A deep dive into the history of hemp
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) was one of the first plants cultivated by humans: archaeological finds show that fiber from hemp has been used in textiles for over 8,000 years. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
In ancient China and the Middle East, hemp was used for textiles, ropes, and even early forms of paper. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} As the plant later spread to Europe, it became a central raw material in many industries.
Hemp in Europe - medieval and renaissance
In medieval Europe, hemp was widely cultivated — not only for clothing and ropes but also as a crop that farmers were legally required to grow under certain crown laws. In England, for example, Henry VIII introduced legislation in the 1500s that forced farmers to grow hemp. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The phase of industrialization and decline
With the industrial revolution and the emergence of synthetic fibers and cotton, the demand for hemp fibers in Europe dramatically declined in the 19th and 20th centuries. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
The resurgence of hemp – modern industry and CBD/THCA
In the 21st century, hemp is experiencing a strong resurgence – not just as a textile and building material but also as a source of cannabinoids like CBD and THCA. According to the EU, the area of industrial hemp has grown from about 20,540 ha in 2015 to 33,020 ha in 2022 – an increase of over 60%. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Why is this history relevant to you?
When you purchase products like CBD flowers, CBD hash, or THCA buds, it is a direct continuation of hemp's long history as a loosely regulated industrial crop. Our selection at CBDshoppen™ is based on the same tradition: certification, traceability, and quality.
Important milestones in the history of hemp
- ≈ 8,000 B.C. – first known use of hemp fibers in textiles. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- ≈ 1500 B.C. – hemp in China was used for paper and fiber. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- 16th century – European navies required large amounts of hemp rope and sailcloth. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- 20th century – industrial hemp was marginalized due to synthetic fibers and drug regulations. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- 2020s – plant-based products like CBD/THCA are gaining new attention in the EU. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
What does it mean for you as a consumer?
– You are buying products rooted in a millennia-old tradition.
– You are supporting an industry focused on sustainability, traceability, and EU-approved industrial hemp.
– You gain access to products that are tested, documented, and delivered to you with transparency.
Summary
Hemp is far from just "a plant" – it is one of humanity's oldest and most versatile crops. From ropes and sailcloth to modern CBD and THCA products, it is about quality, tradition, and documentation. That is why CBDshoppen™ stands behind an approach centered on research, batch analyses, and legality.