Timeline of Cannabis Used as a Healing Herb
The use of cannabis for healing purposes has a long and diverse history, spanning various cultures and civilisations. Here is an overview of the historical timeline of cannabis as a healing plant:
Ancient China and India (c. 2700 BCE):
Cannabis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is credited with recording the medicinal properties of cannabis around 2700 BCE. In India, cannabis was mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts, where it was used for a variety of medicinal purposes.
Ancient Egypt (c. 2000 BCE):
Cannabis pollen has been found in the burial tombs of ancient Egyptians, suggesting its use both medicinally and ritually. It was used to treat various conditions, including inflammation and pain.
Ancient Greece (c. 5th Century BCE):
The ancient Greeks also recognised the medicinal properties of cannabis. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote about its therapeutic effects in his pharmacopeia "De Materia Medica."
Middle East and Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th Centuries):
The medical use of cannabis continued to spread through the Middle East during the Islamic Golden Age. Arab physicians and scholars, such as Avicenna, wrote extensively about the therapeutic applications of cannabis.
Medieval Europe (15th Century):
Cannabis was introduced to Western medicine during the medieval period. It became a part of various herbal remedies, and its use persisted into the Renaissance.
19th Century:
Cannabis remained a common component of many patent medicines in the 19th century. It was widely used in the United States and Europe for treating conditions like pain, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues.
20th Century:
With the introduction of the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937 in the United States, cannabis began to be stigmatized, leading to a decline in its medical use. However, research into its medicinal properties continued in various parts of the world.
Late 20th Century to Present:
In the late 20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in the medicinal properties of cannabis. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body and the identification of cannabinoids like THC and CBD fuelled research into the potential therapeutic applications of cannabis.
21st Century:
In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment in many places. Some countries and states have legalised medical cannabis for certain conditions, leading to increased research and exploration of its potential benefits.
Today, cannabis is being studied for its effectiveness in treating various medical conditions, and several countries and regions have legalised its medical use. However, its legal status and acceptance for medicinal purposes vary globally.