hemp.
Sometime after 1000 CE, hemp-derived frames, ropes and sails were fitted to Roman ships. Moreover, Roman commerce is thought to have been responsible for spreading both industrial hemp and the smoking of cannabis to many other parts of Europe.
There is a narrative that Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (May 24, 1819 – Jan. 22, 1901) along with her personal physician Sir Robert Russell, became pioneers in the use of cannabis for medical purposes. What is known, according to ProCon.org, is that the physician compiled documents on the use of cannabis and recommended it as an effective herb to relieve menstrual cramps. Likewise, hemp extracts were commonly used to treat illnesses ranging from insomnia, rheumatism, rabies and tetanus to epilepsy during that era. Indeed, marijuana was included as an essential herb for the monarch.
Cannabis Medicine from the Year 1906 (US) – Thanks to Wikimedia
United States Age-old Cannabis Potions
Cannabis production in the United States started from as early as the 16th century. Within a hundred years, hemp developed into a major crop in the New England territories, particularly as a source of fiber. Similarly, states like Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota became significantly involved in the production of hemp for industrial applications.
According to npr.org, George Washington, who cultivated hemp on his farm at Mount Vernon (Virginia, USA), predicted in the 1760s that hemp “could be a more profitable crop than tobacco.” Diary entries indicate that Washington also grew the variety of cannabis which has a comparatively high percentage of THC, i.e. marijuana.
Nevertheless, the increased use of cotton and synthetic fibers would eventually affect the production of hemp. Other political matters, however, were destined to be more detrimental later on.
During the 19th century, American and European medical journals published dozens of studies enunciating the medicinal properties of cannabis. Many of them endorsed hemp seeds and roots for a variety of ailments, including incontinence, irritated skin and even sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, the United States Pharmacopoeia added hemp to its list of medications in 1851. Derivatives of cannabis / marijuana were essential ingredients in many herbal and medicinal potions for that period.
The Political Blitz Against Marijuana
To be clear, cannabis was generally legal for most of our history. One of the earliest objections to the use of the plant occurred in British colonies during the late 19th century. This was directed at “workers” who used the cannabis herb recreationally. Consequently, some restrictions were put in place.
The term marijuana was first used in the USA during the 1920s, but in a negative sense, to associate cannabis with the Mexican immigrants who smoked it. As a result, the strains that had high THC content were first singled out, but over time all varieties of cannabis were targeted for eradication. Certain facts eventually emerged, revealing that racism, corrupt special interests and politics were the real reasons that drove the prohibition movement.
During the 1930s, the commissioner of the Federal bureau of Narcotics had a conflict-of-interest concerning his family’s energy company vs hemp-based fuels. With that, he marshalled a smear campaign, framing the cannabis plant as a devil weed.
The dishonest campaign was aided by certain other elites who saw cannabis fibers as a threat to paper production from timber etc. With that in mind, they took the approach of using newspapers and other media to link cannabis with ethnic minorities. One newspaper article from the time claimed that marijuana made black men lust after white women. It is highly recommended that you view details in this post: The Sinister Crusade that Made Marijuana Illegal.
US Congress Restricts Marijuana
Cannabis, a vital herb which was commonly prescribed by doctors previously, was restricted by the Marihuana Tax Act in the USA in 1937. Even though the law was supposed to have regulated the importation, cultivation and possession of marijuana, in effect, there was a ban. Permits for cultivation and commerce were withheld. US officials wasted no time in using their influence to pressure nations around the world to proscribe the plant. In later years, competing industries lobbied to keep cannabis illegal.
Currently, legal challenges affecting the status and availability of medical marijuana still obtain throughout the world. In truth, the wheels of change are turning slowly. The US presents an anomaly in that, over the last 3 decades, medical marijuana has been made legal in 38 states and recreational use is legal in 20 states at the time of writing. Meanwhile, the use of marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Uruguay, Canada, Mexico and Georgia have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, while numerous other countries have legalized medical use only.
Possible Adverse Effects from the Use of Marijuana
One may ask whether there are any negative effects from the use of marijuana. As with any other drug, cannabis must be used responsibly. From all indications, the human body easily assimilates CBD even in high doses. However, there may be minor to moderate side effects which may include fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, dryness in the mouth and eyes. It is prudent to consult a qualified medical professional before using CBD products.
The smoking or ingestion of marijuana (which has high THC content) does pose risks. Excessive use can undermine cognitive ability and impair short-term memory. As with any form of smoking, lung damage can occur.
On March 30, 2020, Washington State University published their report on a study in which over 1,500 college students were surveyed on the type and frequency of adverse reactions they had experienced while using cannabis. The three most frequent adverse reactions reported were coughing fits, anxiety, and paranoia. Details of the research may be viewed at: news.wsu.edu.
Caution must be advised especially as it relates to the smoking of marijuana or the mixing of cannabis extract with any other drug. Chronic users of marijuana face the highest risk.
Marijuana Reclaimed – Essential Healing Herb
It’s clear that the use of cannabis, both recreationally and for medicine, far precedes any contemporary counterculture activism or rebellious adolescent attribution. Our ancestors utilized the plant medically, recreationally and spiritually.
In addition, it has been a valuable source of food and raw material in fuel, rope, textile, paper and much more, in most regions of the world, for millennia. There are only few plants that have had such a wide range of wholesome applications. With all the evidence, there can be little doubt that marijuana, and indeed cannabis as a whole, have served populations globally, as an essential herb.
In fact, during the 19th century and early 20th century, the fight was not against the cannabis plant but over the distribution of the fibers. Industrial use of the plant was even paramount to medical applications in many cases.
Prohibition sidelined medical research related to the various strains of cannabis for most of the 20th century. Above all, the development of new treatments/drugs was almost non-existent during that time. Through sinister political maneuvering, the world was for decades deprived of the salutary healing properties and all the other benefits of this special herb – the cannabis plant. Accordingly, “something had to give” to accommodate a new surge in interest and the desire to use the plant in a healthful way.
Based on what is known, less time should be spent debating whether marijuana has medical properties and more time spent ensuring that patients benefit from the proven effectiveness of this essential herb. A reboot has long been in the making.
Disseminating The Facts On Cannabis!
Thanks For Dropping In
References:
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