Even though it is primarily known as an illegal drug, Cannabis Sativa has many uses that could help revolutionize the world. The exact place and origin of this miraculous plant remains to be determined. , although it appears throughout the story in various places. We assume it originated in the rainforests of China. The first woven samples were found during archaeological excavations, believed to date from 8,000 to 7,000 BC. Yang-Shao of China, circa 4500 BC, used hemp fibers to make ropes, nets, and fabrics for sails and clothing. Paper objects were later discovered in tombs in Shaanxi province, dating back to 100 BC. Much later, the Chinese discovered uses for the hemp seed as a food source, much like the use of soybeans today. In the United States, hemp was first cultivated in Virginia around 1611. About twenty years later, the colonies considered hemp legal tender. It was even used to pay taxes to the government. Between 1631 and the early 19th century, settlers were forced to cultivate this herb due to high demand. Two of our ancestors grew hemp on their plantations. “Throughout the Washington Agricultural Journal he talked about seed quality, always taking care to sow seeds in the best areas of his farm. He documented the importance of growing seeds at the right time, taking care to pluck the male plants from the females. In the 1790s, Washington began growing "Indian hemp" which he believed produced the best quality of plant, and noted its superior quality to the common hemp grown primarily at that time. [1]By 1776, Kentucky had launched a larger-scale hemp industry and by 1860 it was second only to cotton. “In 1899, ...... middle of paper ...... Portal to the hemp community. Global Hemp, January 1, 2001. Web. November 11, 2011. .[2] Briggs, Jeremy. “Hemphasis.net ~ Hemp Fuel and Energy.” Hemphasis ~ Unrivaled hemp information site. Internet. November 11, 2011. .[3] Castleman, Tim. “The forgotten history of industrial hemp.” AZ*HEMP - Exchange for everything cannabis. Arizona Industrial Hemp Council, 2001. Web. December 9, 2011. [4] “ET 1/99: The History and Benefits of Hemp.” San Diego Earth Times Online. January 1999. Web. November 13, 2011. .[5] Meints, Jeff. “The Discourse: The American History of Hemp.” Web log publication. The American History of Hemp. Blogspot, April 2010. Web. November 11. 2011. .