The Global History of Cannabis: From Ancient Medicine to Modern Prohibition

Posted by A'Dazia Ferrell on Oct 16th 2025

The Global History of Cannabis: From Ancient Medicine to Modern Prohibition

Introduction: Why Cannabis History Matters

As cannabis prohibition in the U.S. nears its end, understanding its true history is more important than ever. This blog aims to provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about cannabis—cutting through misinformation and complexity.

The Origins and Migration of Cannabis

Japan: The Earliest Known Use of Cannabis (8000 BCE)

Archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis was used in Japan as early as 8000 BCE, during the Jōmon period. Hemp fibers were found in pottery and tools, indicating its use in:

Textile production: Hemp fibers were woven into clothing and fabrics, showcasing the plant’s durability and versatility in early Japanese society.
Fishing lines and nets: Coastal communities relied on strong hemp fibers to craft fishing tools essential for survival and sustenance.
Ritual and ceremonial practices: Cannabis may have held spiritual significance, possibly used in purification rituals or as offerings in early religious ceremonies.

How Old Is the Cannabis Plant?

The earliest confirmed medicinal use of cannabis dates back to 1700 BCE in Egypt’s Ramesseum III Papyrus. This predates:

The Great Pyramids of Giza: While the pyramids were built around 2600 BCE, cannabis use was documented even earlier, indicating its cultural importance before monumental architecture emerged.
Widespread writing systems: Cannabis was significant enough to be recorded in early forms of writing, such as hieroglyphs, before literacy became widespread.
The end of the Ice Age: As climates warmed and agriculture spread, cannabis likely migrated with early humans, becoming a staple in their toolkit for medicine and utility.

Ancient Egypt: Cannabis in Medicine and Ritual

Key Medical Texts

Two major papyri document cannabis use in ancient Egypt:

Ramesseum III Papyrus (~1700 BCE): Focused on gynecology, pediatrics, and muscular conditions, including diagnostic techniques and prescriptions written in hieroglyphs.
Ebers Papyrus (~1550 BCE): A comprehensive medical text with over 800 remedies, blending empirical observations with magical incantations.

Comparison Table

Feature	Ebers Papyrus	Ramesseum III Papyrus
Date	~1550 BCE	~1700 BCE
Scope	General medicine	Women, children, muscles
Use of Magic	Extensive	Present but focused
Medical Theory	Channel theory, heart-centered	Procedural, less theoretical
Audience	General population	Maternal and pediatric care

Cannabis in Mummification and Rituals

Traces in mummies: Cannabis was found in tissue samples and wrappings, including Pharaoh Ramesses II, indicating its use in embalming and ritual practices.
Association with goddesses: Seshat (wisdom) and Bastet (war) were linked to cannabis, reflecting its spiritual and ceremonial value.
Industrial use: Hemp was used to make rope, textiles, and baskets, showing its dual role in both sacred and practical domains.

The Divine Farmer: Cannabis in Ancient China

Emperor Shen Nung, known as the Father of Chinese Medicine, compiled the Shennong Bencao Jing (~2800 BCE), listing over 350 herbal medicines including cannabis. His work built upon earlier traditions from Japan and Egypt.

Cannabis in World Religions

Taoism

Spiritual enhancement: Shamans used cannabis to deepen meditation and connect with nature’s harmony.
Wu wei: The concept of effortless action was supported by cannabis use in moderation to achieve balance.
Modern practice: Many Taoists today use cannabis sparingly or not at all, respecting local laws and personal discipline.

Hinduism

Sacred plant: Cannabis is one of five sacred plants in the Vedas, valued for its calming and transcendental effects.
Lord Shiva: Known as the “Lord of Bhang,” Shiva’s mythology includes cannabis as a divine remedy after consuming poison.
Bhang: A paste made from cannabis flowers and leaves, mixed with milk and spices, used in religious festivals and rituals.

Islam

Golden Age medicine: Cannabis was used by physicians and mystics for healing and spiritual insight.
Hemp cultivation: Non-psychoactive hemp was grown for textiles and trade, especially along the maritime Silk Road.
Hashish rise: Hashish became popular in the 9th–11th centuries, with cultural debates about its acceptability under Islamic law.

Christianity

General opposition: Most Christian sects discourage cannabis use, viewing it as heretical despite no direct biblical prohibition.
Medical resistance: Even medicinal use is often rejected, reflecting conservative interpretations of scripture and morality.

Cannabis vs. Prohibition in the U.S.

Prohibition Era (1920–1933): Alcohol and narcotics were banned to address economic stress during the Great Depression.
Harry Anslinger: Led the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and pushed for cannabis criminalization through propaganda and legislation.
Marijuana Tax Act of 1937: Effectively banned cannabis and removed it from the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1942.

Science vs. Prohibition: The Rise of Cannabinoid Research

1942: CBD was isolated from wild hemp, laying the foundation for cannabinoid research.
1963: THC’s chemical structure was identified, revealing its psychoactive properties.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Discovered as a cell-signaling system regulating mood, pain, appetite, and immunity.
CB1 receptors: Located in the brain and central nervous system, affecting cognition and emotion.
CB2 receptors: Found in immune cells throughout the body, influencing inflammation and healing.
Endocannabinoids: Naturally produced compounds in the human body that bind to ECS receptors, similar to cannabinoids in cannabis.

Read Harvard’s guide to the ECS
Read the National Library of Medicine’s ECS overview

Modern Cannabis Legalization and the 2018 Farm Bill

What Changed?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp (≤0.3% THC) and removed it from the Controlled Substances Act.
Hemp-derived CBD products are now legal in the U.S. at the federal level, though state laws vary.
Over 50 countries have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use, reflecting a global shift in policy and public perception.

Countries That Have Legalized Cannabis

Recreational Use Legalized

Cannabis is fully legalized for adult recreational use in the following countries:

Canada
Uruguay
Thailand
Mexico
Malta
Luxembourg
Germany
South Africa
Georgia
Chile
Netherlands (decriminalized and tolerated in coffee shops)
24 U.S. states, 3 territories, and Washington, D.C.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

These countries allow personal possession, cultivation, and in some cases, commercial sales through regulated systems.

Medical Use Legalized

Cannabis is legal for medical use in a broader list of countries, including:

Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Many of these countries have established regulated programs for patients with qualifying conditions, and some are expanding domestic cultivation and research.

Cannabis Today

Cannabis is the 4th most popular recreational drug globally, after alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Legal cannabis spending worldwide is projected to reach $57 billion by 2030, with the U.S. and Canada accounting for the majority of the market.
The global trend shows increasing acceptance, with more countries exploring pilot programs, nonprofit cannabis clubs, and regulated retail models.

Conclusion: Cannabis and Humanity

Cannabis has journeyed with humanity for millennia. From ancient Japan to modern laboratories, it’s been medicine, ritual, fiber, and food. It’s a plant deeply intertwined with our evolution—genetically, culturally, and spiritually.

In moderation and with mindful use, cannabis offers a path to healing, balance, and self-discovery. It was always for humanity—and perhaps, it always will be.