CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. It was first discovered in 1940, but the story of cannabis goes back much further. Ancient civilizations used cannabis for everything from textiles to skin care. Let’s explore the historical uses of cannabis and how they paved the way for the CBD products we see today.
Cannabis, hemp, and marijuana: What’s the difference?
Marijuana and hemp are two distinct variations of the same plant, Cannabis sativa. A simple way to understand the difference is to compare cannabis to the botanical species Brassica oleracea, which includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. We know these are different, distinct vegetables with their own genetic makeup, but they all come from the same species.
Similarly, hemp is not marijuana any more than broccoli is cabbage. The main distinction, as defined by U.S. law, is the THC content. Industrial hemp plants can only have 0.3 percent THC (the compound that makes you “high”) in the entire crop, whereas marijuana can have up to 30 percent THC in it.
Hemp through the ages
Hemp has been a vital resource for thousands of years, serving a wide range of purposes. Ancient civilizations ate hemp seeds, used its fibers to make rope, fabric, and sails, and even incorporated it into wellness practices. Here’s a timeline of its incredible history:
8000 B.C.—Hemp became one of the first cultivated crops, with hemp seeds from 8000 B.C. found in archaeological sites in Asia.
2727 B.C.—The first documented use of cannabis comes from Emperor Shen Nung in China, who prescribed marijuana tea.
1500 B.C.—The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text, mentions the topical application of cannabis.
40 B.C.—Cleopatra is believed to have used hemp oil as part of her beauty routine.
1937—Concerns about marijuana’s psychoactive effects led to strict regulations in the United States.
1940—CBD was first discovered and isolated from cannabis.
1970—Hemp and marijuana were classified as controlled substances, making them illegal to grow, purchase, or use in the U.S.
1988—Scientists identified cannabinoid receptors in rat brains, leading to the discovery of the human endocannabinoid system, which regulates many body functions.
2018—The U.S. 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and cannabis derivatives with low THC levels, distinguishing them from marijuana.
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill was a pivotal moment for hemp, sparking renewed interest in its benefits. Today, full-spectrum hemp oil—containing CBD and all the plant’s other natural compounds—is available in the form of serums, muscle and joint roll-ons, and dietary supplements.
Curious about adding CBD to your routine? Visit our website to learn what makes our CBD products stand out.
