Origins of domesticated Cannabis 🥦

Science finds new birthplace of marijuana

(Shi Heng Yi) The last video about cannabis and spirituality we need (a motivational speech)

Might medicinal have saved her?

The human species has had a close relationship with cannabis (marijuana, flower, weed, pot, ganja) for thousands of years. In fact, it is among the earliest plants humans cultivated.

Yet, it has also had a turbulent and controversial history due to the psychoactive properties of some varieties. Other varieties, such as hemp, are low in THC, yet proved to be the perfect crop for textiles and industrial applications.

• Clearing the air, fact check: Did the Buddha use cannabis?

Largest hemp field in Europe (wiki)

So many varieties arose over time that the line was blurred between wild and cultivated strains.

However, a research team recently uncovered new insights into how Cannabis sativa first arose and how it eventually split into the different varieties known today. These novel insights into the ancient origins of cannabis have provided a new perspective on the evolution of this incredibly versatile plant.

Cannabis Cowboys of the Old West

The Untold Story of Cannabis Cowboys | Smoking Cannabis The Wild West Way

The Untold Story of Cannabis Cowboys | Smoking Cannabis the Wild West Way

The Natives said it's moxibustion medicine.

• (Legacy Capsule) May 1, 2025: UNITED STATES. Explore the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, a time when cowboys roamed freely, outlaws held sway, and an unexpected secret flourished: cannabis (aka marijuana). From Mexican laborers to defiant frontiersmen, this plant transcended its medicinal use to become a vital aspect of life. But how did it influence the Old West, and why has it been overlooked [by American historians]? Let's delve into the concealed history of cannabis cowboys and the role of marijuana in the Wild West.

  

  Let's finish here then go get high as a mother...

• In the 16th century, cannabis made its way to the Western hemisphere, introduced by Spaniards, who brought it to Chile, South America, primarily for [hemp] fiber production. In North America, the Spanish also cultivated cannabis, focusing on hemp across various farms [hempsteads]. During the early [British] colonial era, hemp emerged as a vital crop for farmers. Alongside tobacco, it became a significant export long before the American Revolution began. This journey started in 1611 when the first settlers of Jamestown, Virginia, transported several [cannabis] plants across the Atlantic. By 1619, King James I urged the American colonists in Jamestown to enhance their cultivation efforts to benefit England. The Virginia Company, which managed Jamestown, instructed landowners to grow and send 100 hemp plants to meet England's demands. Over time, colonists expanded their hemp farming to strengthen England's foothold in the Americas.

How researchers figured out the ancient origins of cannabis

Drug abuse gives drug use a bad name -- making addicts out of users in search of dopamine.

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Wait, this "weed" was a long-trusted medicine?

For the study, the researchers analyzed 110 different cannabis genomes from around the world. Using state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology, they were able to gain a better understanding of how Cannabis sativa diversified over time.

Through an analysis of the DNA sequences, the researchers were able to develop phylogenetic family trees that define the connections among various cannabis lineages. These maps reveal that there was a gradual evolution into four cannabis groups that are genetically distinct from one another.

The most interesting aspect of this study was the identification of "basal cannabis," a foundational group that had up to that point eluded detection among research groups.

'Shatter' cannabis dangers

(ITV News) Dab, shatter, butane honey oil (THC) invades suburban UK

'Shatter' cannabis poses a triple-threat as a deadly new breed of weed

• Hash oil dabbing: Highly potent, dangerous to deal, and extremely explosive (because of the butane in its production), Gregg Easteal explains how "shatter" poses a triple-threat as a deadly new breed of weed and a haunting form of merry-Juana.

Basal cannabis is regarded as a sister group to other varieties and is genetically distinct from psychoactive and hemp cannabis types. The basal cannabis group includes traditionally-bred local landrace varieties still currently found in parts of China, in addition to feral strains.

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  Dr. James Adams, USC, Chumash medicine man

  As reported earlier by Wisdom Quarterly (Medicinal Plants Workshop with Dr. Adams), USC's Dr. James Adams' realized that the old slang name for cannabis, Spanish Marijuana or "Mary Jane" (Maria Juana), is not of Mexican origin as assumed by many and promoted by police and governmental agencies like the FBI (think government propaganda film Reefer Madness); the original name is Chinese in origin, ma huang.

• 

  (Cecilia Garcia and Dr. Adams)

  We've all been lied to about "marijuana." We've been told it's a Spanish word used by Mexicans in North America (Mexico itself being in North America or Mesoamerica, not Central or South America) that means "Mary Jane." That's a lie, a purposeful piece of propaganda by the US government. Dr. Adams is a fluent daily speaker of Chinese who has been married to a Chinese woman for 42 years. He is able to demonstrate that "marijuana" is a Chinese term for cannabis: Má is "hemp," there's a middle part for "leaf" (ri or li), and hua or huáng means "flower." The Chinese were using cannabis for 12,000 years (as had neighboring India) or had historical records extending back that far for its medicinal and industrial use. Similarly, jasmine flower in Chinese is mo li hua. [Further proof: The medicinal plant stimulant, vital for nasal conditions, ephedra has a Chinese name (máhuáng), which literally translates as "hemp yellow." Case closed.]

Plant nootropics are better than synthetic pharma

Map of East Asia next to Central Asia

The researchers believe that basal cannabis resembles wild varieties that grew before human agricultural intervention more than any other variety.

In fact, the two share genetic markers that are not observed in contemporary cultivated strains. Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that East Asia was the place where cannabis was first cultivated.

This new finding overturns previously held assumptions that the plant was first cultivated in Central Asia [where the Buddha was born in ancient Gandhara/Afghanistan].

Cannabis sativa versus Cannabis indica: the greatest lie ever told?

I could have lived? Nature has cures?

They further determined that the split between basal cannabis and cultivated varieties likely happened almost 12,000 years ago.

To put that time frame into perspective, this period coincides with the beginning of agricultural practice itself, during the dawn of the Neolithic period.

Furthermore, it was around 4,000 years ago that hemp and psychoactive varieties split from a common branch on the tree.

• More: Scientists have discovered the ancient birthplace of marijuana (MSN)
• Bruce Abrahamse, Hearty Soul via MSN.com, April 22, 2025; ITV News, May 14, 2025; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Alan Watts: Psych of Mystical Experience

One implies the other, a yin to every yang

Alan Watts has earned a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Eastern philosophies for the West beginning at age 16 in England.

That was when he wrote an essay for the journal of the Buddhist Lodge in London and began to develop an audience of millions who have been enriched through his books, recordings, TV, radio, and public lectures.

In all, Watts wrote more than 25 books and recorded hundreds of lectures and seminars, all building toward a personal philosophy that he shares in complete candor and joy with his readers and listeners throughout the world.

His overall works have presented a model of individuality and self-expression that can be matched by few philosophers. Pacifica Los Angeles (KPFK.org) continues to air Watts on Sunday mornings and during Something's Happening at midnight on Thursday nights overnight to Friday.

Some sources for Alan Watts' tapes and information:

• Pacifica Radio Archives (800) 735-0230
• pacificaradioarchives.org
• Electronic University (415) 460-0825
• alanwatts.org
• wisdomquarterly.com

Worst Coachella; Warped Tour returns

This gent being deceased, it's hard to see how DJ Prodigy will pull this off

The goal of Coachella (coachella.com) is, of course, to make money. Forget art, new bands, tent raves, heat, the endless walking, dust, crowds, or tracker wristbands. This is about seeing and being seen. Too bad there are next to no bands worth seeing this year. Maybe Travis Scott will cause another satanic stampede riot by bringing Drake on stage as a surprise guest and reliving a previous disaster. Maybe Gaga will bore the crowd until football games break out in the audience so she can superheroine around on wires over the stage in a spacesuit. Green *yawn* Day, oy vey. What's the point. Maybe they can perform that Seinfeld song, a real arena anthem. Post Malone could invite skinny Jelly Roll to outshine him. Many already bought tickets, thinking it's usually a good show. For them there's:

• The Prodigy
• Gustavo Dudamel & LA Phil
• KNEECAP
• SAINt JHN
• Circle Jerks
• The Misfits
• Clairo
• Charli XCX
• Megan Thee Stallion
• GloRilla
• The Go-Go's
• Amyl and the Sniffers
• Ty Dolla $ign
• Infected Mushroom
• The Beaches
• Don't buy, WIN tickets to Coachella 2025 and if you don't win, maybe that's a sign not to go in accordance with the Law of Attraction (just sayin')

On the bright side, WARPED TOUR returns!

Warped Tour (VansWarpedTour,com) used to be the sort of alt skateboard (X Games) corporate endorsement traveling punk rock jamboree festival every summer. It dried up but has now been resuscitated. There's been a big announcement on the pages of USA Today: Vans Warped Tour reveals first few bands for 2025 comeback following long hiatus

• Pennywise, Simple Plan, Bowling for Soup among first group of Vans Warped Tour 2025 performers (Variety EXCLUSIVE)
• Long Beach already sold out for July '25, join waitlist (vanswarpedtourlongbeach.frontgatetickets.com)

Pennywise singer, featured on The Other F Word, sings "Alien"

Dance Hall Crashers take time machine to the nineties for ska, dancehall?

The Beaches "Blame Brett" (Blame My Ex)

Will Anthony Byrd (Tony Hawk) be there? He's injured so probably not, but other trucks will be whipping around on the asphalt.

• Karoline Leavitt: Trump picks youngest White House press secretary [because he misses Ivanka]
• Karoline Leavitt (because Trump has a type) on Wiki
• Seth Auberon, Sheldon S., Pfc. Sandoval, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Native Plant Garden Tour, Los Angeles (4/13)

Theodore Payne Foundation; Xochitl, Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Islands above, roots below

Do not count on seeing this legal flower bud.

As the ecosystems around us grow increasingly fragmented, islands of intact habitat persist amid a sea of development and human infrastructure.

These reservoirs of biodiversity are sustained by the complexity of species relationships they harbor – relationships that are strengthened by connectivity and strained by isolation.

The 2024 Native Plant Garden Tour seeks to shine a light on the native plant gardens that reinvigorate urban habitats – a system of roots that stretches through the developed landscape and brings wild spaces closer to home.

Join the tour to find out how to create an island of biodiversity, strengthening the ecological roots of Los Angeles with native plants.

Spotlighting 40+ gardens across the city, this two-day journey will bring together the plants and people that make Southern California one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

• For a sneak peek, please visit nativeplantgardentour.org.
• Native Plant Garden Tour | April 13 and 14, 2024 (tickets at Eventbrite)
• Theodore Payne Foundation | Educating Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants

Planning a tour

The gardens are divided into two groups, Westside Gardens which are open Saturday, April 13th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Eastside Gardens, which are open Sunday, April 14th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. A ticket allows holder into gardens on both days.

How to attend

Each ticket includes admission for a single visitor to all gardens across both days and a printed color guide with addresses provided.

The tour is self-guided, so visitors can see gardens that interest them and go at their own pace. Tickets and tour guides will be mailed starting in early March 2024. Children under 16 do not require a ticket.

Sponsor a Ticket

Add a Sponsor Ticket to purchase at checkout. TPF will distribute these tickets to the Foundation's school and community partners.

41 Gardens

• Saturday, April 13 | 10:00 am–5:00 pm

01 The Garden on Petit

02 Gerety Family Garden

03 Henschel Native Garden

04 Reimagining Colonial Revival

05 The Gottlieb Native Garden

06 Kuruvungna Sacred Springs

07 The Walgrove Wildlands

08 Tipton Duvivier Watershed Garden

09 Casita Manzanita

10 Lambert & Evans Family Garden

11 The Hello Yarrow House

12 The House of the Seven Sages

13 Garden Butterfly

14 Hursley & Glass Garden

15 Kramer-Askew

16 Jack’s Garden

17 Casa Apocalyptica

• Sunday, April 14 | 10:00 am-5:00 pm

18 Wood Garden

19 Olivewood Garden

20 Justice Tujunga Garden

21 Farnsworth

22 The Forbes Mountain Retreat

23 Heller-Ashamalla Garden 

24 Ochoa Restoration Garden

25 Casa Petrichor — The Laboratory

26 Bonfigli & Hessing

27 Washington Elementary Native Habitat Garden

28 Pasadena Corner Garden

29 New Horizon School Peace Garden

30 Ribbonwood

31 Wagner Native Garden

32 Zamora-Rojas Garden

33 McCarthy-Reynaldo Garden

34 The Phelps Garden

35 Glass Island x Fruitstitute

36 Peterson-Nadeau Historic Filipinotown

37 Scott Weich Garden

38 Sotomayor Arts & Sciences Magnet Farm

39 Walton Family Garden

40 Eggers & Small

41 Atkinson-Skorikov Garden

Contact the coordinators with feedback or suggestions about the tour, ideas for new gardens, or to learn how to become a tour sponsor. Please e-mail: gardentour@theodorepayne.org. TPF would love to hear from everyone. Native Plant Garden Tour | April 13 & 14, 2024

Photography Policy

Photography is permitted for personal use only. Any photos used for web or other media must be credited to the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour.

PowerTrip: Maiden, Ozzy, GnR, ACDC, Metallica

Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval, Dhr. Seven, Wisdom Quarterly; Angel Chavez

Whoa, that's one big rock show!

As if the Empire Polo Grounds (where the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals are held) didn't already have enough tennis shoes trampling the grass, here come some more mega shows courtesy of Goldenvoice, the promoters. Imagine a show that features Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath (Ozzy), AC-DC (Australia's contribution to dirty stadium rock), Metallica (that SF band of Napster ruiners), Guns 'n' Roses (with that old ginger fresh off his appearance at Stagecoach). Why not the Rolling Stones to accompany these old men, oh, and newcomers Maynard's Tool and probably some little side stages to get everyone revved up. Looks like the Pandemic (Plandemic) is officially over after all -- and the replacement viruses (Monkey Pox, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Government Flu, etc.) never caught on.

• Rolling Stone: Powertrip will be the return of rock to Indio
• Kelly Clarkson covers Gayle's "abcdeFU" divorce anthem
  

Variety.com: Powertrip Festival 2023 with Metallica, Guns 'n' Roses, and Ozzy

Who are these old bands?

"3D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy" (porn)

3D rou pu tuan zhi ji le bao jian

Russell Edwards (new international release film review, April 18, 2011)

Translated from industry-speak into English by Wisdom Quarterly

Audiences get an eyeful of flesh, served with sadistic, spasmodic laughs, in "3D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy," an attempt to revive the 1990s Hong Kong softcore-comedy franchise.

While this item is even less interested in spirituality than the original [films], its most notable difference, apart from its stereoscopic visuals, is a distinct mean streak.

[The new film in the series] made a robust $351,000 in Hong Kong on opening day alone, and [the box office take] will continue to be socko there, because China's strict censorship [akin to a Kansas state of mind] forces [Chinese] mainlanders to catch the film in Hong Kong. But in Oz [when no longer in Kansas], local theaters put on extra showings to meet demand.

While not always as coherent as its episodic 2D predecessors, "3D Sex and Zen" does its best to present a feature-length narrative based very loosely on the ancient Chinese text "The Carnal Prayer Mat."

Young Ming Dynasty scholar Yangsheng (Japanese thespian Hiro Hayama) falls in love with and marries beautiful Yuxiang (Leni Lan). The pair are happy, but due to a lack of stamina, among other shortcomings, the newlyweds' sex life is below par. [Ouch!] More

Camera (color, 3D), Jimmy Wong; editor, Azrael Chung; art director, Tony Yu; costume designer, Cindy Cheung; sound (Dolby); stunt coordinator, Lee Tat Chiu; associate producers, Mark Wu, Albert Lee. Reviewed at Xtremescreen 1, Hoyts Broadway, Sydney, April 14, 2011. Running time: 113 MIN

Animal World: Seeing through your head

The amazing diversity in the Animal World (tirrachana loka in Buddhist cosmology) is difficult to fathom. Its variety is staggering. Imagine a fish that could see through its own head. The barreleye (Macropinna micro-stoma) is a small fish that lives in the pitch-black of the deep sea. Its eyes can look forward or rotate up to see through its transparent head. Video narrated by Bruce Robison (Credit: MBARI; LiveScience.com).