A Brief History of Cannabis

A global, ancient, and often misunderstood legacy.

Cannabis has been used throughout human history—medicine, ritual, rebellion, survival. It's a plant with deep roots across cultures, continents, and centuries. Yet, its story has often been erased, criminalized, or whitewashed—particularly in the context of Black and Brown communities.

At Honestly Mary Jane, we believe in honoring cannabis for what it does and where it comes from. This is more than a timeline—it explores how cannabis has evolved across generations, geographies, and global movements. Because understanding where we’re going means honoring where we’ve been.

Ancient Origins: The First Evidence

Cannabis has been cultivated and used by humans for over 5,000 years, with some scholars suggesting its use dates as far back as 10,000 BCE.

Ancient China (circa 2700 BCE): The earliest documented medicinal use of cannabis comes from Chinese pharmacopeia, whwhichas used to treat pain, inflammation, and more. Emperor Shen Nung, kne father of Chinese medicine, is said to have included it in his herbal texts.

India: In Vedic culture, cannabis was used as a sacred plant, associated with Shiva and consumed in the form of bhang during religious festivals. Its use was spiritual, medicinal, and social—rooted in balance and ritual.

Ancient Egypt: Cannabis pollen has been found on mummies, and ancient texts point to its use for easing labor pain, inflammation, and even psychological ailments. The Egyptians understood this plant’s power long before modern science caught up.

Africa & the Middle East: Culture and Resistance

In Morocco, Ethiopia, and other regions of North and East Africa, cannabis has been cultivated for centuries—used for healing, textile production, and spiritual cereceremoniesn the Middle East, hashish (a concentrated form of cannabis) gained popularity around 1,000 CE, spreading through trade and Sufi mysticism.

Cannabis use in these cultures was deeply embedded in daily life—not as a "drug" but as a tool for connection, meditation, and community.

Europe & Colonization: Disruption of the Narrative

Cannabis arrived in Europe via ancient trade routes, and by the 1800s, it was being used in Western medicine as a treatment for epilepsy, migraines, and digestive issues. It was widely available in pharmacies and tinctures.

But like ,many things, colonialism disrupted the natural relationship many communities had with cannabis. It criminalized traditional plant use and reframed it as deviant behavior—particularly in colonized regions where cannabis use was tied to Indigenous or African spiritual practices

North America & Prohibition: A Weaponized Plant

In the early 1900s, cannabis became entangled in racialized politics in the United States:

During the Great Migration, Black jazz musicians and Caribbean immigrants brought cannabis into urban cultural spaces—think Harlem lounges, New rand leans jazz clubs.

The 1930s ushered in Reefer Madness hysteria, stoked by government propaganda and xenophobia. Cannabis laws were weaponized against Black and Brown communities, leading to mass incarceration that still impacts lives today.

By the 1970s, Nixon's "War on Drugs" took it further—targeting cannabis as a pretext for criminalizing Black communities, protestors, and anyone challenging the status quo

The Shift: Legalization, Research & Reclamation

In the past two decades, the narrative around cannabis has started to shift—thanks to advocacy, research, and relentless community organizing.

Medical cannabis became legal in California in 1996, ushering in a new era of legitimization.

Today, dozens of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. Countries like Canada, Uruguay, and Germany have followed suit in various forms.

Meanwhile, Israel has emerged as a leader in medical cannabis research, while South Africa, Thailand, and parts of the Caribbean are slowly embracing decriminalization and regulated markets.

But let’s be clear: equity is still lacking. The communities most harmed by prohibition remain underrepresented in the legal market. That’s why platforms like Honestly Mary ,Jane exist—to inform, advocate, and create space for women of color in cannabis culturculturee Cannabis Thrives Today: Global Cultivation Hotspots

North America: The U.S. and Canada are global leaders in legal cannabis cultivation and innovation, but policies vary widely by state and province.

South America: Uruguay and Colombia have embraced legalization models, wit an eye toward social equity and export economies.

Africa: Morocco remains one of the world’s top producers. In SoPrivateis legal, and in South Africa conversations about broader legalization are underway.

Asia: From India’s traditional bhang to Thailand’s recent legalization push, the region is full of both nt tradition and modern reform.

The Caribbean: Jamaica has long been associated with ganja culture, but now countries like Saint Vincent and Barbados are exploring cannabis tourism and medicinal use.

Europe: The Netherlands was firstthe to normalize cannabis culture. Now, countries like Germany, Malta, and Switzerland are moving toward progressive policing

Final Thoughts: This Is Our Story, Too

Cannabis history isn't just a footnote in global agriculture or pharmacology—it’s a living, breathing story of culture, resistance, healing, and reclamation. For Black and Brown communities, it’s also a story of survival—of reclaiming what was once criminalized and turning it into wellness, entrepreneurship, and joy.

As the cannabis industry contigrowsowe it tolves to know this history—not for context andr. Because when we know our roots, we grow with purpose.

Tia

Founder