Cannabis is more than just a plant—it has played a big role in human history for thousands of years. People have used it for medicine, industry, and spiritual purposes. Understanding where cannabis came from helps explain why it’s becoming more accepted and legalized today.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of cannabis, from its ancient origins to its modern-day comeback.
Ancient Uses of Cannabis
8,000 BCE: Early Cultivation
Archaeologists believe that cannabis was first grown in Central Asia, in areas that are now China and Mongolia. Ancient people used hemp for food, clothing, and making ropes.
2,700 BCE: Cannabis in Chinese Medicine
One of the first known records of cannabis as a medicine comes from Emperor Shen Nong, the “Father of Chinese Medicine.” His writings mention cannabis as a treatment for pain, malaria, and memory problems.
2,000 BCE: Cannabis in India and the Middle East
In India, cannabis became an important part of religious ceremonies and Ayurvedic medicine. Known as “bhang,” it was used to relieve stress and pain. At the same time, cannabis spread to the Middle East, where it was used for its psychoactive effects and as a fiber crop.
Cannabis in the Ancient World
1,200 BCE: The Scythians and Cannabis
The Scythians, a nomadic group from Central Asia, used cannabis during funeral rituals. The Greek historian Herodotus described how they burned cannabis and inhaled the smoke for spiritual purification.
800 BCE–500 BCE: Cannabis in Ancient Greece and Rome
Both the Greeks and Romans used cannabis for making rope and textiles. Some writings also mention cannabis as a medicine for pain relief and swelling.
100 CE: Cannabis in the Middle East and Africa
Cannabis spread along trade routes, reaching Egypt and North Africa. Ancient Egyptians used cannabis for medical treatments, including eye conditions and inflammation.
Cannabis in the Middle Ages
500–1,000 CE: The Islamic Golden Age
During this time, scientists studied cannabis for its medical and psychoactive properties. Hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis, became popular in the Arab world.
900 CE: Cannabis in Europe
Cannabis made its way to Europe through trade. It was mostly used for hemp production, but some doctors started recognizing its medicinal benefits.
Cannabis in the Modern Era
1500s: Cannabis Reaches the Americas
European explorers brought cannabis to the Americas. The Spanish introduced hemp to South America, while the British encouraged hemp farming in Jamestown, Virginia for making rope, sails, and clothing.
1600s–1800s: Hemp as an Industry
Hemp was a major crop in Europe and the U.S. It was used for shipbuilding, paper, and textiles. Famous figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on their farms.
1800s: Cannabis as Medicine
Doctors in Western medicine started using cannabis extracts to treat pain, sleep problems, and digestive issues. In the mid-1800s, Irish physician William O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to England after studying its medical uses in India.
The Fall of Cannabis
1900s: The Beginning of Prohibition
- 1910–1920s: Cannabis Stigma Grows
- Anti-cannabis campaigns in the U.S. falsely linked the plant to crime and immigrants from Mexico.
- 1937: The Marihuana Tax Act
- The U.S. government passed laws that heavily restricted cannabis, making it difficult to buy or grow.
- 1970: The Controlled Substances Act
- The U.S. classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, meaning it was considered dangerous with “no medical value.” This made cannabis fully illegal at the federal level.
The Cannabis Comeback
1990s: The Medical Cannabis Movement Begins
In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana with Proposition 215. This marked a turning point in cannabis laws.
2010s: Cannabis Legalization Expands
More states and countries began allowing cannabis for recreational and medical use:
- 2012: Colorado and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis.
- 2025: More than 20 U.S. states and several countries have fully legalized cannabis.
Scientific Discoveries and Modern Cannabis
Today, cannabis research is uncovering the medical benefits of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN. Studies show cannabis can help with epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety.
Cannabis Today: A Growing Industry
By 2025, cannabis has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. More people are using CBD wellness products and custom high-THC strains for different health needs. Public support for legalization is at an all-time high, and many countries are updating their cannabis laws.
High Science: Leading Cannabis Education
At High Science, we are proud to be part of this movement by providing accurate, science-backed cannabis education. We aim to help people understand cannabis history, benefits, and responsible use.
Through open discussions, advocacy, and innovation, we are working to create a more informed and accepting society.
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