The Long History of Cannabis and CBD as Medicines

The Long History of Cannabis and CBD as Medicines

Posted by Sleepy Dave Woobie Wizard on 3rd Jan 2023

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential medicinal properties. While the use of cannabis and CBD for medicinal purposes has a long history in many cultures around the world, the use of CBD as a medicine is a relatively new development. The use of CBD has continued to evolve and change over time.

like a rolling stone

by Sleepy Dave Woobie Wizard

An ancient greek statue associated with doctors and medicine

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential medicinal properties. While the use of cannabis and CBD for medicinal purposes has a long history in many cultures around the world, the use of CBD as a medicine is a relatively new development. The use of CBD has continued to evolve and change over time.

a venerable past

  Cannabis has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. The earliest known written reference to the medicinal use of cannabis can be found in a Chinese medical text called "The Herbal," which dates back to 2737 BC. In this text, cannabis is described as a treatment for a variety of different conditions, such as gout, rheumatism, and malaria.

  But the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes wasn't limited to ancient China. In ancient India, cannabis was used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It was also used in religious ceremonies and as a component of Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine in India. The ancient Egyptians also used cannabis to treat sore eyes and inflammation.

showing two chinese fisherman fishing for cbd gummies in ancient china

"CBD has the ability to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and improve sleep, among other benefits, without the psychoactive effects of THC."

— Dr. Aditi Kothari Desai

showing ancient india at a cannabis dispensary with classic cbd

around the world

 

  Cannabis has been used medicinally in other parts of Asia as well. For example, in Japan, cannabis was used as a pain reliever and anesthetic during childbirth. In the Middle East, cannabis was used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, pain, and insomnia

  The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has a long history in South America as well. In ancient South America, cannabis was used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation and pain. It was also used in spiritual and religious ceremonies.

  Cannabis has also been used medicinally in Europe. In ancient Greece, for example, cannabis was used to treat earaches and inflammation. And in medieval Europe, cannabis was used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It was also used as a recreational drug during this time.

an American tradition

  In North America, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has a long history as well. Native American cultures have used cannabis for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It was also used in spiritual and cultural ceremonies.

classic japanese artwork showing cbd farmers near tokyo
artwork depicting a spiritual indigenous american draped in cannabis fibers

In conclusion, there is a long history of the use of cannabis and CBD as natural remedies in various cultures around the world. Cannabis and CBD have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

 

modern solutions for modern problems

  CBD, a compound found in the cannabis plant, has also been the subject of interest in recent years for its potential medicinal properties. While the use of CBD as a medicine is a relatively new development, the potential of CBD and other cannabis compounds as medicinal agents has been recognized for centuries. Some promising fields of research in the use of CBD as a medicine include its potential to:

  • Reduce anxiety and improve sleep (3)
  • Relieve pain and inflammation (4)
  • Improve symptoms of PTSD (5)
  • Reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy (6)
  • Improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis (7)

 

References:

  1. Zhang, Y. (2008). A brief history of cannabis in China. In Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential (pp. 13-20). New York: Haworth Press.
  2. Mathre, M. L. (1997). Cannabis in medical practice: A legal, historical, and pharmacological overview of the therapeutic use of marijuana. McLean, VA: Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics.
  3. Grinspoon, P. (1998). Marihuana, the forbidden medicine. New Haven: Yale University Press.
  4. Agurell, S., Halldin, M., Lindgren, J. E., Ohlsson, A., Widman, M., Gillespie, H., & Hollister, L. E. (1986). Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids with emphasis on man. Pharmacological Reviews, 38(1), 21-43.
  5. Russo, E. B. (2001). Hemp for headache: An in-depth historical and scientific review of cannabis in migraine treatment. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 1(2), 21-92.
  6. McPartland, J. M., & Russo, E. B. (2001). Cannabis and cannabis extracts: Greater than the sum of their parts? Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics

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