Cannabis has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. Its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was a popular herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of cannabis in ancient times and how it has been used throughout the ages.
Ancient China
One of the earliest recorded uses of cannabis can be traced back to ancient China. The first recorded use of cannabis as a medicinal herb in China dates back to around 2700 BCE, where it was used to treat a variety of conditions such as rheumatism, malaria, and even poor memory. Cannabis was also used in ancient China as a spiritual aid, helping users to achieve a state of heightened awareness during religious ceremonies.
Ancient India
Another ancient civilization that made use of cannabis was India. The use of cannabis in India dates back to at least 2000 BCE, where it was used as a medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive disorders. Cannabis was also used in India for recreational purposes, with users smoking or ingesting it in the form of bhang, a traditional Indian drink made with milk, sugar, and cannabis.
Ancient Egypt
Cannabis was also used in ancient Egypt for medicinal and religious purposes. In fact, the ancient Egyptians believed that cannabis had healing properties and would often use it to treat various ailments such as inflammation, pain, and fever. Cannabis was also used in ancient Egypt during religious ceremonies, where it was believed to help users achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment.
Ancient Greece and Rome
The ancient Greeks and Romans were also familiar with cannabis and its properties. In ancient Greece, cannabis was used as a remedy for earache, edema, and inflammation. The Greek historian Herodotus also recorded the use of cannabis by the Scythians, a nomadic tribe that used cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
In ancient Rome, cannabis was used as a pain reliever and was often mixed with wine to create a potent herbal tonic. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder also recorded the use of cannabis by the Germanic tribes, who used it as a pain reliever during surgery.
