The Origins of CBD

The origins of CBD (cannabidiol) can be traced back to the cannabis plant one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, has traditionally been cultivated for its fibrous properties but can be bred to have a high content of CBD. However, hemp faced various restrictions and challenges in the 20th century due to its association with marijuana, which is another variety of the Cannabis plant that has psychoactive properties. This led to heavy regulations and the banning of hemp in many countries. Thankfully in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in hemp due to its many uses and the recognition of its nutritional value, eco-friendliness, and potential health benefits. Many countries have revised their laws to distinguish hemp from marijuana, leading to its legalization and cultivation for industrial purposes, such as fiber production, CBD extraction, and other applications.

Historical evidence suggests that hemp was first grown in Central Asia. It is believed that early civilizations recognized the plant's versatility and began using it for various purposes, including fiber for textiles, food, and even medicinal applications. Hemp cultivation spread throughout Asia, and eventually made its way to the Middle East and Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used hemp fibers to create textiles, ropes, and even sails for their boats. It then continued to expand across Europe and the Americas, since it played a crucial role in maritime activities as hemp fiber was highly valued for its strength and durability. During the colonial period, hemp was an essential crop being grown for fiber, food, and oil. Many of the founding fathers of the United States, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were hemp farmers.

The compound CBD was first discovered in the 1940s. It is one of over 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that are in the cannabis plant. The structure of CBD was documented and explained in 1963 by Israeli chemist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team. This paved the way for further research on the compound's potential benefits and effects on the human body. In the 1980s and 1990s, scientists began to uncover the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, which consists of receptors that interact with cannabinoids like CBD. This discovery provided insight into how cannabinoids can affect various physiological processes and influence overall well-being. CBD gained significant attention in the early 2000s when numerous studies highlighted its potential therapeutic properties and found that CBD does not have a psychoactive effect like THC. Since then, CBD has become extremely popular as a natural remedy for various conditions, such as chronic aching, stress, epilepsy, and swollen joints.

Hemp was legalized in America with the signing of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, The Farm Bill. This bill removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively legalizing its cultivation, processing, and sale at the federal level. It defines hemp as Cannabis sativa with a THC content of 0.3% or less by dry weight. Also, the transportation of hemp and hemp-derived products across state lines was explicitly legalized, helping the growth of the hemp industry and the distribution of hemp-derived products nationwide. Furthermore, the Farm Bill recognized hemp-derived cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), as legal substances. This opened up opportunities for the extraction and production of CBD products from hemp. The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill had a significant impact on the hemp industry, promoting its growth, research, and economic potential.

Today, hemp is cultivated worldwide, with major producers including China, Canada, the United States, and various European countries. It is used for a wide range of products, including textiles, paper, construction materials, biofuels, food and beverages, dietary supplements, and more.