Cannabis has been cultivated, consumed, and revered for thousands of years, spanning ancient medicine, industrial use, cultural rituals, and modern legalization efforts. While many associate cannabis history with its recent prohibition and resurgence in the United States, the plant’s roots trace back to some of the earliest civilizations.
From sacred rituals in India to colonial-era hemp farming in America, cannabis has evolved in its role, perception, and legality across different regions and time periods. Understanding its long and complex journey provides insight into how modern cannabis culture and industry came to be.
Ancient Beginnings: The Early History of Cannabis
Long before cannabis became a controversial topic in modern politics, it was widely embraced for its medicinal, industrial, and spiritual properties. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been cultivating cannabis for over 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest known crops.
Cannabis in Early Civilizations
Some of the earliest recorded uses of cannabis can be traced back to Central Asia, where the plant grew naturally and was domesticated for both psychoactive and non-psychoactive purposes. As trade routes expanded, cannabis spread into Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, integrating into various societies.
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China (2700 BCE) – Cannabis appears in ancient Chinese medicinal texts, prescribed for pain relief, inflammation, and digestive disorders. Hemp fibers were also used for rope, paper, and textiles, solidifying cannabis as both a medical and industrial resource.
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India (1000 BCE) – In Vedic traditions, cannabis—known as bhang—was considered a sacred plant associated with the Hindu god Shiva. It was commonly consumed as a drink or paste in religious rituals and was believed to enhance meditation and spiritual enlightenment.
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Egypt & the Middle East (1500 BCE - 500 BCE) – Ancient Egyptian records suggest that cannabis was used in medicinal preparations, particularly for pain relief and treating inflammation. Cannabis use also spread through Persian and Scythian cultures, where it was burned in ceremonial fires.
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Greece & Rome (400 BCE - 200 CE) – Early European societies recognized cannabis for its healing properties. Greek physicians like Hippocrates mentioned it in medical treatments, and Roman soldiers reportedly used cannabis for wound care and relaxation after battle.
By the time cannabis made its way to Africa and the Americas, it had already established itself as a global commodity—valued for both practical applications and recreational or medicinal use.
Cannabis in Colonial America: Hemp & Early Uses
Cannabis arrived in North America through European colonization, but its early use looked quite different from today. Rather than being grown for recreational or medicinal purposes, hemp cultivation became a key industry in the American colonies.
In the 1600s and 1700s, hemp was seen as an essential crop, used for sails, ropes, paper, and clothing. It was so important that some colonies, including Virginia, required farmers to grow it by law. Figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on their plantations, viewing it as a valuable resource.
By the 19th century, cannabis extracts became common in American pharmacies, often used as pain relievers, sleep aids, and treatments for migraines and inflammation. At this time, cannabis remained widely accepted, with little legal regulation.
The Rise of Prohibition: How Cannabis Became Criminalized
Despite its longstanding role in medicine and industry, cannabis became stigmatized and eventually criminalized in the early 20th century. A combination of social fears, racial biases, and political agendas led to strict legal restrictions, particularly in the United States.
The Global Shift Toward Cannabis Bans
As the recreational use of cannabis spread, particularly among immigrant communities and marginalized groups, public perception changed. Propaganda campaigns framed cannabis as a dangerous drug associated with crime and moral decay.
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1910s-1930s – In the U.S., anti-cannabis laws were driven by xenophobic narratives, particularly targeting Mexican immigrants and Black jazz musicians. The media fueled fear with sensationalized claims, culminating in the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively banned cannabis at the federal level.
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1950s-1970s – The War on Drugs escalated criminalization. Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, placing it alongside heroin and LSD. Harsh penalties disproportionately affected Black and Latino communities, leading to decades of mass incarceration.
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Global Influence – Many countries followed the U.S. lead, banning cannabis under international drug treaties, further erasing its medical and cultural significance in many regions.
For much of the 20th century, cannabis was demonized and heavily policed, leading to decades of prohibition and legal battles.
The Counterculture Movement & Cannabis Revival
Despite prohibition, cannabis never disappeared. By the 1960s and 1970s, cannabis use surged within counterculture movements in the U.S. and Europe.
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Hippies, artists, and musicians embraced cannabis as a symbol of rebellion and freedom.
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The first pro-legalization efforts emerged, with some U.S. states decriminalizing possession in the 1970s.
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In the 1990s, scientific breakthroughs led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, rekindling interest in cannabis medicine.
These cultural and scientific shifts laid the foundation for modern legalization efforts.
The Modern Legalization Movement
The 1990s and 2000s saw a major shift in cannabis laws worldwide.
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1996 – California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis.
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2013 – Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize recreational cannabis.
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2018 – Canada followed, legalizing cannabis nationwide.
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2020s – Dozens of countries and over half of U.S. states now have legal cannabis markets.
As cannabis moves into the mainstream, innovations in cultivation, consumption, and technology continue to evolve.
The Future of Cannabis
Cannabis has come full circle—from ancient medicine to prohibition and back to mainstream acceptance. As legalization expands globally, new research and technology will continue shaping the way people use and understand cannabis.
From vaporization and dabbing to solventless extracts and precision temperature control, modern cannabis consumption is more advanced than ever. Devices like Puffco’s e-rigs allow users to experience concentrates with precision and efficiency, bringing thousands of years of cannabis history into the modern era.
As the landscape shifts, one thing remains clear: cannabis is here to stay.
