Cannabis, a plant with a rich history, has been cultivated and used by various ancient civilizations. Despite the modern debates surrounding its legality and medicinal properties, cannabis has been intertwined with human culture for thousands of years.

With the current debate about legalizing cannabis stalled in the halls of Congress, it’s interesting to look back and see how ancient civilizations viewed cannabis. From the porridge recipes of ancient China to religious ceremonies in ancient Israel, past societies have found many uses for cannabis. Here are some of the more noteworthy examples.

A Medicinal Herb

Dating back over 5,000 years, ancient Chinese civilizations were among the first to recognize the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia, one of the earliest records of Chinese medicine, lists cannabis as a medicinal herb. Its uses ranged from treating rheumatism to malaria, showcasing the diverse applications early civilizations found for this plant.

The Scythians and Cannabis Rituals

The Scythians, a nomadic people who inhabited the steppes of Eurasia around 2,500 years ago, left behind evidence of their intimate relationship with cannabis. Archaeological findings reveal cannabis seeds in Scythian tombs, suggesting its ritualistic use. The Scythians were known to throw cannabis onto hot stones, creating fumes in enclosed spaces, possibly as part of religious ceremonies or purification rituals.

Cannabis in Religious Rites

In ancient Egypt, cannabis held a sacred place in religious practices. Evidenced by hieroglyphs and tomb paintings, cannabis was associated with the goddess Seshat. Some theories suggest that cannabis may have been ingested or burned as part of rituals to connect with the divine. The plant’s psychoactive properties were likely harnessed to induce altered states of consciousness during religious ceremonies.

Bhang and Spiritual Connection in India

India’s ancient Vedic texts, dating back to 2000 BCE, make frequent references to a cannabis-infused drink called “bhang.” Considered a sacred herb, cannabis was believed to have been a gift from the gods. People consumed Bhang in religious ceremonies to facilitate communication with the divine and attain higher states of consciousness. Even today, bhang remains an integral part of certain Hindu festivals.

Herodotus’ Historical Accounts

Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, documented the use of cannabis by the Scythians in the 5th century BCE. He described their practices of inhaling the smoke from cannabis seeds thrown onto hot stones. While the Greeks did not widely adopt cannabis into their cultural or religious practices, Herodotus’ writings provide valuable insights into the interactions between different ancient civilizations.

The Mysterious Shamans of Siberia

Venturing into the Siberian tundra, archaeologists have discovered the remains of ancient shamans buried with cannabis plants. These shamans, believed to have lived around 500 BCE, left behind a trail of cannabis pollen, suggesting its use in spiritual and healing rituals. The plants may have played a role in shamanic journeys or served as a conduit to connect with the spirit world.

The historical tapestry of cannabis use by ancient civilizations is both diverse and fascinating. From its roots in ancient China as a medicinal herb to its role in the spiritual practices of cultures around the world, cannabis has woven itself into the fabric of human history.