Today, over 200 million individuals indulge in cannabis consumption regularly, establishing it as one of the globe’s most favoured recreational substances.

However, millennia before modern dispensaries emerged, ancient civilizations harnessed cannabis for various purposes including healing, sustenance, attire, and shelter.

Evolutionary origins

The history of cannabis predates human existence by millions of years. Pollen analysis suggests the plant’s evolution commenced approximately 28 million years ago on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, where it thrives in the wild to this day. To contextualize, Homo sapiens likely emerged around 300,000 years ago.

Early utilization

Despite the vast historical gap, early human societies swiftly recognized the benefits of cannabis. The earliest recorded usage dates back to 8000 BC in an ancient Taiwanese settlement.

Here, the Taiwanese mastered the art of spinning hemp fibers, reducing reliance on animal hides for clothing. Subsequently, hemp gained prominence owing to its durability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Evolution of use

Cannabis cultivation for dietary purposes traces back to 4000 BC. Remarkably, during the Stone Age, it was revered as one of the “five grains” of China.

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Medicinal significance

In 2800 BC, historical records document cannabis’s medicinal application. Emperor Shen Nung, esteemed as the progenitor of Chinese medicine, cataloged cannabis among 365 medicines in the inaugural pharmacopeia.

He extolled its efficacy in alleviating over 100 ailments, including gout, malaria, and rheumatism, emphasizing its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Comparable endorsements emerged from Indian Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans in subsequent centuries.

Sacred and ritualistic use

Cannabis assumes profound significance in religious contexts. Vedas, penned between 2000 BC and 1400 BC, extol cannabis as a “source of happiness” and “bestower of liberation,” suggesting its earliest recreational usage, though archaeological evidence remains elusive.

Hindu scriptures designate cannabis as one of the five holiest plants in the Atharva Veda. According to Hindu lore, fever was construed as the ‘hot breath of the gods’ provoked by human transgressions, and cannabis served as appeasement, consequently reducing fever.

Contemporary understanding attributes this to THC’s effect on the hypothalamus, regulating body temperature, yet the divine aspect remains open to interpretation.

A taste for the high life

While evidence of our ancestors’ use of cannabis abounds, the revelation of their intent to experience euphoria is a recent development.

Early cultivation primarily targeted cannabis for its oily seeds as food, its long stem fibers for textiles and clothing, and its medicinal properties.

THC levels in ancient cannabis

In contrast to modern dispensary varieties rich in THC, wild cannabis typically contains minimal levels of the psychoactive compound responsible for inducing euphoria.

Even ritual cannabis use in ancient times revealed scant THC levels, implying that our forebears likely did not experience the plant’s psychoactive effects.

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Unveiling ancient rituals

The paradigm shifted with the discovery of artifacts in the remote Pamir mountains of western China. Excavations unearthed approximately 70 artifacts dating back to 500 B.C., including glass beads, harps, silk fragments, and wooden vessels. Signs of cuts and perforations on some skulls and bones hinted at ritualistic human sacrifice.

THC revelation

However, what truly astonished researchers was the phytochemical analysis of the wooden vessels, which revealed significant THC concentrations. This discovery hinted at the psychoactive nature of cannabis in ancient rituals.

Insights into ritual practices

Researchers speculate that these findings shed light on funerary customs involving flames, rhythmic music, and hallucinogenic smoke, aimed at inducing altered states of consciousness.

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Prolonged use and consumption

The wooden vessels, displaying signs of prolonged use as mortars, suggest that cannabis was likely pulverized before consumption.

Some conjecture that the psychoactive plant might have been ingested orally, offering a glimpse into ancient consumption practices.

This groundbreaking discovery provides valuable insights into the rituals and beliefs of early human societies and deepens our understanding of our historical relationship with cannabis.

The evolution of consumption practices underscores our appreciation for the diverse and more palatable options available today.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered cannabis endorsement. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.