Endocannabinoid Discovery Timeline

Martin A. Lee | July 01, 2020

Ancient peoples attuned to ecological subtleties referred to certain consciousness-altering plants and fungi as “teachers.” What has cannabis taught humankind?

Long before the written word, cannabis figured prominently in the shamanistic traditions of many cultures, which found uses for virtually every part of the plant. The stalk provided fiber for cordage and cloth; the seeds, a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids, were eaten as food; and the roots and resinous flower tops were used in medicinal and ritual preparations.

What accounts for the herb’s broad and enduring appeal? Scientific efforts to pinpoint the psychoactive ingredients that cause the mild euphoria beloved by cannabis enthusiasts began in the 19th century. But investigators were stymied by the complex, lipophilic (oily) nature of the plant, which required sophisticated technology to probe and parse.

Endocannabinoid Discovery Timeline