The History of Hemp: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Day

Hemp has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From its early use as a fiber source to its modern-day uses for humans and pets alike, hemp has played a significant role in human civilization. We’re exploring the rich history of hemp and its various uses, including its emergence as a popular ingredient in pet CBD products.

Hemp’s Early Beginnings

Hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is one of the oldest cultivated crops known to mankind. Its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations in China, Mesopotamia, and Egypt as early as 8000 BCE. In fact, hemp was considered one of the most valuable crops due to its versatility and numerous applications.

One of the earliest uses of hemp was for fiber production. Hemp fibers were used to make ropes, textiles, and paper. The durability and strength of hemp fibers made it a favored material for shipbuilding and for making sails, helping to power the Age of Exploration. Hemp was also used for making clothing, as it was comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting.

Hemp also had medicinal uses in ancient times. The Chinese used hemp seeds as a food source, and the plant was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. In India, hemp was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties.

Spreading Hemp Around the World

As colonization spread across the world, hemp was introduced to different regions, and its use continued to expand. In the 17th century, hemp was cultivated in North America, and it became an important cash crop in the American colonies. Hemp was used to produce paper, clothing, and other goods, and it was even used as legal tender in some regions.

In the 19th century, hemp was widely used for medicinal purposes in the form of cannabis extracts. However, as the use of cannabis for recreational purposes gained popularity in the early 20th century, hemp production and its medicinal use declined due to the growing stigma associated with cannabis.

In the 20th century, hemp faced significant challenges due to the enactment of strict drug laws that classified hemp as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to cultivate, possess, or use hemp in many countries, including the United States. This led to a decline in hemp production, and its use was limited to niche applications such as making ropes and textiles.

Modern Day Hemp

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in hemp and its potential benefits. Hemp has gained popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly crop due to its ability to grow rapidly with minimal use of pesticides and fertilizers. Hemp fibers are also biodegradable and can be used as an alternative to synthetic fibers in various industries, including construction, automotive, and fashion.

Research has revealed that hemp contains beneficial compounds known as cannabinoids, which can have various health benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in hemp, and it has gained attention for its uses when it comes to stress, discomfort, long-term health, and more.

Hemp For Pets

The use of CBD derived from hemp in pet products has gained traction in recent years. Pet owners are increasingly turning to CBD as a natural supplement to support their pets’ overall well-being. CBD for pets comes in various forms, including CBD oil, chews, and topicals.

The use of CBD for pets gained momentum in the early 2010s when a few pioneering companies, including Pet Releaf, started to develop CBD products specifically formulated for pets.

However, the legality of pet CBD was murky at first. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill, which Pet Releaf helped to pass, played a significant role in the legalization of hemp-derived CBD, including CBD for pets. The Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances and classified it as an agricultural commodity, making it legal to cultivate, process, and sell hemp and hemp-derived products, including CBD, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis).

This legalization opened the door for the use of hemp-derived CBD in pet products. As the legal landscape around CBD for pets became clearer, more companies started to enter the market, offering a wide range of CBD products specifically formulated for pets.

The popularity of pet CBD has grown significantly in recent years. Many pet owners are turning to CBD as a natural way to help manage their pet’s stress and discomfort.

Because of the recent popularity of pet CBD, pet owners should exercise caution when choosing CBD products for their pets. Not all CBD products are created equal, and the quality and safety of pet CBD products can vary. It’s important to look for a reputable brand like Pet Releaf that provides third-party lab testing to ensure the purity and potency of their products.

Hemp Myths & Facts

Myth: Hemp is the same as marijuana.

Fact: Hemp and marijuana are two different varieties of the Cannabis plant. Although they belong to the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, they are bred and cultivated for different purposes. Hemp is specifically cultivated for its industrial uses and contains low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. In contrast, marijuana is bred for its higher THC content and is primarily used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Myth: Hemp can get you high.

Fact: Hemp-derived products, such as hemp seeds, hemp oil, and hemp-based textiles, do not contain enough THC to produce psychoactive effects. Hemp plants typically contain less than 0.3% THC, as mandated by the legal definition of hemp in many countries, including the United States. This minimal THC content is not enough to induce a “high” when consumed, making hemp products non-intoxicating and safe for various uses.

Myth: Hemp is not environmentally friendly.

Fact: Hemp is considered an environmentally friendly crop due to its sustainable and eco-friendly characteristics. Hemp requires minimal water compared to other crops, making it drought-resistant and suitable for arid regions. It also requires little to no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, reducing the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture. Hemp is also known for its ability to improve soil health through a process called phytoremediation, where it absorbs and breaks down toxins from the soil. Additionally, hemp is a fast-growing plant that can reach maturity in a few months, making it a highly renewable and sustainable resource.