International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 51-63 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 54 Hexi Corridor region of East Asia was highlighted as a hub for the spread of domesticated plants, animals, and cultural elements, including hemp originally from Southwest Asia and Europe (Long et al., 2017). 3 Process of Domestication 3.1 Changes in plant morphology and chemistry due to human cultivation The domestication of Cannabis has led to significant changes in both its morphology and chemical composition. Human selection has driven the development of distinct varieties tailored for specific uses, such as fiber, seed, and drug production. For instance, the selection for fiber production has favored traits like increased stem length and reduced branching, while drug cultivars have been selected for higher concentrations of psychoactive compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Ren et al., 2021). Moreover, the domestication process has resulted in the loss of function of certain genes involved in the synthesis of cannabinoids, leading to a divergence between hemp (low THC, high fiber) and drug (high THC) cultivars (Ren et al., 2021). The widespread use of single plant selections and inbreeding in modern breeding practices has further reduced genetic diversity, making many present-day cultivars more susceptible to pathogens and pests. 3.2 Comparison between wild varieties and domesticated strains Wild varieties of Cannabis, often referred to as feral or ruderal populations, exhibit a broader genetic diversity compared to their domesticated counterparts. These wild populations are typically more resilient and adaptable to various environmental conditions due to their genetic variability (Small, 2015; Zhang et al., 2018). In contrast, domesticated strains have been selectively bred for specific traits, resulting in a narrower genetic pool and greater dependency on human cultivation for survival (Clarke and Merlin, 2016). Morphologically, wild Cannabis plants tend to have more robust and variable growth patterns, while domesticated strains show more uniformity in traits such as plant height, leaf shape, and flowering time (McPartland and Small, 2020). Chemically, wild varieties often have a more balanced ratio of THC to cannabidiol (CBD), whereas domesticated drug strains are usually bred for higher THC content or CBD content, and fiber strains for lower THC and higher fiber yield (Ren et al., 2021). The genetic exchange between wild and domesticated populations over thousands of years has blurred the lines between these groups, making it challenging to identify truly wild, unaltered populations (Small, 2017). This ongoing genetic exchange has also contributed to the development of hybrid strains that possess characteristics of both wild and domesticated varieties. 4 Cultural Significance and Historical Uses 4.1 Use of cannabis in traditional medicine, religious practices, and as a commodity in ancient trade Cannabis has a rich history of use in traditional medicine, religious practices, and as a valuable commodity in ancient trade. Archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis was utilized by ancient civilizations for its medicinal properties as early as 12 000 years ago near the Altai Mountains in Central Asia (Crocq, 2020). The plant's seeds and inflorescences were employed to treat various physical ailments by ancient Oriental physicians, and its therapeutic applications have evolved over the centuries (Charitos et al., 2020). According to traditional medicine, cannabis has the effect of dispelling wind, relieving pain and calming fright. Oriental classical medicine used cannabis for ventilation, arthralgia, insomnia, cough and other diseases.Oriental classical medicine used cannabis for ventilation, arthralgia, insomnia, cough and other diseases. In ancient Egyptian accounts, Ramses III Ramses-3 used cannabis to treat glaucoma, and later for menstrual cramps and enemas.In 70 AD, the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides, in his Medical Problems, documented the use of cannabis to treat earaches, edema, and other inflammatory diseases.The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, although they did not understand the psychoactive mechanism of cannabis, they all regarded cannabis as a medicine, and cannabis was effective in improving pain and inflammation (Raphael Mechoulam, 2016). Dating back to around 800 BCE, also document the use of cannabis for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anticonvulsant properties (Pisanti and Bifulco, 2018).
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