Cannabis has been utilized by human societies for thousands of years for a a lot of different purposes, including medicinal, recreational, spiritual, and industrial uses. The plant, known for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties, has been an integral part of cultural practices across various civilizations.

Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana, is a plant that has captivated human interest for thousands of years. It is part of the Cannabaceae family, which includes several species. Each species contains a variety of compounds known as cannabinoids, with the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids interact with the human body in complex ways, leading to diverse effects that range from psychoactive experiences to therapeutic benefits.

Early Uses of Cannabis
Cannabis is believed to have been first cultivated in Central Asia, specifically in regions that are part of modern-day China and Mongolia. The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back to around 2700 BCE in ancient China, where it was referred to as “Ma” in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, often considered the father of Chinese medicine, documented its therapeutic applications. Cannabis was prescribed for various ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, malaria, and absent-mindedness.

In ancient India, cannabis was considered one of the five sacred plants mentioned in the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures. It was used in religious rituals and ceremonies and was believed to be a source of happiness and joy. The Atharva Veda highlights the use in treating anxiety and other ailments.

Spread to the Middle East and Europe
Cannabis spread from Central Asia to the Middle East around 2000 BCE. The Assyrians used it for its psychoactive properties, incorporating it into religious ceremonies to induce altered states of consciousness. The ancient Persians, as noted in the Zend-Avesta, a collection of Zoroastrian religious texts, used cannabis as a sacred plant and medicine.

The Greeks and Romans also recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis. The Greek physician Dioscorides described its use for earaches and inflammation in his seminal work “De Materia Medica”. Meanwhile, Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, documented its use in treating various conditions, including gout and digestive disorders.

Cannabis in Africa and the Americas
Cannabis made its way to Africa around the 13th century, where it was used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. In many African cultures, cannabis was integrated into traditional healing practices to treat conditions like malaria, fever, and dysentery.

The arrival of cannabis in the Americas is attributed to the Spanish and Portuguese colonists during the 16th century. It was primarily cultivated for its fibers to produce hemp, which was used to make ropes, sails, and clothing. Indigenous communities also adopted cannabis for medicinal purposes, using it to relieve pain and as a treatment for various ailments.

Cannabis in the Modern Era
In the 19th century, cannabis became a popular component of Western medicine. Physicians such as Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish physician working in India, were instrumental in introducing cannabis to Europe. O’Shaughnessy’s studies highlighted the plant’s analgesic and anticonvulsant properties, leading to its inclusion in the United States Pharmacopeia in 1850.

However, the 20th century saw a shift in the perception of cannabis, primarily due to socio-political factors and regulatory changes. The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act in the United States effectively criminalized the use of cannabis, marking the beginning of widespread prohibition. This was further solidified by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Resurgence of Medicinal Cannabis
The late 20th and early 21st centuries have witnessed a resurgence of interest in the medicinal use of cannabis. Numerous countries and states have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, recognizing its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

Scientific advancements continue to expand the understanding of researchers and physicians about cannabinoids and their therapeutic applications. Research into the endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining homeostasis has opened new avenues for developing cannabis-based medicines.

Cannabis and science
In recent decades, scientific research has unraveled the complex chemistry of cannabis, particularly its active compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have distinct effects on the human body.

THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” experienced by users. It acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, influencing mood, appetite, and perception.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. Research indicates that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anxiety-reducing properties. It is currently being studied for its potential in treating epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and more.