It is fascinating to look back at the history of cannabis genes. Cannabis, also known to the world as marijuana has been grown and used by people for thousands years for its medicinal, spiritual, and recreational properties. Different human interventions have resulted in cannabis genetics evolving over time to create a variety strains with different characteristics and effects.
Central Asia is believed as the source of cannabis. Cannabis grew wild on the hillsides of Mongolia and Siberia, which are now part of Central Asia. The first to cultivate cannabis was the ancient Chinese, who discovered its medicinal benefits around 2700 BC. They used it to treat a variety of ailments including constipation, migraines, menstrual cramps, malaria, and constipation.
Cannabis spread to other areas of the globe, including India, where it was used spiritually and religiously. Hindu god Shiva is believed to have used cannabis as a meditation tool. It was even used in Hindu rituals. In India, cannabis genetics developed to produce high resin strains of cannabis that were used to make the charas.
Trade and conquest brought cannabis to Europe and the Middle East. Galen, an ancient Greek physician who used cannabis to treat colic and inflammation, also used it for medicinal purposes by the Romans and Greeks.
In the Americas, marijuana was introduced in the colonial age. The plant was initially used for fiber production and industrial purposes. Cannabis was also used for medical and recreational purposes. As a result, the plant developed into the vast array of varieties that we know today.
In the 1960s and the 1970s, when the counterculture exploded, was the most important time that cannabis genetics had changed. Cannabis breeders began cross-breeding different strains to create new hybrids. They were able to produce higher potency, higher yields, faster flowering, and more flavor. This created many new strains like Skunk #1 (Northern Lights), and Haze.
The cannabis industry continues to grow with new varieties and hybrids continually being developed. The legalization and advancement of breeding techniques and technologies has resulted from increased research into the genetics of cannabis. This has allowed breeders the ability to create strains of cannabis with specific medicinal properties.
The history and evolution in cannabis genetics is complex. This is because of its importance in human culture and history. From its origins from Central Asia to its expansion around the globe by humans, cannabis genetics are a complex and rich story. They have produced a wide variety of strains each with their own characteristics and effects. We can expect exciting new developments in the cannabis industry as breeders continue their quest to improve this extraordinary plant.
