Waubonsee Community College

Cannabis, evolution and ethnobotany, Robert C. Clarke and Mark D. Merlin

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 389-425) and index

mapsillustrations

index present

non fiction

Cannabis

bibliography

857921743

Robert C. Clarke and Mark D. Merlin

evolution and ethnobotany

"Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of the natural origins and early evolution of this famous plant, highlighting its historic role in the development of human societies. The plant Cannabis has long been prized for the strong and durable fiber in its stalks, its edible and oil-rich seeds, and the psychoactive and medicinal compounds produced by its female flowers. The culturally valuable and often irreplaceable goods derived from Cannabis deeply influenced the commercial, medical, ritual, and religious practices of cultures throughout the ages, and human desire for these commodities directed the evolution of the plant toward its contemporary varieties. As interest in Cannabis grows and public debate over its many uses rises, this book will help us understand why humanity continues to rely on this plant and adapts it to suit our needs."--Back cover

Introduction to the multipurpose plant cannabis -- Natural origins and early evolution of Cannabis -- Ethnobotanical origins, early cultivation and evolution through human selection -- The cultural diffusion of Cannabis -- History of Cannabis use for fiber -- Food, feed, and oil uses of hemp -- Historical aspects of psychoactive cannabis use for ritual and recreation -- Ethnobotanical history and contemporary context of medicinal Cannabis -- Nonpsychoactive ritual uses of Cannabis -- Recent history of Cannabis breeding -- Classical and molecular taxonomy of Cannabis -- Hypotheses concerning the early evolution of Cannabis -- Cannabis and homo sapiens