CANNABIS HISTORY
10,000 years of cannabis history. Real facts, real stories, real impact.
First Cannabis Cultivation
Archaeological evidence shows hemp rope imprints on pottery, marking humanity's earliest documented use of cannabis for fiber and textiles.
Emperor Shen Nung's Medical Text
The legendary Chinese emperor documented cannabis in his pharmacopoeia, noting its medicinal properties for treating rheumatism, gout, malaria, and poor memory.
Sacred Plant in Vedic Texts
Cannabis appears in the Vedas as one of five sacred plants. It was used in religious ceremonies and traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Scythian Burial Rituals
Greek historian Herodotus documented Scythians using cannabis in funeral rites, throwing seeds on hot stones to create vapor in enclosed tents.
Roman Medical Encyclopedia
Physician Dioscorides included cannabis in 'De Materia Medica,' a medical reference used for over 1,500 years throughout Europe.
Hashish Production Begins
Cannabis resin extraction techniques developed in the Middle East, creating hashish. The word 'assassin' allegedly derives from 'hashishin.'
Cannabis Arrives in the New World
Spanish conquistadors brought hemp to the Americas. It became a major crop for rope, sails, and paper throughout colonial times.
Hemp Becomes Required Crop
The Virginia Assembly passed legislation requiring every farmer to grow hemp. It was legal tender in several colonies.
Introduction to Western Medicine
Irish physician William O'Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine after studying its use in India, sparking widespread medical interest.
U.S. Pharmacopeia Listing
Cannabis was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as a treatment for numerous conditions including labor pains, nausea, and rheumatism.
Marihuana Tax Act
The U.S. effectively criminalized cannabis through prohibitive taxation, despite opposition from the American Medical Association.
THC Isolated
Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam isolated and synthesized THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, revolutionizing cannabis research.
Controlled Substances Act
Cannabis classified as Schedule I, defined as having no medical value and high abuse potential, despite contradicting scientific evidence.
Endocannabinoid System Discovered
Researchers discovered CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to the identification of the endocannabinoid system present in all mammals.
First Medical Cannabis Law
California passed Proposition 215, becoming the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis, sparking a nationwide movement.
Adult-Use Legalization Begins
Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis for adults, challenging federal prohibition.
Farm Bill Legalizes Hemp
The Agriculture Improvement Act legalized hemp (cannabis with <0.3% THC) federally, separating it from marijuana in U.S. law.
Worldwide Cannabis Renaissance
Over 50 countries have legalized medical cannabis. Multiple U.S. states and countries worldwide continue expanding legal access.
The Story Continues
From ancient medicine to modern cultivation, cannabis has been part of human history for millennia. At ALLPRO, we're proud to be part of this ongoing story.