Cannabis has a rich history, with its use stretching back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of cannabis use dates to around 5000 BCE in ancient Taiwan, where hemp fibers were used to make pottery. By 2700 BCE, the plant was being referenced in ancient Chinese texts, notably by Emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese medicine. He documented the plant’s medicinal properties, particularly for treating pain, inflammation, and gout.
In India, cannabis was revered as one of the five sacred plants in the Vedic texts around 1500 BCE. It was used both spiritually, as a means to connect with the divine, and medicinally, particularly in Ayurvedic practices. Known as “bhang,” it was also consumed in religious rituals.
The plant’s spread through the ancient world continued as it was introduced to the Middle East, where it became part of Persian and Arab cultures. By the first millennium BCE, it was well-known across Europe. The Greeks and Romans used cannabis to treat ailments such as ear pain and inflammation.
In the early modern period, cannabis cultivation spread across colonial empires. Hemp, a variety of cannabis, became an essential crop in Europe and North America for its fibers, which were used in rope, sails, and textiles. By the 19th century, cannabis entered Western medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including migraines and menstrual cramps.
Throughout its history, cannabis has served diverse roles in textiles, medicine, and spiritual practices. Though it became more regulated in the 20th century, its medicinal properties and societal importance continue to spark global interest and debate today.