There is a very long and well documented history of the use of cannabis within the development of human civilization. The first use of medical marijuana in ancient China is the starting point of the historical timeline, dating back some 27,000 years. Central Asian archaeological digs have produced information that shows that primitive medical treatments included the use of cannabis as well as the corresponding use of hemp. In addition, hemp, the fibrous material harvested from the cannabis plant, has also been used for tens of thousands of years by a variety of different civilizations.

Earliest Use Of Cannabis Plants

It is interesting to note that as early as 200 BC records, specifically the instructions found in the Rite of Rites book, designated that hemp fabrics be worn at funerals. This was out of respect for the deceased and continues to be a tradition in many Eastern cultures to this day. About the same time, hemp was also used to make paper, allowing accurate documentation of the use of medical marijuana in ancient China to survive to modern times.

Other cultures also used marijuana, which is called Ma in most Chinese dialects. There is evidence that medical marijuana was used in Egypt as early as the 16th century BC. Additionally many historians believe a herbal remedy referenced in ancient Hebrew medical records as an aid for pain in childbirth, was cannabis. This remedy was in use during early biblical times and is documented as being highly effective.

Chinese Herbal Remedies Discovered

The Chinese emperor Shen-Nung is largely credited with the discovery and creation of herbal medicine and the use of medical marijuana. He wrote a medical text known as the Pen Ts'ao, which listed the flowers of the marijuana plant as ma-fen, or the yin energy within the plant. However the plant also has a designation of yang, which is the male component, making cannabis a balanced herb in Chinese medicinal treatments. Traditional uses included consumption of the flowers and seeds for issues such as constipation, beri-beri, menstrual fatigue and rheumatism. There is also a warning about over use of the herb leading to hallucinations, but small doses eaten over time were considered to help in developing the ability to talk to spirits.

Besides being used as a medicine to be consumed, medical marijuana in ancient China was also used as a paste applied to broken bones and physical injuries such as bruises. The roots were used in ground form to create a salve that was then applied to the injury until healing was complete.

Forms Of Medical Marijuana Use In Ancient China

It wasn't until the first century AD that medical marijuana in ancient China was burned and the smoke inhaled as a treatment. It was the Taoists that burned seeds of the cannabis plant and found a way to have visions, which they believed were a sign of immortality. Early surgeons used the pain killing properties of cannabis to prepare patients for surgeries, childbirth and to treat fevers and blood conditions. The hemp was also used in many medical preparations, typically combined with other medicinal herbs. It is important to note that medical marijuana in China was a cultivated crop and all parts of the plant were used. The leaves and stems for hemp fibre, the roots and seeds for medicinal purposes and the leaves and seeds for burning and inhaling, for both pain management and spiritual pursuits.