Cannabidiol is commonly known as CBD and it has grown to have a significant impact on the world because of the benefits it brings. One of the popular benefits is the fact that it has therapeutic properties.
But this “modern” fascination is not new; the cannabis plant and its derivatives, like CBD, can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
In this article, we’ll look at the origins of CBD, the cultural significance that has been associated with CBD and the Cannabis sativa plant.
To start, let’s look at it from ancient practices to modern day
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A Brief Overview
Cannabis is said to have existed in human society for thousands of years and has been used for religious rituals and medical practices. However, it only gained a lot of popularity and was associated with negative habits in the 20th because of some socio-political reasons.
Ancient Times: The Early Use of Cannabis
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, and we have several archaeological evidence that suggests that Siberians and Mongolians have been cultivating cannabis as far back as 12,000 BCE.
In fact, the plant is said to have played a very important role in the development of early civilization because it influence different aspects of life like food, clothing, and religious ceremonies.
- China: Looking at ancient China cannabis seeds and oil were widely consumed as a food source since 6000 BCE. It was also used for therapeutic practices and this can be traced back to Emperor Shen-Neng in 2737 BCE because it was documented that he drank a cannabis-infused tea to make his body healthy.
- India: In India, between 2000 and 1000 BCE, cannabis was popularly used in their religious ceremonies and it was a major part of their celebrations. It was referred to as one of the “five sacred plants” in the Atharva Veda and was widely taken in various forms, like Soma and Bhang, during festivities. To this day, Indians still use cannabis to offer rituals to the Hindu deity Shiva during the festival of Shivaratri.
The Evolution and Understanding of CBD
Discovery and Initial Research
Even though Cannabis has been around for millennia, it is very important that we continuously update our knowledge of it as CBD is a distinct compound from the plant.
CBD was first discovered in 1940 by Roger Adams, and he was able to isolate CBD and another cannabinoid. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that the psychoactive compound THC was isolated from CBD by Raphael Mechoulam.
Modern Era: A Shift in Perspective
The huge shift in how people view CBD has been a key contributor to the industry’s growth. Before, cannabis was associated with negative social consequences, but in the 20th century, owing to legislative changes, CBD products are now legally accepted in some parts of the country because of their benefits, as against the widespread demonization.
In fact, more research continues to emerge about the potential health benefits and non-psychoactive nature of CBD, its acceptance began to grow.
The Boom of CBD Today
Today, CBD is globally recognized and accepted by many due to its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Statistics show that over 6 million people have used CBD in the UK in the past year.
Also Read – Sustainability in CBD Production: Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Practices
Conclusion
As more research continues to emerge, we can aspect an increase in the awareness and acceptance of cannabis because the history of CBD is intertwined with humanity’s history.
From ancient religious practices to it being given a wrong perception in the 20th century, individuals and states are beginning to see its important relationship with nature’s offerings.
Dr. Jason O’Donnell works at Holy Cross General Hospital. He is a General Practitioner with extensive experience in cardiology, geriatrics, adult medicine, and internal medicine. Dr. O’Donnell studied at the UCL Medical School and holds a Doctor of Medicine in London in the UK. He also completed an internal medicine internship at London Imperial College. From here he went on to complete a residency in internal medicine at St. George’s London University. He is currently practicing adult medicine, cardiology, geriatrics, and internal medicine at Holy Cross General Hospital. Before he performs any operation, he first assesses the patient’s medical goals and concerns. After the surgery, he monitors the recovery of the patient and makes adjustments to the treatment program, when necessary. Dr. O’Donnell is also a proud member of Health for Humanity where he volunteers his skills in medicine for people in need across the globe.
