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What is Cannabis?
- Nina Thomas
- Nov 30, 2024
- 6 min read
The genus Cannabis is believed to have originated in Central Asia, particularly around the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Fossil pollen studies indicate that Cannabis dispersed to Europe between 1.8 and 1.2 million years ago, suggesting a long-standing presence across various regions (Realm of Calm, 2021).
Cannabis, one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Its origins are believed to trace back to Central Asia, particularly the regions of modern-day Mongolia and southern Siberia, where it was first domesticated around 10,000 years ago. This coincides with the emergence of agriculture, marking cannabis as one of the earliest crops cultivated by humans (Merlin, 2003). Fossil pollen studies further reveal that the plant spread westward to Europe and eastward to China by approximately 6,000 BCE, where it was used for food, textiles, and other practical applications (Russo, 2007).
In ancient China, cannabis was cultivated primarily for its fibers and medicinal properties. By 2700 BCE, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung included cannabis in his pharmacopeia, recommending it for ailments such as pain and malaria (Merlin, 2003). Similarly, in ancient India, cannabis, known as "bhang," was intertwined with spiritual practices and described in the Vedas as one of the five sacred plants associated with the god Shiva. It was consumed as a drink during religious ceremonies and used medicinally to treat anxiety and improve digestion. By 1500 BCE, the ancient Egyptians began utilizing cannabis in topical ointments to treat inflammation. Cannabis also spread to early European cultures through the nomadic Scythians, who used it for recreational and spiritual purposes. Greek historian Herodotus noted their use of cannabis in steam baths for ritual purification and relaxation (Russo, 2007).
During the classical and medieval periods, cannabis gained prominence across various regions. In Greece and Rome, physicians such as Galen recommended cannabis for reducing pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues. By the Islamic Golden Age, hashish—a concentrated form of cannabis—became popular and spread rapidly across the Middle East due to the prohibition of alcohol in Islam. In medieval Europe, cannabis was primarily cultivated as hemp for industrial uses like rope and textiles, although its medicinal properties were also recognized for treating conditions like gout and epilepsy (Merlin, 2003).
The Age of Exploration brought cannabis to the Americas. Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced hemp cultivation to the New World, where it became a staple crop for rope, sails, and paper. By the 18th century, cannabis extracts were included in European and American pharmacopeias, with physicians prescribing tinctures for migraines, insomnia, and menstrual cramps (Russo, 2007). The 19th century saw a surge in the medicinal use of cannabis, particularly after Irish physician William O’Shaughnessy introduced its therapeutic applications to England in the 1830s. Cannabis became a common ingredient in medicinal tinctures and was widely available in pharmacies (O’Shaughnessy, 1839).
The 20th century marked a turning point for cannabis, particularly in the United States. While its recreational use grew among Mexican immigrants and African American jazz musicians, anti-cannabis propaganda and racial prejudice fueled the push for prohibition. The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act effectively criminalized cannabis, and by 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified it as a Schedule I drug, labeling it as having no accepted medical use and high abuse potential (Congressional Research Service, 2019). Despite these restrictions, cannabis advocacy gained traction by the 1990s, particularly following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which revealed how cannabis interacts with the human body. California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996, setting the stage for a wave of legalization efforts across the U.S.
In the 21st century, cannabis has undergone significant legal and cultural shifts. Canada fully legalized cannabis in 2018, while in the U.S., as of 2024, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational cannabis, with many others permitting medical use under specific conditions (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021). The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized industrial hemp, distinguishing it from marijuana based on its low THC content (Congressional Research Service, 2019). Today, cannabis is recognized for its medicinal potential in managing conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD, while ongoing research explores lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG and CBN.
Cannabis continues to grow in cultural acceptance and economic importance, with the global market projected to reach $73.6 billion by 2027. However, challenges such as legal inconsistencies, access disparities, and social equity issues remain significant barriers. As research progresses and regulations evolve, understanding cannabis's historical journey is essential for navigating its future role in society.
Plant Family and Classification
Cannabis belongs to the family Cannabaceae, which includes ten genera, notably Humulus (hops). Within the genus Cannabis, there has been debate over its classification, with some taxonomists proposing multiple species—Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. However, recent phylogenetic studies support the classification of Cannabis as a monotypic genus, consisting of a single species, Cannabis sativa L., with various subspecies and varieties (SpringerLink, 2020).
Differences Among Cannabis Varieties
The primary distinctions among Cannabis varieties pertain to their growth characteristics, chemical compositions, and traditional uses:
Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa: Typically tall with narrow leaves, this variety is often cultivated for its fibrous stalks, making it ideal for industrial hemp production. It generally has lower concentrations of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Cannabis sativa subsp. indica: Shorter and bushier with broader leaves, this variety is traditionally associated with higher resin production and is commonly used for medicinal and recreational purposes due to its higher cannabinoid content.
Cannabinoid Production
Cannabinoids are the active compounds in Cannabis that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The two most well-known cannabinoids are:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The primary psychoactive component responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use.
Cannabidiol (CBD): A non-psychoactive compound reputed for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
The concentration of these cannabinoids varies among Cannabis varieties. Industrial hemp, derived from C. sativa subsp. sativa, typically contains less than 0.3% THC, aligning with legal definitions in many jurisdictions. In contrast, varieties like C. sativa subsp. indica are bred for higher THC content, making them suitable for medicinal and recreational use (Oxford Academia, 2021).
Legal Status in the United States
In the United States, the legal status of Cannabis varies based on its THC content:
Industrial Hemp: Defined federally as Cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp and its derivatives, including CBD products, provided they meet the THC threshold.
Marijuana: Cannabis plants with THC concentrations exceeding 0.3% are classified as marijuana. Under the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, as of May 2024, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted laws permitting recreational use of marijuana, and numerous others allow its medical use under specific conditions. This creates a complex legal landscape where state laws may conflict with federal regulations.
Understanding the origins, classifications, and legal distinctions of Cannabis is crucial for navigating its multifaceted role in society, medicine, and industry. As research progresses and legal frameworks evolve, staying informed will be key to responsible and informed engagement with this versatile plant (Cilicon Plus, 2023).
References
1. Luo, X., Wang, K., Huang, W., Zhang, L., Lin, M., & Wang, J. (2021). Cannabis systematics at the levels of family, genus, and species. Realm of Caring.
2. Clarke, R. C., & Merlin, M. D. (2020). Cannabis evolution and ethnobotany. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12210-020-00962-2
3. McPartland, J. M., & Guy, G. W. (2021). Cannabinoids and their receptor sites: Evolutionary biology perspective. Genome Biology and Evolution, 13 (8). https://academic.oup.com/gbe/article/13/8/evab130/6294932
4. Cilicon Plus. (2023). Map of recreational weed legality by states.
5. Congressional Research Service. (2019). The 2018 Farm Bill (P.L. 115-334): Summary and side-by-side comparison. https://www.congressionalresearchservice.gov
6. Merlin, M. D. (2003). Archaeological evidence for the tradition of psychoactive plant use in the Old World. Economic Botany, 57(3), 295–323. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0295:AHEFTT]2.0.CO;2
7. O'Shaughnessy, W. B. (1839). On the preparations of the Indian hemp, or gunjah. Provincial Medical Journal and Retrospect of the Medical Sciences, 5, 343–347. Retrieved from https://archive.org
8. Russo, E. B. (2007). History of cannabis and its preparations in saga, science, and sobriquet. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1614–1648. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790144
9. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2021). Global cannabis market overview. https://www.unodc.org
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