The History of the Cannabis Plant
The medicinal properties of the cannabis plant have been known for millennia. As far back as 2800 BC, cannabis was used to treat a vast array of health problems and was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia.
Cannabis has a long and colorful history. The use of cannabis originated in Central Asia or Western China. Cannabis has been used for its alleged healing properties for millennia. The first documented case of its use dates back to 2800 BC, when it was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s (regarded as the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopoeia. Therapeutic indications of cannabis are mentioned in the texts of the Indian Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. These texts reported cannabis treats a vast array of different health problems, including arthritis, depression, amenorrhea, inflammation, pain, lack of appetite and asthma.
Hindu legend holds that Shiva, the supreme Godhead of many sects, was given the title ‘The Lord of Bhang’ because the cannabis plant was his favorite food. The ancient Hindus thought the medicinal benefits of cannabis were explained by pleasing the gods such as Shiva. Ancient Hindu texts attribute the onset of fever to the ‘hot breath of the gods’ who were angered by the afflicted person’s behavior. Using cannabis in religious rites appeased the gods and hence reduced the fever.
Recent scientific evidence provides an alternative explanation of course. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) acts on the hypothalamus to reduce body temperature.
A brief timeline of cannabis and cannabinoid research
Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia
2800 BC
Cannabis was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia.
BC
Hindu legend holds that Shiva was given the title ‘The Lord of Bhang’ because the cannabis plant was his favorite food. Bhang is an edible mixture made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of the female cannabis, or marijuana, plant. In India, it’s been added to food and drinks for thousands of years and is a feature of Hindu religious practices, rituals, and festivals — including the popular spring festival of Holi.
129-200 AD
Galen used cannabis for its therapeutic properties and mood enhancement.
1841
William Brooke O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine after living in India. He wrote of many therapeutic uses of cannabis, including a case where cannabis stopped convulsions in a child.
1898
Dunstan and Henry isolated cannabinol (CBN).
1936
The film Reefer Madness was released, demonizing cannabis as a highly addictive drug that caused mental disorder and violence.
1937
The uses of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes were effectively taxed out of existence in the USA by the Marijuana Tax Act.
1940s
Adams and Todd independently isolated cannabidiol (CBD).
1964
Mechoulam (pictured with Dave Allsop) isolated THC from the cannabis plant.
1970
US introduced the Controlled Substance Act that lists cannabis as having ‘no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse’.
1988
Howlett discovered CB1 receptors in the rat brain.
1992
Devane and Mechoulam discovered anandamide.
1993
Discovery of CB2 receptors.
1995
Mechoulam and Sugiura independently discovered 2-AG.
1996
California legalized medical cannabis by introducing the Compassionate Use Act.
1999
Endocannabinoids discovered to activate TRPV1 receptors (these are the receptors activated by the spicy compound in chili)
2007
Endocannabinoids shown to activate GPR55.
2012
CBD shown to alleviate schizophrenia symptoms in patients comparable to a conventional anti-psychotic drug.
2016
Australia legalized medical cannabis and its cultivation for medical purposes.
2017
CBD demonstrated to reduce seizures in childhood epilepsy in a placebo-controlled trial