Ancient history

The history of hemp is a long and often industrious one through the ages; this is a plant that has been used for many different things in its long history, including money and has also been deemed illegal in the United States and other countries.

There is evidence that hemp has been in use for textiles and building among its uses since 8000 BC in Europe and Asia, hemp is recorded as one of the oldest fabrics in use as early as 8000 BC.

In 300 BC Rome and Carthage each wanted political and commercial power over hemp and the spice trade routes in the Mediterranean. The most important event in the distant past for hemp would come from the Roman surgeon known as the father of medicine Discoridies when he described hemp as useful for medicines and he would name it cannabis sativa.

The well known writer Pliny would also record a written record on how to farm hemp and the industrial uses for the plant.

In 100 BC the first hemp paper was invented in China, the Moslems began Europe’s first paper mill in 1150 AD and hemp would continue being used for milling paper for approximately 700 years. Today it is known that paper made from hemp is 100% acid free paper and the amount of cellulose is approximately three times the amount found in wood.

By 600 AD the use of hemp as fiber would be widespread including the Germans, Franks, Vikings, along with much of Europe and Asia.