Cannabis or Marijuana, as it is commonly known, is first discovered in Asia. Cannabis is thought to originate from the Mongolian steppe. Mongolia has always been a significant trading route for east-west trade. The route encompassed parts of eastern Europe and western Asia. The Merchants travel on horseback to trade. They also trade their Cannabis seeds as well. Because the seeds are delicate, special care is necessary for transporting them. And because the seed will fetch a pretty penny once they sold. Cannabis seeds are lucrative seeds that merchants sell to people across Asia and Europe.
Where Did Cannabis Originate From?
These traveling merchants took their time to travel slowly on horseback. Horses were rarely accessible to them in their part of the World. This helped them to take their time and learn from the local people they met along the way. Consequently, our understanding of Cannabis; how it originated is mainly from the merchants. They paid particular attention to the cross-breeding of different strains wherever they traveled. During one such trip, one specific merchant from East Asia had come across a strain of Cannabis in Central Asia.
Hemp Has Traveled Far
Hemp seeds are fragile. They do not last long if exposed to lots of heat. And traders knowing the seeds’ fragility, are careful in their transportation. Therefore, merchants likely carried them with care as they traveled across Central Asia and headed East towards China. Here, they traded with nomads who lived in the highlands of Mongolia. The nomads were a tribe who helped the merchants find shelter during the harsh winter months. And in exchange for their generosity, they gave them Cannabis seeds. Which, when cultivated, grew into fields that flourished with Marijuana plants. This is where Cannabis originated in Mongolia.
These nomads grew this particular strain of Cannabis for many years. As is common practice in most nomadic tribes, the older members of these tribes lived in houses made out of dried mud and manure where they grew their Cannabis plants. The soil was wealthy here, which helped the Marijuana plants to flourish.
Eventually, these Nomads began to sell seeds of this strain to other tribes and merchants who passed through their lands. Around the 4th century, this strain first made its way outside Mongolia and into China. Therefore China; one of the countries Cannabis originated from.
Cannabis In 2000 B.C. Where It Originated From
Cannabis was cultivated in other parts of Asia. The proof; the many archeological sites discovered with Cannabis seeds dating back to as early as 2000 B.C. The archeological sites are in the Khasi Hills situated in the Meghalaya region of North-East India. There have also been ancient seeds discovered infamous Vietnam and Thailand!
Cannabis has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years ago in both the East and the West. Archaeologists found Hemp rope, dating back to 8000 B.C., in the Yangshao region of China. Evidence in Russia suggests Cannabis as a food source originated there. And it was also for making fabric during this period.
During the 1st century A.D., some Greek scholars believed that Cannabis, another place it originated, was one of the gifts from Dionysus to humankind! And ancient China was the first culture in the region where Cannabis originated. And they named it ‘Ma,’ which means Hemp.
In Conclusion
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years. Western countries are now understanding the plant’s effectiveness for medicinal purposes. The products produced from Cannabis strains are effective in treating many illnesses. Ailments such as stress, anxiety, depression, pain relief, etc.
The more research done on Marijuana, we understand what ancient users already knew. And we realize much of our current understanding about Cannabis is owed to these ancient drug users who had a deep respect and appreciation for this miraculous plant.
