The Ancient History of Cannabis: From Sacred Medicine to Civilization Builder

By Herb Vape
Published: September 13, 2023 | Updated: March 29, 2025

The Origins of Cannabis Cultivation

Archaeological evidence reveals that humans have been utilizing cannabis for nearly 10,000 years. The earliest documented cannabis use dates back to approximately 8,000 BCE, with significant discoveries in Japan and Taiwan indicating its early cultivation for fibre production. This timeline positions cannabis among humanity's first intentionally cultivated plants, supporting astronomer Carl Sagan's 1977 hypothesis that cannabis may have been the world's first agricultural crop—potentially catalyzing the very agricultural revolution that gave rise to permanent human settlements and complex civilizations.

Recent archaeological discoveries across Asia continue to uncover evidence supporting cannabis's profound influence on early human development. Sagan's theory gains further credibility when examining the plant's extraordinary versatility: providing fiber, food, medicine, and materials for spiritual practices—making it an exceptionally valuable resource for early human communities.

Hemp's Foundational Role in Ancient China

China's relationship with cannabis spans millennia, with hemp becoming integral to Chinese society. Archaeological sites like Taixi village in Hebei province have yielded remarkably preserved hemp textiles from the Shang dynasty (1700-1100 BCE). Fragments of hemp fabrics discovered at Anyang in Henan Province further demonstrate the sophisticated textile production of ancient China.

Beyond textiles, hemp was considered one of the "five grains" in ancient China, serving as a valuable food source. Its utility extended to paper production, rope-making, and critically, military innovation. Chinese armies gained tactical superiority through bowstrings crafted from hemp fibers, which possessed superior tensile strength compared to their opponents' bamboo-based weapons—an advantage that helped shape regional power dynamics for centuries.

Emperor Shen Nung: The Father of Chinese Medicine

Emperor Shen Nung, revered as the Father of Chinese Medicine, stands among the earliest documented advocates for medicinal cannabis. According to ancient Chinese legends, his extraordinary healing abilities originated from his mother's mystical encounter with dragon vapor before his birth, granting him unique insight into the medicinal properties of plants.

While Shen Nung is considered a legendary figure, his contributions to Chinese medicine are well-documented. Historical records indicate that around 2,800 BCE, he prescribed cannabis for treating various ailments including menstrual discomfort, gout, rheumatism, and malaria. His medical compendium, the Pen Ts'ao, contains one of history's first pharmacological references to cannabis, though modern scholars believe this text was likely compiled much later during the Han dynasty.

The Emperor demonstrated remarkable foresight in his cautionary note that excessive consumption "may make one behold ghosts"—an early recognition of the plant's psychoactive properties that would later be explored across many civilizations.

Global Spread and Cultural Significance

Cannabis use spread beyond East Asia to become significant across numerous ancient civilizations:

The nomadic Scythians, who inhabited the Central Asian steppes, incorporated cannabis into their ritualistic practices. Greek historian Herodotus documented how they would inhale its vapors for both pleasure and spiritual ceremonies, creating tent-like structures where they would throw cannabis onto heated stones to produce intoxicating smoke.

In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, cannabis found its way into various medicinal preparations. Egyptian medical papyri reference cannabis treatments, while Greek and Roman physicians including Galen and Pliny the Elder documented its therapeutic applications.

Cannabis and Cognitive Enhancement

Carl Sagan's interest in cannabis extended beyond its agricultural significance. He noted the potential cognitive enhancements associated with cannabis use, suggesting it could enhance creativity and pattern recognition. This perspective offers an intriguing dimension to understanding why early humans might have valued the plant beyond its practical applications.

Legacy and Continuity

The relationship between humans and cannabis represents one of our oldest continuous associations with a cultivated plant. From its prehistoric origins to its global spread, cannabis has played multiple roles: technological innovator, medicine, spiritual aid, food source, and possibly, as Sagan proposed, a catalyst for civilization itself.

Archaeological research continues to uncover new evidence about cannabis's historical significance, deepening our understanding of this plant's profound impact on human development. What began perhaps as a useful fibre source in prehistoric Asia evolved into a multi-purpose resource that has accompanied human civilization through thousands of years of development, adaptation, and cultural exchange.

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Sources include archaeological findings, historical texts, and Carl Sagan's theories on early agriculture and human cognitive development.