Did you know that hemp was one of the first plants grown and harvested by humans? Even ancient civilizations realized the power of this amazing and versatile plant.

Hemp is perfect for creating fabrics, beauty products, foods, plastic, paper, and so much more. If you want to learn all about the history of hemp in America and across the world, keep reading.

We have tons of interesting information and details about the history of hemp. Let’s get started!

The Difference Between Marijuana and Hemp

Let’s start by clarifying that marijuana and hemp are not the same plants. While they are both members of the Cannabis family, marijuana is a part of the Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica classifications. Hemp is only a part of the Cannabis Sativa family.

Also, marijuana contains much more THC (which provides psychoactive effects) than hemp. Hemp contains more CBD, which provides non-psychoactive health benefits.

Hemp Background: The History of Hemp

Now that know a little about what the hemp plant is, we’re ready to explore its history. Let’s start at the very beginning.

The First Uses for Native Hemp

Central Asian civilizations grew and harvested hemp as early as 8,000 B.C. These people discovered hemp seeds for planting and used hemp fibers to weave into fabrics.

Jumping forward to 2,000 B.C., we see hemp used in Chinese culture. Chinese people used hemp for food, fibers, and medicine. In 100 B.C., they used hemp to make the first paper.

The Middle Ages

Because hemp is so versatile, it became a hot commodity in the middle ages. Vikings, German people, and French people all cultivated hemp. Arab people also began making hemp paper during this time.

Intercontinental Trade

From the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, intercontinental trade was booming. European people started to use hemp to create boat sails, ladders, cables, and ropes. They traded these goods with other nations.

In America, the colonists hopped on the hemp train and opened hemp paper factories. They created hemp paper on a mass scale.

War, What Is It Good For?

In the nineteenth century, hemp played an integral part in the War of 1812. Russian hemp was at the center. It’s also one of the reasons Napolean invaded Russia.

The Decline

During the twentieth century, hemp production declined in the United States. Competing industries, like the cotton industry, fought to have hemp combined with marijuana under the law. Through this propaganda, they were able to enforce a steep tax on hemp.

Today

Today, hemp production is rising again. In our modern world, people recognize hemp as an excellent source of nutrition and medicine.

Hemp growers now take the time to find the best hemp flower strains that contain the optimal CBD for certain ailments. CBD can ease anxiety, relieve pain, and much more. 

Wrapping Up

The history of hemp is a rich one. Humans have used this versatile plant as a textile, medicine, and food source since as early as 8,000 B.C.

Historically, hemp has played an integral part in both intercontinental trade and world wars. Today, growers are harvesting hemp CBD to provide people with its many health benefits.

Want to learn more about hemp? Check out our hemp-related blog articles.