History and Hemp: A Historical Look at Cultures and Cannabis

01/18/24 09:24 AM Comment(s) By Lloyd

Cannabis, a plant that has been intertwined with human history for centuries, has not spared even the echelons of royalty. In this exploration, we delve into the pages of history to unearth stories of kings and rulers who embraced the use of cannabis. From ancient civilizations to more recent times, the connection between monarchs and marijuana unveils a fascinating and sometimes surprising narrative.

Ancient History

Early China and India Utilize Cannabis Sativa

San Diego Museum of Art Early China — San Diego Museum of Art

Our journey begins in ancient times, when the cannabis plant was cultivated for diverse purposes, including medicinal and recreational applications. As far back as 2800 BC cannabis was used to treat a variety of ailments and was first listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia.

In India, during the Vedic period, cannabis found its place in religious rituals and was considered a sacred herb. It is said that ancient Indian kings, such as the Maurya dynasty, may have indulged in the ceremonial use of cannabis during religious ceremonies.

According to the University of Sydney, “Hindu legend says that Shiva, the supreme Godhead of many sects, was given the title ‘The Lord of Bhang’, because the cannabis plant was his favorite food.”

Egypt and the Nile

Pharaohs Incorporate Cannabis in Medicine

Ancient Egyptian Medical Text — National Library of Medicine

Crossing the sands of time into ancient Egypt, there is historical evidence that cannabis played a significant role in the lives of pharaohs. The Ebers and Ramesseum Papyri, ancient Egyptian medical texts, reference cannabis, suggesting medicinal use by this ancient civilization.

Hashish and the Islamic World

The Golden Age and Cannabis

Muslim Ruler On a Horse Hasan-i Sabbah — Hasan-i Sabbah

During the Islamic Golden Age, cannabis in its concentrated form, also known as hashish, was popularly used by Muslim rulers.

Evidence of hash use can be seen by al-Hassan ibn-al-Sabbah. Hashish was used to entice the aid of young men into the private army known as the Assassins. Evidence of this practice can be seen in the writings of Marco Polo 150 years later.

Renaissance and Royalty

Europe Embraces the Herb

Cannabis traveled with invading armies, and evidence of this can be seen in England. The oldest evidence of cannabis in Britain can be seen in a Viking settlement in York dating back to the 10th century.

Hemp use continued in England. Hemp ropes were fundamental in the English navy. King Henry VIII, in 1533, mandated that landowners grow hemp to provide ships with strong and sturdy ropes. Elizabeth I found the same value in hemp and increased the quotas originally proposed by Henry VIII.

Victorian Indulgence

The Queens of Kush

Queen Elizabeth I of England — Elizabeth I of England

It is widely speculated that Queen Elizabeth I used cannabis. It is well documented she supported the use of hemp for the use of rope production for the British navy in 1563, even going so far as imposing a fine for any landlord that failed to grown hemp.

The New World

The Founding Fathers and Hemp in the United States

Seeing value in hemp, many of the founding fathers of the United States cultivated this abundant herb. Thomas Jefferson, one of the principal authors of the Constitution, grew hemp at his plantation in Virginia.

George Washington himself grew hemp at Mount Vernon, his Virginia estate. George Washington saw great value in hemp and once stated,

“I am very glad to hear that the gardener has saved so much of the St. Foin seed, and that of the India Hemp. Make the most you can of both, by sowing them again in drills…Let the ground be well prepared, and the Seed (St. Loin) be sown in April. The Hemp may be sown any where.” – George Washington to William Pearce February 24th 1794

As we reflect on this journey, it is clear that cannabis has been more than just a plant, but rather it has been a cultural, medicinal, and industrial force that has helped shaped societies across the globe.

We here at Cloud 8 appreciate the rich history of hemp and its profound impact on human civilizations. We hope the story continues, and cannabis continues to help evolve our history.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cloud 8 products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.