The first medical use of cannabis traces back five thousand years ago to a Chinese botanist who prescribed marijuana as a cure for malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pains, lack of concentration and for several female ailments. Another ancient Chinese expert described a blend of cannabis resin and wine to be used as a painkiller.

In the early Nineties, medical cannabis use for therapeutic purposes became increasingly popular in the Western world, and at the moment it can even be purchased in pharmacies with a simple prescription. However, considering the expense and limited choice of available medical cannabis, many patients decide to grow their own.