International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 51-63 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 52 scientific research,and as more countries have attempted to legalize marijuana for medical use in recent years, there has been a resurgence of legalization (Rupasinghe et al., 2020). This study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the origin, domestication, and global spread of cannabis. It will synthesize current knowledge from various studies to offer a detailed understanding of the plant's historical significance, ethnopharmacological applications, and the genetic and biochemical factors that have influenced its domestication and cultivation. By examining the botanical, chemical, and pharmacological aspects of cannabis, this study expects to highlight its multifaceted nature and potential for future research and application in medicine, agriculture, and industry. 2 Historical Origin of Cannabis 2.1 Archaeological and genetic evidence tracing the earliest known uses The historical origin of Cannabis sativa is a subject of extensive research, with evidence pointing to its use dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings have revealed the presence of cannabis fibers, pollen, achenes, and imprints of achenes in various parts of Eurasia, suggesting a complex history of human interaction with the plant. Notably, cannabis records have been found in both Europe and East Asia, indicating a multiregional origin of human use (Long et al., 2017). The earliest known archaeological evidence of cannabis use dates back to around 10 000 BCE in Japan, followed by findings in China (McPartland et al., 2019). Additionally, fossil pollen studies have identified cannabis pollen in northwestern China dating back to 19.6 million years ago, further supporting the ancient presence of the plant in this region. Genetic studies have also provided insights into the domestication history of cannabis. Whole-genome resequencing of 110 accessions from worldwide origins has shown that Cannabis sativa was first domesticated in early Neolithic times in East Asia. This research indicates that all current hemp and drug cultivars diverged from an ancestral gene pool currently represented by feral plants and landraces in China (Figure 1) (Ren et al., 2021). Furthermore, molecular evidence suggests that cannabis may have originated in low latitude regions, challenging the prevalent Central-Asia-Origin hypothesis (Zhang et al., 2018). 2.2 Geographical regions of initial cultivation There are diverse hypotheses regarding the geographical areas where hemp was initially cultivated, which are associated with research approaches, inferential methods, or variety determinations. From the perspective of agricultural archaeologists, it is believed that hemp originated in Central Asia (i.e., the middle zone between Central West Asia, the Himalayas, and Siberia) or the Indian subcontinent. Among them, the most well-evidenced assertion is that of McPartland, who contends that the northeastern Tibetan Plateau near Qinghai Lake ought to be the origin center of hemp. This plant first spread westward to Europe and then eastward to eastern China. This region is also related to the development of the first grassland community in Asia, which might have played a role in the early cultivation and dissemination of hemp. In Europe, cannabis cultivation is believed to have begun during the Copper or Bronze Age. Fossil pollen studies have shown the presence of wild-type Cannabis ruderalis in steppe and dry tundra landscapes throughout Europe during the early Holocene and Late Glacial periods. Cultivated hemp first appeared in the Pontic-Caspian steppe refugium, linked to the Copper Age Varna/Gumelnița culture and the Bronze Age Yamnaya and Terramara cultures (McPartland et al., 2018). The Scythians, an Iron Age steppe culture, are thought to have introduced hemp cultivation to Celtic and Proto-Slavic cultures (McPartland and Hegman, 2018). In China, the antiquity of cannabis cultivation is well-documented, with historical accounts suggesting its presence in southern and central Russia, the south of the Caucasus, and other regions. The Hexi Corridor region in East Asia is highlighted as a hub for the spread of domesticated plants, animals, and cultural elements, including cannabis, originally from Southwest Asia and Europe (Long et al., 2017).
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