The History of Cannabis - From Ancient Rituals to The Green Rush

Cannabis has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years, from its use in ancient rituals to today’s recreational use, cannabis has played a significant role in medicine, spirituality and culture across the globe. Let’s take a trip through time and explore the history of cannabis. 

Ancient Origins (8000 BCE - 1000 CE):

The history of cannabis begins in ancient China, where evidence suggests it was being cultivated as early as 8000 BCE. The Chinese are said to have used cannabis as fibre, food, and even medicine, with the legendary emperor Shen Nung prescribing cannabis tea for various ailments around 2700 BCE.

As trade routes expanded, cannabis made its way to India, where it became an integral part of Hindu traditions. Cannabis was even considered one of the five sacred plants in the Atharva Veda, used regularly in religious ceremonies and Ayurvedic medicine.

Even in ancient Egypt, cannabis was used both medicinally and religiously, traces of cannabis were even found in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramesses II, because who wants to go to the afterlife without their weed, not me!

Mediaeval Period and Renaissance (1000 CE - 1700 CE):

During the Islamic golden age cannabis use was widespread, and was mainly used recreationally for its psychoactive effects, despite religious prohibitions on alcohol. Not only were people toking to relax but Arab doctors also documented the numerous medicinal uses of cannabis. 

Europe also saw cannabis introduced during this period but mainly for its fiber (hemp), however its medicinal properties were also recognized, with herbalists like Nicholas Culpeper recommending it for treating an array of conditions.

Colonial Era and Early Modern Period (1700 - 1900):

Colonial America saw hemp cultivation rampant, with even George Washington himself growing it at Mount Vernon, however during this period it was primarily used for industrial purposes like the manufacturing of paper and clothes rather than for medicine or recreation. 

The 19th century saw a massive resurgence of interest in cannabis as medicine in the Western world. Queen Victoria was reportedly prescribed cannabis for menstrual cramps, and it was included in many patent medicines.  

In Paris, the infamous Club des Hashischins, founded by Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, explored the creative potential of cannabis influencing art and literature. 

Early 20th Century: The Beginning of Prohibition:

In the early 20th century the tide began to shift against cannabis, in the United States specifically the anti-immigrant sentiment following the Mexican Revolution led to the association the association of cannabis or “marihuana” with Mexican immigrants, which fueled prohibition attempts.

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalised cannabis at a federal level in the United states. This act was followed by a period of intense anti cannabis propaganda epitomised by the infamous film "Reefer Madness."

Mid-20th Century: Counterculture and the War on Drugs:

Despite being prohibited cannabis use persisted and even flourished in certain subcultures. The beat generation of the 1950’s embraced cannabis, influencing its further adoption of broader counterculture in the 1960’s, but cannabis was soon to face its biggest crisis ever.

The cultural shift was met by fierce opposition in the form of President Nixon who infamously declared “the war on drugs” in 1971, and the Controlled Substances Act which classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. 

Late 20th Century: Medical Renaissance and Legalisation Efforts:

Cannabis was in limbo for around 20 years until the endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1990’s which provided a scientific basis for many of the plant's effects on the human body.

It was then in 1996, 25 years after Nixon outright banned cannabis, that California became the first US state to legalise medical marijuana, which sparked a wave of similar initiatives across the country. Soon after this efforts to legalise the recreational use of cannabis surged.

21st Century: The Green Rush:

The new millennium has seen a huge shift in cannabis policy and public opinion, As of 2024 numerous countries like Thailand, as well as a lot of U.S. states have legalised or decriminalised cannabis or medical and/or recreational use.

This shift has led to a booming cannabis industry, often referred to as the “Green Rush”, from CBD capsules, to THC gummies, to high tech vaporizers, cannabis is now a multi billion dollar industry.

Meanwhile, medical research is showing that humans had it right 10,000 years ago with studies showing the magic green plant can reduce pain and inflammation, and be used to treat conditions like anxiety, and epilepsy.

What’s Next

The history of cannabis stretches back 10 millennia from ancient Chinese medicine to surviving prohibition, to cultural icon, the herb has been through it all. The future of cannabis in both a medical and recreational sense is insanely exciting, and one thing is for sure, it will be around for a lot longer than me and you.