Cannabis has come a long way—from sacred plant to global industry. Today, it’s at the heart of wellness routines, creative exploration, and even daily skincare. But long before cannabis products lined sleek retail shelves, this powerful plant had already played a significant role in human history. Let’s take a journey through the fascinating evolution of cannabis—one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world.

🌍 Ancient Roots: Cannabis in Early Civilizations

Cannabis isn’t new. In fact, it’s been used by humans for thousands of years.

China (circa 2700 BCE): One of the first documented uses of cannabis comes from ancient China, where Emperor Shen Nong noted its medicinal properties. The Chinese used hemp for clothing, rope, and paper—long before it was recognized for its therapeutic effects.

India (2000 BCE and beyond): In India, cannabis was celebrated in spiritual and medicinal texts. It was (and still is) used in Ayurvedic medicine and religious rituals, particularly in the form of bhang, a cannabis-infused drink.

Ancient Egypt & the Middle East: Archaeological evidence shows that cannabis was used in rituals and for pain relief. Even the ancient Greeks used it for inflammation and wounds on their horses.

✨ From Medicine to Prohibition

For centuries, cannabis was a respected part of medicine cabinets around the world.

19th century: Cannabis extracts appeared in Western pharmacopeias as remedies for everything from migraines to insomnia.

Early 20th century: Cannabis started facing legal scrutiny—largely due to political and racial narratives rather than medical facts. By the 1930s, many countries, including the U.S., had criminalized cannabis. The 1970s marked the peak of prohibition with cannabis labeled as a Schedule I substance in the U.S., deemed to have “no accepted medical use.”

🌱 The Rise of the Modern Cannabis Movement

Thankfully, perceptions began shifting—driven by science, activism, and the stories of everyday people.

1996: California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana. This marked the beginning of a new era of cannabis reform.

2010s to Today: Over 20 U.S. states and numerous countries have legalized cannabis in some form—whether for medical, recreational, or wellness use. The legal market has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, supporting innovation in everything from edibles and skincare to luxury wellness.

🛍️ Cannabis in Retail: A Wellness Revolution

Today’s cannabis consumer looks very different from yesterday’s stereotype. From busy parents managing stress to athletes easing inflammation, cannabis has found its way into modern life in many thoughtful forms:

• CBD for calm and clarity
• THC products for relaxation or creative boosts
• Topicals and beauty products for skin health
• Beverables and edibles for social settings or evening routines

Retailers are meeting the moment with beautifully designed spaces, customer education, and a focus on experience, safety, and quality.

🚀 The Future of Cannabis

As research grows and stigma fades, cannabis is moving from taboo to mainstream—becoming a natural, plant-powered option for wellness and lifestyle support. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, there’s never been a better time to explore what cannabis can offer.