ABOVE: The first flag was created by Betsy Ross out of hemp at the request of George Washington.
The history of hemp is extensive and spans thousands of years, with the plant playing a significant role in various cultures and societies around the world. Here’s a brief overview of the history of hemp:
- Ancient Origins:
- Hemp cultivation likely dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting its use in China as early as 8,000 BCE for textile production.
- Archaeological findings indicate that hemp was cultivated in various parts of Asia and the Middle East, including regions such as Mesopotamia and Persia.
- According to Tokin’ Women: A 4000-Year Herstory. Seshat, the ancient Egyptian goddess of mathematics, creative thought, knowledge, books and writing, wore her Seven Pointed Leaf to perform the equivalent of laying the cornerstone of the Great Pyramids – “stretching the cord” to mark the direction of true north, calculated by the stars, with a rope made from hemp. It is perhaps hemp’s psychoactive effect that is acknowledged in the saying that, “Seshat opens the door of heaven for you.”
- Spread to Europe:
- Hemp made its way to Europe, where it became an essential crop for producing textiles, ropes, and paper.
- Historical records show that hemp was cultivated in ancient Greece and Rome, and its versatility made it a valuable commodity.
- Colonial America:
- Hemp cultivation was brought to North America by European settlers. In the 17th century, the English government even required American colonists to grow hemp as it was a vital resource for shipbuilding.
- Hemp was used extensively in the production of sails, ropes, and clothing.
- Many prominent figures of the time, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were hemp farmers.
- Read this article about the use of hemp by the founding fathers.
- 19th Century:
- Hemp continued to be an important crop during the 19th century, with the invention of the cotton gin leading to increased demand for hemp as an alternative fiber.
- The War of 1812 influenced the cultivation of hemp in the United States due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the British blockade. The war underscored the strategic importance of hemp for naval purposes, leading to increased efforts to promote its cultivation domestically.
- 20th Century:
- Hemp faced challenges in the 20th century as anti-marijuana sentiment led to the passage of laws restricting cannabis cultivation, which includes hemp.
- During World War II, the U.S. government encouraged hemp cultivation through the “Hemp for Victory” campaign, as it was crucial for producing materials such as rope and canvas.
- In the early 1940s, Henry Ford became interested in using agricultural products, including hemp, to create sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for automobile production.
- Prohibition and Stigmatization:
- In the mid-20th century, hemp faced further restrictions due to its association with marijuana. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified hemp as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to cultivate without a special permit.
- Recent Resurgence:
- In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in hemp for its industrial and agricultural applications.
- Many countries and U.S. states have legalized or relaxed restrictions on hemp cultivation, differentiating it from marijuana due to its low THC content (the psychoactive compound in cannabis).
- Hemp as a Modern Crop:
- Today, hemp is cultivated for a variety of purposes, including the production of textiles, paper, biofuels, construction materials, and health products like CBD (cannabidiol).
- The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, leading to a surge in hemp farming and the development of a growing hemp industry.
The history of hemp reflects its versatility and importance in various periods and cultures, and its recent resurgence suggests a promising future for this versatile plant.