Marijuana or cannabis is a plant that grows naturally in many parts of the world. In this blog, we have posted information about the three main types of marijuana: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Marijuana legalization and regulation has been a controversial topic for decades. Many people have supported its legalization, while many health institutions have demonized marijuana.
However, marijuana, also known as cannabis, grows naturally in many regions of the world, much like all other plants. The word feral cannabis refers to cannabis that grows wild and is often descended from industrial hemp plants that were formerly cultivated for fiber.
Marijuana Growing Naturally
Marijuana grows wild in many parts of the world and is commonly found growing naturally in Asia. In America, most of the wild marijuana is feral marijuana from the hemp industry that was once important in the production of fibers and coarse fabric. However, this feral marijuana has very low THC content.
Cannabis is such a versatile plant that it can easily grow in many parts of the world. Most sources agree that marijuana comes from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Marijuana has been cultivated in Asia since pre-Neolithic times. There is shreds of evidence that it was grown in Japan as early as 8000 BC.
We know that cannabis was used in ancient China to make ropes, fibers, clothes, and even paper.
Marijuana can be found growing naturally in many parts of Asia. For example, it’s common to spot marijuana plants in areas of the Himalayas. In this video, a YouTuber comes across marijuana plants growing naturally in Nepal:
It can be found growing naturally in many parts of Northern Pakistan. However, marijuana plants that grow naturally have very low THC content and have few psychedelic effects.
In Afghanistan, cannabis can be found growing in many parts of the country. The political situation in Afghanistan and the lucrative cannabis business have made the cannabis industry flourish in the country. Advocacies for marijuana legalization claim that illegalization is a very profitable business for many criminal organizations. In other words, cannabis is an additional source of revenue for insurgents and terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
Marijuana in Europe
According to recent studies, marijuana was widely available in Europe during the copper and bronze age. It seems, however, that the Europeans of the copper and bronze age didn’t know about the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Feral Cannabis
Although marijuana is not indigenous to the Americas, it can be found planted or growing naturally in a variety of sites around the continent. The majority of marijuana that grows organically in the United States is feral cannabis. Feral cannabis dates all the way back to the days when industrial hemp was the major crop in the United States. Throughout WWII, the hemp business was heavily encouraged. During World War II, the American government removed the prohibition on hemp and encouraged the cultivation of hemp fiber for ropes and a variety of other purposes. Feral marijuana is derived from industrial hemp that was widely employed during this time period.
Hemp generates a coarse cloth that is rugged but long-lasting. It was previously used primarily for ropes, but Levi’s just released a pair of pants made with both cotton and hemp. Additionally, hemp, despite its coarse fiber, requires less water than cotton.
Feral cannabis is widely available in many US states. In this video, a guy comes across roadside feral marijuana:
Global Spread of Cannabis
Marijuana can easily adapt to many different climates. It grows in temperate, hot, dry and continental regions. Marijuana is spread throughout the planet by the action of man. The use of marijuana was adapted by the Arabs through contacts with the Persians. Later, the Arabs introduced cannabis to the West.
Later on, the Spaniards introduced hemp to the Americas in the 16th century. By the 17th century, hemp was spotted in many locations across North America.
Marijuana Legalization
Legalization also contributes to marijuana’s global expansion. Hemp is already legal in the United States, and marijuana is legal in Uruguay and Canada. South Africa has likewise decriminalized marijuana possession for medical and recreational purposes. Georgia, a country in the Caucasus region, appears to have legalized marijuana for recreational use as well.
Despite this, the majority of countries have criminalized marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. However, we hope that more countries will rethink their attitudes toward marijuana, particularly for medical purposes.
Wild Marijuana and Status: Conclusion
Cannabis grows wild in many places of the world, and it is frequently found growing natively throughout Asia. The majority of wild cannabis in America is feral marijuana from the hemp industry, which historically played a significant role in the manufacture of fiber and coarse textile. However, this wild marijuana contains extremely low quantities of THC.
Legalization has aided in the spread of marijuana. Hemp is already legal in the United States, and marijuana is legal in Uruguay and Canada. South Africa has also allowed medical and recreational marijuana possession. Georgia, a Caucasus country, appears to have legalized marijuana use for recreational purposes as well.
This post was originally published on December 4, 2019. It was most recently updated on July 16, 2021.