Culture 101:
10 Fascinating Facts About Cannabis History You Didn’t Know
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For millennia, cannabis has been intertwined with human history, at times accepted for what it can offer, and other periods spent shrouded in both mystery and controversy. From its ancient origins as a source of fiber and medicine to its modern-day status as a recreational drug and subject of intense debate, cannabis has a long and complex story to tell.
While many are familiar with its present use cases, few know the fascinating history that preceded them throughout society. Below, we look at a few historical facts that you probably didn’t know, shedding light on how cannabis has been used throughout the years.
1. 10,000 Years and Counting
Currently, evidence built upon discovered seeds and hemp cloth in China suggests that cannabis cultivation began around 8,000 BCE. However, there have even been impressions of hemp fiber on pottery fragments from 10,000 BCE in Taiwan that point to an even earlier role in creating textiles and cordage. Meanwhile, in Romania, pollen remains of cannabis have suggested that cannabis may have been present in Europe as far back as 5,500 BCE. These early uses underscore the plant’s versatility and its significance in the development of early civilizations.
2. Dissemination of Knowledge
A pivotal moment in human history occurred during the Han Dynasty in 105 AD – the modernization of paper by Cai Lun. This was so important, as it allowed for human knowledge to more effectively be disseminated across cultures and passed down across generations.
Before this, writing relied on materials like bamboo, silk, and wood. Hemp fiber, with its long, strong strands, proved ideal for crafting a durable and readily available writing material.
This innovation fueled the spread of knowledge, literature, and governance throughout ancient China and, eventually, the world.
3. Ancient Medicine’s Green Remedy
The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, often considered the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia, classified cannabis as a top-tier medicine. It was prescribed for a range of conditions, including pain, gout, rheumatism, malaria, and even absent-mindedness. Ancient Egyptians also utilized cannabis for eye conditions and inflammation. Evidence suggests that ancient Greeks and Romans employed cannabis for earaches, edema, and wound healing.
4. Connecting with the Divine
In Hinduism, cannabis is associated with the god Shiva, who is said to have favored the plant. “Bhang,” a cannabis-infused drink, is still consumed today during religious festivals like Holi. It is believed to purify the body and mind and connect one with the divine. Ancient Vedic texts describe cannabis as a source of happiness, joy, and liberation.
5. Hemp for Victory
The “Hemp for Victory” campaign of 1942 was a surprising reversal of the government’s stance on cannabis. It was driven by wartime necessity as, with Manila hemp imports cut off by the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, the U.S. desperately needed hemp fiber for ropes and other materials. As a result, the Department of Agriculture actively encouraged farmers to grow hemp. These efforts even saw the production and release of a film by the same name, promoting hemp’s benefits.
This approach marked the return of a product once popular in colonial America’s economy that was so commonplace it was even legal tender in some colonies, accepted for tax payments. In fact, farmers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts were obligated to cultivate hemp as its robust fibers were indispensable for producing ropes, sails, and clothing vital for shipbuilding, trade, and daily life. Even George Washington himself cultivated hemp at Mount Vernon for over 30 years.
However, as the war ended and synthetic fibers became available, the government reverted to enforcing prohibition. It even went as far as suppressing the “Hemp for Victory” film in an attempt to largely erase this chapter from official records. This historical ‘amnesia’ is a perfect example of just how complex and contradictory the relationship between the U.S. government and cannabis has been over time.
6. Royal Relief
Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, reportedly used cannabis tinctures to alleviate menstrual cramps and various types of pain. Her physician, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, even documented its effectiveness in medical journals, lending legitimacy to its use in Victorian England. This royal endorsement contributed to the growing acceptance of cannabis as a medicine during that era that was commonly used in tea.
7. Unjust Prohibition
In the United States, cannabis was essentially criminalized with the passing of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Looking back, it is clear that this was a campaign fueled by fearmongering and racist propaganda.
Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, perpetuated this campaign with racially charged testimonies, falsely linking cannabis use to Mexican immigrants and African Americans and associating it with crime and violence. We now know that this racially motivated prohibition had devastating consequences, which linger to this day, for marginalized communities.
8. Creativity Catalyst
The “Club des Hashischins” was a group of prominent Parisian individuals from the 19th century. Comprised of intellectuals and artists, the group’s purpose was to stoke creativity among their ranks through consuming hashish. Notably, members included,
Possibly ahead of their time, they believed that hashish could enhance creativity and unlock new realms of perception. It is well-documented how their experiences influenced their written works.
“All human wisdom is summed up in two words: wait and hope.” – Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
One of the more notable examples comes from Dumas, who integrated references to cannabis in the extremely well-known ‘The Count of Monte Cristo‘ – a story that has seen many film adaptations over the years.
9. Modern Cannabis Legalization
California’s Proposition 215, passed in 1996, marked a watershed moment in the history of cannabis legalization. With it, doctors could now legally prescribe the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, once again recognizing the long-known benefits of a plant used throughout history.
This groundbreaking legislation paved the way for other states to follow suit, eventually leading to the broader legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use across the United States and around the world.
10. The Hearst Empire’s War on Cannabis
Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, with his vast newspaper and timber holdings, played a significant role in demonizing cannabis during the prohibition era. Hearst, threatened by the potential of hemp to disrupt his paper industry, used his media influence to spread misinformation and fear about cannabis, linking it to crime and social unrest. This campaign, coupled with Anslinger’s racist propaganda, helped solidify cannabis prohibition in the United States.
Cannabis – A Lasting Influence
While its importance has waxed and waned throughout the centuries, it is clear that cannabis is an important plant in human history that has managed to touch every facet of society—from ancient medicine to cultural traditions, economic endeavors, and even political controversies. Hopefully, these interesting tidbits on the history of cannabis have shed some light on the plant’s benefits and its significance over time.
