Q. Where did Cannabis come from?
A. The earth, God, Mother Nature, or whatever process allowed plants to form on this little blue planet. The plant has probably been around for longer than recorded history and has been found in the 2,700 year old tomb of a Chinese shaman (3). It was most certainly consumed at that time, based on the nature and findings of the burial. But in reality its use probably goes back much farther.
Q. How long have humans been using Cannabis?
A. Long enough to develop compound receptors in our bodies and brains to benefit from its use, which would be a very long time indeed. We have in our bodies cannabinoid receptors, capable of interacting with endocannabinoids (compounds produced by our bodies), cannabinoids (compounds produced by cannabis) and synthetic cannabinoids. (4) Scientists do not know what came first, our consumption of cannabinoids and thus the development of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids, or our production of endocannabinoids. The really fascinating question is why cannabis produces cannabinoids in the first place. The THC and cannabinoid compounds play no confirmed and accepted role in the life cycle or reproduction of the cannabis plant. There are theories relating to reproduction, but as cannabis pollinates via the wind and not bees, butterflies and birds, this is unlikely. The answers to why certain plants create compounds useful to humans, but not useful to themselves may have amazing consequences throughout the scientific realm. By the way, your runner’s high is actually coming from endocannabinoids (5) and not so much endorphins. Wonder why people like smoking pot? This is just one of the reasons why.
Q. Did the founding fathers of the United States smoke Cannabis?
A. We don’t know for sure. There are many quotes attributed to our founding fathers concerning cannabis and hemp, most of which are false. We do know that George Washington sewed hemp (6) and in fact, King James I decreed every colonist to plant 100 plants for export (7). Why? Because hemp produces stronger fibers than cotton and regenerates much faster than trees used for paper. In fact, the uses of hemp are absolutely incredible.
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