Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and one of its most well-known components, CBD (short for cannabidiol), has a rich history of its own. In this article, we’ll explore the history of CBD, from its earliest uses to its current status as a popular wellness product.
Ancient History
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The first recorded use of cannabis as medicine dates back to ancient China, where it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including pain and inflammation.
In ancient India, cannabis was used as a remedy for a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, and digestive issues. The ancient Indian text, the Ayurveda, even recommends cannabis for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.
The use of cannabis spread throughout the ancient world, with evidence of its use found in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In fact, the Greek physician Galen used cannabis to treat pain and inflammation in the second century AD.
CBD wasn’t specifically identified as a component of cannabis until the 1940s, but it’s likely that ancient civilizations were using CBD-rich cannabis for its therapeutic effects.
Modern History
In the 19th century, cannabis was widely used in the Western world as a medicinal herb. The Irish physician William O’Shaughnessy is credited with introducing cannabis to the Western medical community in the mid-1800s, after he witnessed its use in India.
By the turn of the 20th century, cannabis had become a popular over-the-counter remedy in the United States, with many pharmacies selling cannabis-based products. However, concerns about the potential for abuse and addiction led to the criminalization of cannabis in the early 20th century.
Despite its criminalization, cannabis continued to be used for medicinal purposes throughout the 20th century, particularly in the United States. In the 1970s, a young girl named Charlotte Figi was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy that caused hundreds of seizures a week. After trying countless medications without success, Charlotte’s parents turned to cannabis oil high in CBD, which dramatically reduced her seizures.
This case and others like it helped to draw attention to the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, leading to increased research into the compound.
Recent History
Over the past decade, CBD has exploded in popularity as a wellness product. In 2018, the United States legalized hemp (a strain of cannabis that’s low in THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis), which made it legal to produce and sell CBD products derived from hemp.
Today, CBD is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and inflammation. It’s available in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, topicals, and edibles.
The ongoing story of CBD: where the past meets the future
CBD has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. From its use in ancient China and India to its current status as a popular wellness product, CBD has played a significant role in the world of medicine and health. As research into CBD continues, it’s likely that we’ll continue to discover even more about the compound’s potential therapeutic benefits.
