The origin of hemp

It is believed that Hemp originates from Mesopotamia (present-day Turkey) around 8000 B.C. From there is it was introduced in the east, where it was first recorded around 6500 B.C. The oldest existing piece of hemp paper from China dates back to A.D. 770. After the discovery of Hemp in China, they started to us hemp also for it in medicine. Hemp was introduced in europe in 2300 B.C. and since 1000 B.C. it was the biggest agricultural crop produced until the 19th century.

 In 1606, hemp started being cultivated by the British in their colonies. However, hemp was allready present in the new world possibly by Chineese explorers and immigrating birds. When the colonist arrived in America, they were not eager to start cultivating Hemp but it was demanded by europe because of the multiple purposes hemp had to offer. Throughout the history, hemp was a valuable comodity and was at one point even used to pay tax.
Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were also big promotors of hemp production. Thomas Jefferson even used it as money when the govenment was in short supply.

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