Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has surged in popularity in recent years, touted for its potential therapeutic benefits ranging from pain relief to anxiety reduction. But where did this remarkable compound come from, and how did it evolve from an obscure plant extract to a global wellness phenomenon? In this in-depth article, we trace the cannabidiol oil history, explore its original roots, and pinpoint when it was first used by humans. Whether you’re a CBD enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding its journey provides valuable context to its modern-day significance.
What Is Cannabidiol Oil? A Quick Recap
Before getting into its history, let’s clarify what CBD oil is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana varieties. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD doesn’t produce a “high.” CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp—a cannabis strain with low THC levels (below 0.3%)—and mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for consumption or topical use. Its rise in popularity stems from studies suggesting benefits for conditions like epilepsy, inflammation, and insomnia, though research is ongoing.
Now, let’s travel back in time to uncover the origins of CBD oil and its historical significance.
The Ancient Roots: Cannabis in Early Civilizations
The history of CBD oil begins with the cannabis plant itself, which has been cultivated and used by humans for millennia. While CBD as a distinct compound wasn’t isolated until the 20th century, the plant’s medicinal and cultural roles laid the groundwork for its discovery.
1. Ancient China (Circa 2700 BCE)
- Evidence: The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back to ancient China, attributed to Emperor Shen Nung, a legendary figure known as the “Father of Chinese Medicine.” In his pharmacopeia, penned around 2700 BCE, Shen Nung documented cannabis (referred to as “ma”) as a remedy for ailments like rheumatism, gout, and malaria.
- Use: The Chinese likely used the whole cannabis plant—seeds, leaves, and flowers—either smoked, ingested as tea, or applied topically. While they didn’t isolate CBD, the plant’s therapeutic effects suggest that compounds like CBD were unknowingly harnessed.
- Context: Hemp, a variety of cannabis low in THC, was also cultivated for its fibers to make rope, textiles, and paper, cementing cannabis’s dual role in Chinese society.
2. Ancient India (Circa 2000 BCE)
- Evidence: Cannabis appears in the sacred texts of Hinduism, such as the Atharva Veda (circa 2000–1400 BCE), where it’s listed as one of five sacred plants. Known as “bhang,” cannabis was consumed in drinks, smoked, or used in rituals.
- Use: Indian healers employed cannabis to treat pain, digestive issues, and even psychological conditions, likely tapping into CBD’s calming properties alongside THC’s psychoactive effects.
- Context: Cannabis held spiritual significance, believed to connect users to divine energies, a tradition still echoed in some modern practices.
3. Ancient Egypt (Circa 2000 BCE)
- Evidence: The Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BCE), one of the oldest medical texts, mentions cannabis as a treatment for inflammation and glaucoma. Archaeological finds, like cannabis pollen in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II (circa 1200 BCE), further confirm its use.
- Use: Egyptians may have applied cannabis preparations topically or ingested them, benefiting from CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential without isolating it.
- Context: Cannabis’s presence in Egypt highlights its spread across ancient trade routes, from Asia to Africa.
4. Mesopotamia and Beyond (Circa 1000 BCE)
- Evidence: Assyrian tablets from Mesopotamia reference cannabis as a medicinal herb, while ancient Greeks and Romans later adopted it for rope-making and healing.
- Use: By this time, cannabis was a global commodity, used for everything from epilepsy to earaches, with CBD as an unrefined component.
These early uses didn’t involve CBD oil as we know it today—extraction techniques were rudimentary, and the focus was on the whole plant. Nonetheless, they set the stage for CBD’s eventual discovery.
The Scientific Dawn: Isolating Cannabidiol Oil
While cannabis has a rich history, CBD oil’s story hinges on modern science’s ability to isolate and understand its components. The journey to CBD oil begins in the 19th and 20th centuries.
1. Early Cannabis Research (19th Century)
- Key Figure: In the 1830s, Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine after studying its use in India. He published findings on its efficacy for pain, muscle spasms, and epilepsy, sparking interest in Europe and America.
- Context: O’Shaughnessy used cannabis tinctures—alcohol-based extracts—likely containing CBD alongside THC. These were sold in pharmacies across the West until cannabis prohibitions emerged in the early 20th century.
2. CBD’s Discovery (1940)
- Breakthrough: The pivotal moment came in 1940 when American chemist Roger Adams successfully isolated CBD from cannabis at the University of Illinois. Adams extracted the compound from wild hemp and published his findings, though he didn’t fully elucidate its structure.
- Significance: This marked the first time CBD was separated from THC and other cannabinoids, though its properties remained unclear. Adams’s work laid the foundation for future research.
3. Structure and Effects (1960s)
- Key Figure: In 1963–1964, Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam, often called the “Father of Cannabis Research,” determined CBD’s chemical structure and synthesized it in the lab. Mechoulam also isolated THC and explored their distinct effects.
- Findings: Mechoulam’s team found that CBD lacked THC’s psychoactive properties, opening the door to studying its therapeutic potential. His work shifted cannabis research from stigma to science.
CBD Oil History: When Was CBD Oil First Used?
While CBD was isolated in 1940, its use as “CBD oil” in the modern sense—extracted, refined, and marketed as a standalone product—didn’t occur until much later. Here’s how it unfolded:
1. Early Medical Exploration (1970s–1980s)
- Context: After Mechoulam’s discoveries, researchers began testing CBD for specific conditions. In the 1970s, studies showed CBD’s anticonvulsant effects in animal models, hinting at its potential for epilepsy.
- First Use: By the 1980s, small-scale clinical trials explored CBD in humans, often administered as an oil or tincture mixed with a carrier. For example, a 1980 Brazilian study found CBD reduced seizures in epilepsy patients, marking one of its earliest documented therapeutic uses in oil form.
2. Rise of Hemp-Derived CBD Oil (1990s–2000s)
- Context: The 1990s saw renewed interest in hemp, a legal cannabis variety with negligible THC. Entrepreneurs and researchers began extracting CBD from hemp to create oils, bypassing marijuana’s legal restrictions.
- Milestone: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, CBD oil emerged in niche health markets, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals (founded 1998) pioneered CBD-based medicines, leading to Epidiolex—a CBD oil approved in 2018 for epilepsy.
3. Mainstream Adoption (2010s–Present)
- Context: The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD (under 0.3% THC), triggering a global boom. CBD oil became a wellness staple, sold as supplements, skincare, and more.
- First Widespread Use: By the mid-2010s, CBD oil was widely available to consumers, with brands refining extraction methods (e.g., CO2 extraction) to produce high-purity products.
Also Read: Honest Review of Adivasi Hair Oil from Users
Historical Timeline of Cannabidiol Oil
- 2700 BCE: Cannabis used medicinally in China.
- 2000 BCE: Cannabis revered in India and Egypt.
- 1830s: Cannabis tinctures enter Western medicine.
- 1940: Roger Adams isolates CBD.
- 1963–1964: Raphael Mechoulam defines CBD’s structure.
- 1980s: CBD oil tested in early clinical trials.
- 1990s–2000s: Hemp-derived CBD oil enters niche markets.
- 2010s: CBD oil goes mainstream globally.
The Evolution Continues
From ancient herbal remedies to cutting-edge science, the origins of Cannabidiol oil reflect humanity’s enduring relationship with cannabis. While its first use as a refined oil dates to the late 20th century, its roots stretch back thousands of years. Today, CBD oil stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, with ongoing research unlocking its full potential.
Stay tuned to HealthViews India for more insights into CBD’s journey—from its historical uses to its modern applications and legal status worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using CBD oil.
