The history of cannabis use dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its medicinal, recreational, and spiritual applications found in ancient texts, artwork, and archaeological remains. This fascinating history circles the globe and traces the evolution of cannabis from a revered medicine and source of industrial hemp to a symbol of excess and campaign treachery.
One of the earliest recorded uses of cannabis dates back approximately 5,000 years to ancient China. The Chinese word for cannabis, “Ma,” holds both medicinal and cultural significance. The plant was praised for its many medical benefits, including serving as an anesthetic during surgeries. Historical references suggest that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung wrote about the medicinal properties of cannabis in his book called “Shen Nung Pên-ts’ao Ching.” He documented its use in treating ailments such as gout, malaria, and rheumatism. Medicinal cannabis was also used in Ayurvedic medicine in India, where it was believed to treat pain, epilepsy, and insomnia.
As early as 2,000 BC, cannabis plants were cultivated for their fiber, known as hemp. Hemp was used to make vital pieces of equipment, such as ropes, sails, and textiles were made from highly versatile hemp fiber. The ancient Chinese and Japanese also used hemp to make paper, and it became an essential crop for many empires, including Macedonia, Rome, and the Islamic Caliphate. Hemp played a crucial role in shaping societies, being traded globally and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.
Cannabis has also been associated with religious practices and recreational use throughout history. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans documented its usage for recreational purposes, and in India, it has long played a role in spiritual rituals. The consumption of a cannabis-based drink called “Bhang” is a common Hindu practice during the Holi festival, representing a communion with Lord Shiva. Similarly, cannabis was widely used in the Middle East and North Africa, where it was smoked in pipes and used in early medicinal practices.
European explorers and colonists introduced cannabis to the Americas in the late 15th century. Early colonists in Jamestown and subsequent English settlements grew cannabis to produce hemp for ropes and sails for the British navy. Meanwhile, in Mexico and South America, cannabis was being used primarily for medicinal and recreational purposes. In both parts of the continent, the plant became deeply integrated into local cultures and economies.
The prohibition of cannabis in the United States began in the early 20th century, fueled by racial prejudices and unfounded claims linking marijuana to criminal behavior. The 1910 Mexican Revolution brought an influx of Mexican immigrants into the US, many of whom brought recreational cannabis with them. It wasn’t long before cannabis became associated with Mexican immigrants, and a wave of anti-cannabis sentiment emerged. By the 1930s, 29 states had criminalized marijuana, culminating in the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act, which effectively banned its cultivation, sale, and distribution.
Cannabis became even more stigmatized in the mid-20th century with the implementation of the War on Drugs, which classified marijuana as a Schedule I substance—the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification further stigmatized cannabis and reinforced the notion that it was a dangerous drug linked to crime and deviant behavior. Countercultural movements of the ’60s and ’70s embraced cannabis as a symbol of rebellion against the establishment, which only served to deepen the divide.
However, the turn of the 21st century brought about a sea change in public opinion and legislation on cannabis use. The increasing recognition of its medicinal potential has led to a gradual shift in perception, with many now viewing cannabis as an essential medicine rather than a dangerous drug. In the United States, this change in mindset has paved the way for the legalization of medical cannabis in 36 states, while 18 states have voted to legalize recreational use, starting with Colorado and Washington in 2012.
Today, as public support for cannabis legalization continues to rise, newfound interest in the plant’s historical and cultural significance has emerged. The long and complicated history of cannabis use highlights the countless ways humans have harnessed the plant for healing, industry, and spiritual connection. As support for cannabis legalization grows, a deeper understanding of its rich historical and cultural context offers valuable insights into how we might weave this ancient plant back into the fabric of society today.
