From its first uses in Asia millennia ago to its emergence in contemporary medicine, cannabinoids have spanned the ages, arousing both fascination and controversy. In this exploration of its history, we will discover the multiple facets of cannabis, from its ancient origins to its recent recognition for its therapeutic virtues, highlighting the major discovery of cannabidiol and the legislative challenges surrounding it.
The history of CBD and its origin
The origins of cannabis:
Archaeological studies attest to the presence of cannabis as early as 11,000 BC in Asia, where it appeared for the first time. Its use quickly spread, from the Himalayas to Central Asia, then throughout the world. As early as the Neolithic, the first farmers discovered the multiple uses of this plant, even replacing animal skins with its strong fibers to make clothing.
Cannabis in great civilizations:
The first traces of the use of cannabis date back to ancient China, where it was listed in the encyclopedia of Emperor Shennong as early as 2,800 BC. BC for its medicinal properties. In India, it was revered as a sacred plant and used religiously and medicinally. From Egypt to ancient Greece, cannabis was valued for its strong fibers in making ropes and textiles.
From the Middle Ages to the modern era:
In the Middle Ages, despite some religious prohibitions, cannabis continued to be cultivated in Europe, notably under the aegis of Charlemagne. However, its use
medicinal and industrial was largely forgotten at the end of the Roman Empire. It was not until the 19th century that cannabis regained its status of medical interest in the West, thanks to pioneers such as Louis Aubert-Roche and Joseph Moreau of Tours.
The fight for legalization:
In the 20th century, the rise of US prohibitionist politics and the influence of industrial lobbies led to draconian crackdowns on cannabis, despite growing evidence of its medical benefits. Propaganda campaigns and prohibitions were put in place, notably in the United States with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This repression reached its climax with the classification of cannabis as a Category 1 drug in 1970.
The rise of medical cannabis:
However, since the 1990s, a movement to rehabilitate cannabis has begun, with the gradual legalization of its medical use in several countries, notably in the United States, Canada and Europe. Research has highlighted its therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of pain and neurological diseases. More recently, cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, has sparked worldwide enthusiasm for its presumed therapeutic virtues, without the psychotropic effects of THC. Many CBD-derived products have flooded the market, ranging from oils to gummies, providing a new horizon for the cannabis industry.
The discovery of CBD
The birth of CBD
The adventure began in 1940, in the United States, when researchers from the University of Illinois managed to isolate cannabidiol for the first time from an extract of
hemp. Ironically, at that time, they considered this discovery to be toxic to health, thus revealing the ignorance that then surrounded this substance. However, it was not until the 1960s that we saw a resurgence of interest in CBD. It was in Jerusalem, in 1963, that Raphael Mechoulam, researcher at the Hebrew University, finally deciphered the exact structure of this molecule. Accompanied by his team, he also synthesized CBD and THC the following year, thus paving the way for in-depth research into their pharmacological properties. The 1970s marked a major turning point in the history of CBD, with the launch of the first therapeutic studies. Teams of Brazilian researchers demonstrate that CBD can reduce seizures in epileptic patients, while another team proves its effectiveness as an anxiolytic. These discoveries are coming together quickly, highlighting the multiple potential benefits of CBD for human health. The 1980s and 1990s saw CBD emerge as a promising treatment for various conditions, including psychosis, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The discovery of the human body's endocannabinoid system in 1988 confirms the importance of this molecule and opens up new medical perspectives.
Complex legislation around CBD
The turn of the new millennium marks a new phase of exploration for CBD, with the highlighting of its benefits. Promising clinical studies suggest
its effectiveness in the treatment of schizophrenia, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer, offering hope to many patients around the world. Despite these remarkable scientific advances, the legislation surrounding CBD remains complex and often controversial. In France, for example, the molecule has long been demonized because of its links with cannabis, but progress has been made in recent years to recognize its therapeutic benefits. The European Union even deemed the ban on CBD in France illegal in 2020, highlighting its medical potential and health benefits. Across Europe, CBD is growing in popularity and acceptance, although attitudes and regulations vary from country to country. Countries like Switzerland and Germany have taken more progressive approaches, allowing medical use and
regulating the marketing of CBD.
