The Historical Roots of a Vital Crop

[jacobbaithel]

Hemp is far from a modern trend. In fact, it is one of the oldest domesticated crops known to humanity, with a history dating back over 10,000 years.

• Ancient Asia and China: Archeological evidence shows that ancient civilizations used hemp fibers to make clothing, paper, ropes, and shoes. The Chinese even used hemp to create the world’s first paper.
• The Age of Exploration: During the 16th to 18th centuries, hemp was a critical global commodity. The sails, ropes, and rigging of ships sailed by explorers like Christopher Columbus were made entirely of hemp because of its resistance to saltwater rot.
• Early America: In colonial America, growing hemp was so vital to the economy that the government mandated farmers to grow it. Drafts of the US Declaration of Independence were penned on hemp paper.

However, the 20th century saw a massive decline in hemp production. A combination of political lobbying by competing industries (like synthetic plastics, nylon, and paper/timber) and anti-cannabis propaganda led to strict regulations and outright bans on hemp cultivation globally. Fortunately, modern science and changing laws are finally reversing this historical mistake.
https://www.drremenyi.com/vital-hemp/