Historical Exploration of the Use of Cannabis

 

The Ancient Roots:

Cannabis in Early Civilizations

1. Ancient China (Circa 2700 BCE)

• Evidence: The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back to ancient China, attributed to Emperor Shen Nung, a legendary figure known as the “Father of Chinese Medicine.” In his pharmacopeia, penned around 2700 BCE, Shen Nung documented cannabis (referred to as “ma”) as a remedy for ailments like rheumatism, gout, and malaria.
• Use: The Chinese likely used the whole cannabis plant—seeds, leaves, and flowers—either smoked, ingested as tea, or applied topically. While they didn’t isolate CBD, the plant’s therapeutic effects suggest that compounds like CBD were unknowingly harnessed.
• Context: Hemp, a variety of cannabis low in THC, was also cultivated for its fibers to make rope, textiles, and paper, cementing cannabis’s dual role in Chinese society.

2. Ancient India (Circa 2000 BCE)

• Evidence: Cannabis appears in the sacred texts of Hinduism, such as the Atharva Veda (circa 2000–1400 BCE), where it’s listed as one of five sacred plants. Known as “bhang,” cannabis was consumed in drinks, smoked, or used in rituals.
• Use: Indian healers employed cannabis to treat pain, digestive issues, and even psychological conditions, likely tapping into CBD’s calming properties alongside THC’s psychoactive effects.
• Context: Cannabis held spiritual significance, believed to connect users to divine energies, a tradition still echoed in some modern practices.

3. Ancient Egypt (Circa 2000 BCE)

• Evidence: The Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BCE), one of the oldest medical texts, mentions cannabis as a treatment for inflammation and glaucoma. Archaeological finds, like cannabis pollen in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II (circa 1200 BCE), further confirm its use.
• Use: Egyptians may have applied cannabis preparations topically or ingested them, benefiting from CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential without isolating it.
• Context: Cannabis’s presence in Egypt highlights its spread across ancient trade routes, from Asia to Africa.

4. Mesopotamia and Beyond (Circa 1000 BCE)

• Evidence: Assyrian tablets from Mesopotamia reference cannabis as a medicinal herb, while ancient Greeks and Romans later adopted it for rope-making and healing.

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Cannabis in Native American Rituals

Our journey begins with the Native American tribes, who have a deep-rooted history of using cannabis in their spiritual rituals. Some tribes, such as the Lakota Sioux, have incorporated cannabis into their sacred ceremonies as a means to connect with the spiritual realm. Cannabis, often referred to as “chanunpa” or “pejuta,” is believed to facilitate communication with ancestors and deities.

South American Shamanism: Ayahuasca and Cannabis

In South America, particularly among the Amazonian indigenous tribes, cannabis is sometimes used in conjunction with Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic plant brew. While Ayahuasca is the primary focus of these ceremonies, cannabis is occasionally included for its potential to enhance the experience and facilitate communication with the spirit world.

Rastafarian Faith and Sacramental Cannabis Use

The Rastafarian faith, originating in Jamaica, incorporates cannabis into its spiritual practices. Cannabis, referred to as “ganja,” is considered a sacrament that enhances meditation, prayer, and religious gatherings. Rastafarians believe that cannabis is a tool for connecting with the divine and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Cannabis in Native Alaskan Traditions

Among Native Alaskan communities, cannabis has been used for various healing purposes. Cannabis is considered a part of their traditional pharmacopeia and has been employed in rituals aimed at promoting physical and spiritual well-being. Some communities have recognized the plant’s potential for addressing pain and mental health concerns.

*None of the above is my own work or words. Copy pasted from multiple sources and sites.