The Storied Past and Bright Future of Hemp: From Ancient Cultivation to Modern CBD Cigarettes
Introduction
Hemp’s history is rich and varied, stretching from ancient religious and ceremonial uses to its current role in the booming CBD market. The global industrial hemp industry is rapidly expanding, now valued at nearly $4 billion USD, and its future looks promising in areas such as science, health, wellness, and daily life. Understanding hemp’s past is crucial to appreciating its significance today.
Origins of Hemp Cultivation
The precise origins of hemp are debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in temperate central Asia. Early theories by DeCandolle (1886) placed its origin between the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. Vavilov (1926) suggested the Altai Mountains, while McPartland et al. (2000) proposed the southern Tien Shan Mountains. China and India also claim hemp’s origins, citing the Himalayas and the Yellow or Yangtze rivers, respectively. Archaeological evidence supports the cultivation of hemp around 4500 BC in China, where hemp fibers were widely used. By around 1000 BC, hemp had spread westward through Asia Minor, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Regional Histories of Hemp
Egypt
Mummies from around 1000 BC were found with hashish in their tissues, indicating hemp’s use in medicine, religion, and recreation.
Greece and Rome
Hemp was used for fabrics, clothing, sacks, and ropes.
Persia and Arabia
Hemp, referred to as “hashish,” was used recreationally.
Iran
The Scythians used hemp medicinally and for textiles around 10,000 years ago.
Europe
From the 1500s-1600s, hemp was essential for sails and ropes in the shipping industry.
Middle East
Hemp was used similarly to Europe, particularly in the shipping industry.
Australia and Western Africa
From the 16th to 18th centuries, hemp was vital for building materials and clothing.
Taiwan
Hemp fibers were used in pottery around 10,000 years ago.
China
Hemp replaced animal skins for clothing, and by the second century BC, the Chinese perfected spinning hemp fiber.
India
Hemp is sacred in Hindu texts and was used to make bhang, a drink for religious and social occasions.
Hemp in the United States
Hemp has been cultivated in the U.S. since before European settlement. Founding Fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp. In the 1600s, laws required farmers to grow hemp, and by the 1700s, subsidies encouraged its cultivation. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. In the 19th century, hemp was a major crop in several states, but demand declined with the rise of steamships. However, World War I saw a resurgence in hemp production, particularly in Kentucky.
Prohibition and Modern Legal Status
The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 severely restricted hemp production by imposing heavy taxes. However, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, spurring a resurgence. Today, hemp is grown in numerous states, with significant contributions from Kentucky, Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota, and New York.
Global Hemp Production
China
The largest producer, with 164,819 acres of hemp in 2019, primarily for fiber.
Canada
In 2018, Canada had 77,800 acres of industrial hemp.
USA
As of 2020, the U.S. had 465,787 acres of licensed hemp production.
France
France has over 43,000 acres of hemp fields as of 2017.
Columbia
Recent legal changes have favored hemp cultivation, allowing multiple annual harvests.
Lithuania
In 2020, Lithuania outpaced Germany with 22,680 acres of hemp.
Germany
Since legalizing hemp in 1996, Germany has reached 6,444 hectares of hemp farms.
North Korea
North Korea cultivates hemp for industrial use, with significant land dedicated to hemp textiles.
History of Smoking Hemp
Hemp and cannabis have been smoked for medicinal, ritual, and recreational purposes since at least the 5th century BC. Herodotos’ The Histories documents such practices, supported by archaeological findings of carbonized hemp seeds in Eurasia. Evidence from burial sites in western China suggests hemp was used in religious and ritual activities 2500 years ago.
Rise of CBD in the United States
Despite being discovered in 1940, CBD gained popularity in the mid-2000s, notably due to Charlotte Figi’s story. Charlotte’s use of CBD oil for Dravet Syndrome brought national attention to its potential benefits. The 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of industrial hemp further propelled the CBD market, which is projected to reach nearly $20 billion globally by 2025.
Conclusion
Hemp has a rich history and a promising future. From its ancient origins and diverse uses across cultures to its resurgence in the modern CBD market, hemp continues to be a valuable and versatile crop. As the global hemp and CBD markets expand, understanding hemp’s past helps us appreciate its role in today’s world and its potential for future innovation.
