The history of hemp is as rich and resilient as the plant itself. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have recognized hemp’s agricultural and practical value, long before it became a topic of modern practices. From ancient Chinese medicine to colonial American agriculture, hemp has served humanity in countless ways. Today, this humble plant continues to shape industries and support well-being, making it more relevant than ever. Let’s explore the remarkable journey of hemp through the ages.

Ancient Origins 

Hemp’s origins date back to 2700 BC, discovered in modern day China. Shen-Nung, one of the early founders of hemp, is regarded as an ancient medical authority, his medical documentation known as the Pen Ts’ao outlines hemp and its uses.

Indians also discovered hemp and utilized it for the next thousand years. Ancient religions such as Hinduism even considered the plant to be sacred due to its agriculture and medicinal usages. 

People continued to discover the plant across Ancient Persia, and even Europe found it largely useful for the production of products like rope, fiber, clothing, and paper. When looking back at ancient cultures, the agricultural discovery of hemp became vastly important and useful for the daily essentials of life in that time. 

The History of Hemp Through the Ages 

Hemp continued to prove its usefulness even for our United States founding fathers. Officials widely encouraged the production of hemp and even imposed fines to farmers who were not raising the crop. 

Hemp’s usefulness continued to be recognized in early colonial times, producing products like sails, rope, and clothing. Paper production was one of hemp’s most important uses in that time. 

Some sources even claim the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. In later days, the USDA shared published findings of hemp producing 4x the amount of paper per acre in comparison to trees. 

Hemp’s usefulness was undeniable, but as it grew in popularity, so did the amount of research done. As more knowledge began getting discovered, people started to see the impact hemp had on business and the economy. Scientists like Dr. Roger Adams and his team first isolated cannabidiol. He eventually discovered CBD’s psychoactive cousin, THC, however, this discovery is more often credited to Raphael Mechoulam in 1964. 

Hemp smear campaigns began in 1936 with Reefer Madness and work done by William Randolf Hearst, and the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was initiated on hemp sales. The production of hemp fought back in 1942, but in 1957, the last commercial hemp field was planted in Wisconsin (the same home as Elevated Hemp Solutions). In 1970, the Controlled Substance Act made hemp illegal, categorizing it as a schedule 1 drug. 

Where Hemp is Today 

One event that largely contributed to the comeback of hemp in the United States was the physiological discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its receptors in 1988. This system provides the support needed to prove hemp has positive medicinal uses. In 2004, hemp food products and body care products fell under legal protection, and in 2007, two farmers from North Dakota were given licenses for hemp planting. 

Fast forward to 2018 when President Trump signed the Farm Bill which removed hemp from being a schedule 1 drug according to The Controlled Substance Act. 

Visit Elevated Hemp Solutions

Since the signing of the Farm Bill, new hemp products like topicals, tinctures, edibles, and THC seltzers have entered the market to bring better health and satisfaction for hemp users. Elevated Hemp Solutions remains proud to be a part of that revolution as we continue to evolve with the times, all while providing you with outstanding products. 

Be a part of the modern history of hemp! Shop online or come visit us in store for personalized recommendations.