JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. (420CanNews) — When thinking of Columbus Day, many typically envision ships, the New World, and Columbus himself. But what if there was a direct cannabis connection between this historical figure and cannabis?
Indeed, the plant cannabis, often associated with medicine and recreational use, played a crucial role in the voyages commemorated on Columbus Day. This close connection between Columbus and cannabis goes beyond symbolism, representing a tangible link that connects the past and present.
The Cannabis Connection
Anyone visiting the streets of Barcelona, Spain, would surely be amazed at the sight of the 60-foot-tall monument to Christopher Columbus situated amidst a busy crossroad. The monument stands tall and proud, capturing the attention of passersby. However, what truly catches the eye are the lush leaves of cannabis that thrive around the base of the monument. These vibrant green leaves create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of the bustling cityscape.
From the vibrant green leaves surrounding Columbus’s monument in Barcelona to his iconic oceanic voyages, a common thread emerges – the unassuming hemp. This plant played a pivotal role in the success of Columbus’s ambitious journey, proving its strength and resilience against the trials of the sea.
Hemp in Columbus’s Journey
Columbus’s historic voyage to the New World might only have been possible with hemp. This strain of Cannabis sativa played an instrumental role in successfully navigating Columbus’s three ships, the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María.
Hemp was used to create the sails and ropes for these ships, owing to its strength and resilience. It was also used to seal gaps between the planks, making the ships resistant to water – a prerequisite for any ocean-bound vessel. The unmatched durability of hemp under extreme open sea conditions and against salty sea water made it the material of choice.
Interestingly, Santa María’s cargo hold was packed with hemp seeds. These seeds served a dual purpose: as a nutritionally rich food source for the crew and a future crop to be sown in any lands they might discover. The ships’ lamps were lit with hemp oil, shedding light on Columbus’ evenings. This oil can also be used as a hemp body oil to soothe his skin. He read his Bible and printed on hemp paper; even his nightwear was made from hemp. These uses combined played a vital role in Columbus’ seven-month voyage.
Hemp’s Modern Utility
In contemporary times, hemp remains an eco-friendly, multipurpose plant. It’s used in constructing and insulating buildings like a house of hemp and crafting luxury car dashboards and speedboat panels. A key advantage of hemp is its water efficiency: it takes half as much water to produce a kilogram of hemp fiber as cotton.
It’s also noteworthy that hemp positively affects the environment – it’s a carbon-negative crop. This means it absorbs more CO2 as it grows than it emits, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect and combat climate change.
Today’s diverse uses of hemp, from textiles and construction to biofuels and foods, echo Columbus’s early recognition of this plant’s value. His voyage more than 500 years ago not only marked the discovery of new lands but also catalyzed the spread and use of a truly versatile plant: hemp.
So, on Columbus Day 2023, celebrate the rise of cannabis with this shared history. Raise a glass to our forefathers, greet your fellow Americans, and perhaps, in a nod to Columbus’s cannabis connection, smoke a joint. Spread goodwill and remember that without the sacrifices of our ancestors, America would not be what it is today.
Best of all, subscribe to 420CanNews for the hottest and most informative marijuana news today.
— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
History of Columbus Day
https://www.almanac.com/content/columbus-day
The History of Columbus and Cannabis
https://hashmuseum.com/en/collection/hemp-shipping/columbus-and-cannabis/
The Great Hemp and Hash Museum in Amsterdam
https://hashmuseum.com/
