and hempCannabis or marijuana is not the same plant than cannabis sativa L., although both share history and genetics. Even though they are very similar, there are also important differences to be taken into consideration. Hemp or cannabis sativa L are ancient plants. Evidences of their existence have been found since 12000 B.C, according to scientific estimations. It has been cultivated since the human being started agriculture and has been used in every age, culture, nation and civilization; until now. The conquest of cannabis, at a global level, starts in the Asian continent. It is still not clear the exact place where the plant appeared. It could have been China, India or any other country in South-East Asia. The transition to other demographic places in the world is attributed to the human being. Merchants, travellers, slaves, etc, involved in the trade routes between Europe- Asia and the rest of the world, imported and exported cannabis and hemp seeds, already differentiated between psychoactive and fibrous. Hemp was used for thousands of years to produce papyri, fabrics or ropes; among many other derivatives and uses. The human being has enjoyed in the course of history of the company of the cannabis, taking advantage of its different uses, medicinal and recreational. It is important to stress the religious application of the cannabis plant, which is significantly present in countries like Jamaica, India, Nepal, etc. The medicinal use of the plant is a resource that has not been completely developed nowadays. Recent researches indicate that this plant, which has been undervalued for long, is recovering an important position as medicinal plant, taking full advantage of its therapeutic properties. |