Early Beginnings: Origins of Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as hemp in its non-psychoactive form, is thought to have originated in Central Asia, particularly in the regions of modern-day Mongolia and southern Siberia. The plant spread across Asia and Europe over millennia, with historical records of its use for both medicinal and textile purposes.

Ancient Use of Cannabis:

1. Early Documentation (~2900 BCE):

• The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back to around 2900 BCE in China, during the reign of Emperor Fu Hsi, who referred to cannabis as a popular medicine.
• The plant was considered one of the “five grains” in Chinese agriculture, used for both food and textile fibers (hemp).

1. Chinese Medicine (~2700 BCE):

• The legendary Chinese emperor Shen Nung, considered the father of Chinese medicine, mentioned cannabis in his pharmacopeia, “Pen Ts’ao Ching”, around 2700 BCE. It was used for its medicinal properties to treat conditions such as gout, rheumatism, and malaria.

1. Cannabis in India (2000-1000 BCE):

• Cannabis also has a long history in India, where it was used in Ayurvedic medicine and religious rituals. It was called bhang in ancient Sanskrit texts.
• The Vedas (Hindu sacred texts) mention cannabis as one of the five sacred plants, and it was used for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Sadhus (Hindu holy men) have used cannabis as part of their religious practices for centuries.

1. Cannabis in the Middle East (~1500 BCE):

• In ancient Persia, cannabis was used as part of Zoroastrian religious rituals. The ancient Persian text “Zend-Avesta” refers to “haoma”, a plant believed by some scholars to be cannabis.
• Cannabis was also known to the Scythians, nomadic Indo-European tribes in Central Asia who used it both recreationally and ritually. The Greek historian Herodotus described Scythians using cannabis to create intoxicating vapors during ritual ceremonies.

Spread of Cannabis to Europe and Africa:

• Ancient Egypt (~1500 BCE): Cannabis pollen has been found in the tomb of Ramses II, and it is believed to have been used medicinally by ancient Egyptians for treating inflammation, glaucoma, and other ailments.
• Greece and Rome (~1000 BCE – 500 BCE): Cannabis was introduced to Greece through trade with the Scythians. The Greek historian Herodotus mentioned its use, and Dioscorides, a Greek physician in the 1st century CE, recorded its medicinal uses in his pharmacopeia, “De Materia Medica.” The Romans also used cannabis in medicine.
• Africa (~700 BCE – 800 CE): The cannabis plant made its way to Africa, likely through Egypt and trade routes across the Mediterranean. African cultures used it medicinally and for spiritual practices.

Cannabis in the Islamic World (~800-1500 CE):

• During the Islamic Golden Age, cannabis became widely used throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In particular, hashish (a concentrated form of cannabis) became popular, and cannabis use was sometimes tolerated despite the prohibition on intoxicants in Islam.
• Medieval Islamic scholars documented the use of cannabis for treating epilepsy and other medical conditions.

Key Takeaways from Early Cannabis History:

• Medicinal and Spiritual Uses: Throughout ancient history, cannabis was revered for its medicinal properties and used in religious ceremonies across many cultures.
• Versatility of Hemp: In addition to its psychoactive properties, hemp was widely used for textiles, rope, paper, and food.
• Cannabis as a Global Plant: By the end of the medieval period, cannabis had spread across much of the world, from China and India to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

From its humble beginnings in Central Asia, cannabis became a significant plant in cultures all over the world. Whether used as medicine, a spiritual aid, or as hemp for daily products, its influence was profound and long-lasting.

Cannabis in the Americas

• Pre-Colonial Use (~1000 CE): While archaeological evidence of cannabis use in pre-Columbian America is sparse, some theories suggest indigenous peoples of Central and South America may have been aware of the plant’s properties, possibly using it in their spiritual or medicinal practices. However, this remains speculative, as most documented use of cannabis in the Americas began after European contact.
• Colonial Era (1500s-1800s): The introduction of cannabis to the Americas is more clearly documented in the colonial period, primarily in the form of hemp cultivation. In the 16th century, Spanish colonists brought hemp to Chile for agricultural purposes. In North America, early settlers in the English colonies (especially Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut) were encouraged or even required by law to grow hemp due to its importance in producing rope, sails, and textiles essential for colonial economies. Hemp farming continued to expand across the continent as the colonies developed.
• United States (1600s-1900s): Hemp became a staple crop in early American agriculture, with its fibers used to produce various goods such as paper, clothing, and building materials. By the 19th century, cannabis was also recognized for its medicinal properties. In 1850, it was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as a treatment for ailments like neuralgia, tetanus, typhus, and dysentery. Cannabis-based tinctures were sold in pharmacies, commonly used for pain relief and sedation. However, by the end of the 19th century, anti-drug sentiment began to rise, especially against recreational use.

20th Century: Cannabis Prohibition and Legalization Movements

• Prohibition Era (1920s-1970s): Cannabis use began to be scrutinized in the early 20th century, largely due to cultural and racial biases. Mexican immigrants fleeing the Mexican Revolution brought cannabis with them, and its association with marginalized communities fueled negative perceptions. In 1937, the U.S. passed the Marijuana Tax Act, which placed strict regulations on the plant’s cultivation and sale, effectively criminalizing cannabis use. This act set the stage for broader global prohibition in the mid-20th century as countries aligned their drug policies with the U.S.
• The Controlled Substances Act (1970): Under President Richard Nixon, the U.S. government classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug—meaning it was considered to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse—through the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This marked the beginning of the “War on Drugs,” which would have severe legal and social consequences. Cannabis users, especially in minority communities, faced harsh penalties, contributing to mass incarceration. Despite this, cannabis culture persisted underground, particularly among counter-culture movements like the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Cannabis in Modern Times

• The Medical Cannabis Movement (1990s-Present): The 1990s saw a resurgence in cannabis activism, largely due to growing recognition of the plant’s therapeutic potential. In 1996, California passed Proposition 215, making it the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, glaucoma, and cancer-related symptoms. Over the next two decades, dozens of states followed suit, expanding access to medical cannabis across the U.S. This shift was driven by patient advocacy and emerging scientific research supporting the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
• Recreational Legalization (2010s-Present): In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. This sparked a wave of legalization efforts around the world. Canada became the second country to fully legalize recreational cannabis in 2018, following Uruguay’s pioneering move in 2013. In the U.S., recreational use is now legal in over 20 states, and support for cannabis reform continues to grow, driven by shifting public opinion, economic incentives, and social justice concerns.

Global Legalization Trends

• Cannabis on the Global Stage (2000s-Present): Beyond North America, cannabis legalization has gained traction across the globe. Countries like the Netherlands have long tolerated cannabis use in regulated spaces, and in recent years, countries such as Germany, Mexico, and South Africa have taken steps toward decriminalization or legalization. Medical cannabis is now legal in numerous countries, from Australia to Israel, where advanced research into cannabis’s medical applications is ongoing. Additionally, the global cannabis market is booming, with new industries emerging around cultivation, product development, and technology.
• The Economic Impact: The legal cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. In countries and states where cannabis is legalized, it has created thousands of jobs, generated significant tax revenue, and spurred innovation in agriculture, retail, and health care. The market for cannabis products extends beyond traditional smoking and edibles, with a growing demand for CBD products, health supplements, beauty products, and more. This economic impact is further fueling legalization movements, as governments recognize the financial benefits of a regulated cannabis market.
• Social and Legal Reforms: Beyond the economic and medical implications, cannabis reform is also a social justice issue. In many places, efforts to legalize cannabis have been tied to initiatives to expunge the criminal records of individuals convicted of low-level cannabis offenses, as well as to ensure equitable access to the legal cannabis industry for communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. These reforms are critical to addressing the racial and social disparities that have plagued cannabis enforcement for decades.