Education

The Evolution of Hemp: 12,000 Years of the World’s Most Versatile Plant

Name: Carolina Hemp Hut
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Richard Sniffen
April 9, 2025

If you think hemp is just some trendy buzzword slapped on CBD oils and eco T-shirts, buckle up. The evolution of hemp didn’t start in a wellness aisle, it started over 12,000 years ago with rope, pottery, and survival. Hemp’s not new, it’s ancient. Like, your ancestors were weaving rope out of it ancient.

Before it powered skincare lines, bath bombs, and high-end gummies, hemp was quite literally holding human civilization together. From the first threads of fabric to ropes that sailed ships across oceans, this plant has been a ride-or-die for humanity. Let’s take a relaxed but eye-opening trip through the evolution of hemp and yeah, it’s wild.

10,000 BC – Hemp Shows Up on the Scene in Taiwan

Hemp’s story starts in Neolithic Taiwan, where archaeologists found pottery marked with hemp cord and stone tools likely used to break down its tough fibers. Even back then, folks knew hemp wasn’t just another leafy plant, it was strong, useful, and worth the effort.

8,000 BC – Ancient Mesopotamia Wears Hemp

Over in Mesopotamia, the world’s first fashion trends were kicking off and hemp was all the rage. As one of the earliest cultivated crops, hemp was turned into clothing and textiles, proving early on that it wasn’t just practical, it was essential.

4,000 BC – China Goes All In

Hemp was everywhere in ancient China. Silk was for the elite, and cotton hadn’t even made the trip from Africa yet. So, hemp stepped up. It clothed the people, lined homes, and became a part of everyday life. Archeologists have found loads of hemp textiles from this period, and they weren’t just scraps, this was mass production, ancient-style.

3,500 – 2,000 BC – Hemp Cultivation Starts Going Global

Around this time, hemp hit the world tour. The Egyptians used it to help build the pyramids (hemp rope, not spells), and Chinese medicine books, like those credited to Emperor Shen Neng, documented hemp’s use for healing. Artifacts show it showing up in Mongolia burial pits, and by 2,000 BC, hemp fibers were being found across the map.

1,500 – 800 BC – The Sacred Grass

India was all about hemp, calling it Bhanga, the “Sacred Grass.” Their gods were fans, and their medicine books said it had a divine vibe. Meanwhile, the Scythians (nomadic warriors, not a metal band) were spreading it across Europe and Asia, using it in spiritual rituals and everyday life. By the time the Punic people were caulking their ships with it, hemp was basically ancient duct tape.

600 – 100 BC – Greece, Rome, and Early Medicine

As migrations moved west, hemp made its debut in Greece and Russia. Greek historian Herodotus detailed how Scythians used it in ceremonies and clothes. By 200 BC, Greek ships needed hemp rope to brave the seas, and in China, someone said, “Hey, what if we made paper out of this stuff?” and they did. Hemp paper was waterproof, tough, and way ahead of its time. Additionally, hemp was integrated into western medicine for its medicinal purposes, as documented in early medical texts.

79 AD – Hemp at the Roman Party

When Mt. Vesuvius buried Pompeii in ash, it preserved hemp seeds. Yep, Romans were in on the hemp game too. Writers talked about cannabis-laced pastries at parties (imagine ancient edibles) and included hemp in medical texts. It was a staple, whether you were hosting a feast or healing an injury.

400 – 800 AD – Hemp Powers the Viking Era

By 400 AD, Britain was cultivating hemp, and the Vikings were busy raiding with hemp ropes, sails, and gear. They brought hemp to Iceland and possibly North America. Over in China, monks printed the first religious book on hemp paper in 770 AD. Not exactly Kindle, but it worked.

900 – 1400 AD – Medicine, Rituals, and Debate

In the Middle East, hemp found a place in medicine and mysticism. Hashish stirred debate across the Arab world, while Africans used hemp in cultural and spiritual practices. Ethiopia saw early hashish pipes, and North Africa welcomed hemp into ceremonies and hospitality. This plant was becoming a global unifier.

1492 – Age of Sail: Hemp Hits the High Seas

Christopher Columbus didn’t sail the ocean blue without hemp. His ships were loaded with hemp sails and ropes. Hemp was so vital that monarchs like Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I required farmers to grow it. No hemp, no navy, simple as that.

1600 – 1776 – Hemp Builds the New World

When English settlers crossed the Atlantic, hemp came too. Colonists planted it across New England and Virginia. It became fabric, rope, and even paper for early American documents. There’s a good chance the drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper. And yes, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it like champs. By the Revolution, hemp was helping clothe the army and keep ships afloat.

1800 – 1900 – Hemp’s Golden Age

By the 1800s, industrial hemp production was booming. Over 8,000 farms in the U.S. were producing it, contributing significantly to the hemp industry. Meanwhile, cannabis was in pharmacies, prescribed for everything from pain to cramps. Even Queen Victoria’s doctor swore by it. However, as new industries emerged due to synthetic fabrics, hemp started to lose its spotlight.

Industrial Revolution and Evolution of Hemp Production

The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point for hemp production. With the advent of new machinery and technologies, processing hemp fibers became more efficient, leading to a surge in demand. Hemp was the go-to material for manufacturing clothing, canvas, and other textiles. The paper industry also jumped on the bandwagon, using hemp fibers to produce durable and high-quality paper. Meanwhile, hemp seeds were pressed to produce oil, which served as a lubricant for the new industrial machinery. This versatile oil also found its way into soaps, paints, varnishes, and even fuel. The Industrial Revolution truly showcased hemp’s potential, cementing its place as an indispensable raw material.

1900 – 1937 – Propaganda, Prohibition, and the Marihuana Tax Act

Hemp didn’t fade out quietly. It got pushed out. Industrial titans like William Hearst and DuPont saw it as a threat and fueled a wave of anti-cannabis propaganda. Even though the U.S. government had proof that hemp was a better option for making paper, the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act crushed the industry. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 further imposed strict regulations, effectively prohibiting hemp cultivation. However, the tides are turning. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in hemp production, driven by a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. The once-forgotten crop is making a comeback, especially after federal law removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, proving that you can’t keep a good plant down.

The Decline of Hemp Production

Despite its versatility and numerous industrial uses, hemp production faced a steep decline in the 20th century. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 imposed strict regulations and effectively prohibited hemp cultivation in many countries. This legal crackdown, combined with the rise of synthetic fibers and other industrial materials, pushed hemp to the sidelines. However, the tides are turning. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in hemp production, driven by a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. The once-forgotten crop is making a comeback, proving that you can’t keep a good plant down.

1941 – Hemp for Victory (No, Really)

World War II brought a twist. With Japanese hemp supplies cut off, the U.S. launched the “Hemp for Victory” campaign. American farmers were urged to grow hemp again for rope, uniforms, and equipment. Over a million acres were cultivated. For a moment, hemp was back in action.

1970 – 2018 – The Long Climb Back for the Hemp Industry

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act lumped hemp in with marijuana, and boom—banned again. But advocates didn’t quit. Hemp products trickled back through imports in the late ‘90s. In 2004, the courts finally protected hemp food and body products. Then, in 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill passed, legalizing industrial hemp nationwide. This significant change in federal law, along with the Agricultural Act of 2014, which initiated pilot projects for hemp production, has paved the way for the resurgence of hemp farming.

Hemp Farming and Regulation

Hemp farming today is a complex and highly regulated industry. The 2018 Farm Bill was a game-changer, removing hemp from the list of controlled substances and allowing its cultivation as an agricultural commodity. But it’s not a free-for-all. Hemp farmers must navigate a maze of regulations and guidelines set by the Department of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency. These include requirements for crop insurance, conservation programs, and meticulous reporting of hemp acres. And let’s not forget the THC content, hemp crops must contain less than 0.3% THC to be considered industrial hemp. It’s a challenging landscape, but for many farmers, the rewards are worth the effort.

Why Hemp Still Matters Today

Hemp didn’t just survive history. It thrived through it. And hemp today is back with a vengeance. The hemp industry is booming, and you’ll find it in everything from biodegradable plastics to CBD oils, protein powders, bath bombs, and fashion that won’t trash the planet. It’s not just trendy, it’s a sustainable, functional powerhouse that’s reclaiming its place in wellness and industry.

So, the next time you drink hemp-infused sparkling water or toss on your favorite hemp hoodie, remember that this plant has been saving the day since pottery was cool. You’re not just riding a trend. You’re picking up where history left off and writing the next chapter

The Future Evolution of Hemp

The future of hemp looks incredibly promising. As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products continues to grow, hemp is poised to become a major player in the global market for industrial crops. This versatile plant can be used to produce everything from specialty papers and textiles to hemp oil and animal bedding. Innovations in hemp-based products are on the horizon, and the plant’s potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions makes it a key player in promoting environmental sustainability. With its rich history and growing demand, hemp is not just a relic of the past, it’s the future of sustainable industry.

Richard Sniffen

Richard moved from Texas recently to join the family business in Hemp. He has researched terpenes and cannabinoids extensively and uses the acquired knowledge to provide meaningful insight to more opportunities for natural healing. He's the General Manager of the Durham Carolina Hemp Hut store and a cannabis product group Manager.

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