Hemp has been a part of human history since the dawn of civilization. Archaeological records show that it was one of the first cultivated fiber plants, with evidence of its use dating back to 10,000 BC in northern China. Hemp was used for paper, fabrics, and even medicines, and its spread throughout the world is a testament to its versatility and importance. The earliest traces of hemp were found in 8000 BC in the Asian regions of China and Taiwan.
These remains included hemp cords used in pottery and records showing that hemp seed and oil were used as food. This suggests that hemp was one of the first agricultural crops when human agriculture began around 10,000 years ago. Hemp quickly spread throughout Europe, Africa, and South America. It was used for ceramics and food, and its popularity only grew over time.
Barber (1999) argued that the spread of the name kannabis was due to its more recent use of plants, starting in the south around Iran, while THC-free hemp varieties are older and prehistoric.
