How did edibles with cannabis appear?

Have you ever wondered where marijuana products came from? Today, you can find chocolates, cookies, candies, and even drinks with cannabis on store shelves in countries where cannabis is legal. But has it always been so popular? Let's dive into history and figure out how humanity came up with the idea of eating cannabis, not just smoking it. *The material does not advocate the use of cannabis products and is for informational purposes only.

The history of edible hemp. How did it all start?

Hemp has accompanied humanity for thousands of years. Even in ancient times, people knew about this plant not only as a raw material for rope or fabric, but also as something that could be consumed. In China, for example, around 2700 BC, Emperor Shen Nung, considered the father of Chinese medicine, mentioned cannabis in his writings. He recommended using it to treat pain, insomnia, and even stomach problems. But was it eaten back then? Most likely, cannabis seeds were roasted or added to porridge - it was an easy way to get nutrients.

A little later, in ancient India, cannabis became part of religious rituals. A drink called bhang, a mixture of cannabis leaves and flowers, milk, and spices, was prepared for celebrations in honor of the god Shiva. This drink is still popular in India, especially during the Holi festival. So, these are the first products containing marijuana - not for fun, but for spiritual connection!

Cannabis in ancient times. From medicine to cooking

Cannabis has long remained in the shadows in Europe. Medieval herbalists mentioned it in recipes for ointments or tinctures, but they were in no hurry to eat it. Why? Perhaps the climate did not allow growing the plant in large quantities, or people simply did not realize its culinary potential. However, the situation was different in the Arab world. There, hemp was added to sweets, such as halva or pasta with nuts. The taste was unusual, and the effect was a nice bonus.

Interestingly, cannabis appeared in America much later, along with the colonists. In the 17th and 18th centuries, farmers grew it mainly for industrial purposes, but even then, some experimented with eating the seeds. The history of edible cannabis gradually gained momentum, although it was still far from a real culinary boom.

How did cannabis become edible in the modern world?

The real breakthrough in the world of edible cannabis occurred in the 20th century, when people started looking for alternatives to smoking. In the United States, for example, in the 60s, hippies discovered “brownies with marijuana.” It is not known who came up with this recipe first, but the idea was simple: mix hemp with butter, add it to the dough, and bake. The effect came more slowly than from smoking, but it lasted longer. And most importantly, no smoke!

Since then, edible cannabis products have multiplied. Today, it's not just brownies. Here are some examples that will surprise you:

• Candies and lollipops - compact, tasty and easy to dose.
• Drinks - from coffee to lemonade with THC or CBD.
• Oils and sauces - imagine pasta with a cannabis-based sauce!

Manufacturers have learned how to process cannabis in such a way that it can be added anywhere. And the main thing is to control the dose so that the effect is predictable.

Why has edible cannabis become so popular?

Ask yourself - what's better - inhaling smoke or eating a delicious cupcake and relaxing in an hour? For many, the choice is obvious. Moreover, in countries where marijuana is legalized, edible cannabis has become part of the culture. In Colorado or California, you can easily find cafes serving cannabis desserts. And it's not just a fun thing - people appreciate the opportunity to get the benefits of cannabis without harming their lungs.

Another reason is variety. The types of edible cannabis are impressive: from vegan bars to salty snacks. Everyone can find something of their own. And for those who are looking for calmness rather than euphoria, there are products with CBD - without psychoactive effects.

What does the future hold for edible cannabis?

The world is changing, and so is the attitude towards cannabis. While cannabis used to be the secret of priests or medicine men in ancient times, today it is a billion-dollar industry. Just imagine: maybe in 10 years we will see supermarket shelves filled with marijuana products, just like we see chocolate or chips now. Would you try it? Or maybe you've already tried something made from cannabis and have a story to tell?

The story of edible hemp is not just about food. It's about how humanity is learning to use nature in new ways. From ancient “bhang” to modern THC gummies, the journey has been long, but definitely interesting. So the next time you see a cannabis cookie, remember: it's not just a treat, it's a piece of history!