KYC: History of Cannabis

Cannabis has a long history of both medical and recreational. See the timeline below for more information on the rich history of cannabis from thousands of years ago to present day!

5000+ BCE: From archaeological evidence and oral traditions, there is evidence of ancient cultures in the Middle East, Asia and Northern Africa using cannabis and hemp for clothing, ritual and medical purposes.

2350 BCE: Cannabis is written on a stone tablet in Egypt. This marks one of the earliest written descriptions of cannabis.

1000 BCE: Bhang, is a popular herb in ancient India for relieving anxiety. Marijuana, combined other ingredients, was used as an anti-phlegmatic and anesthetic.

600 BCE, China: First farmers write about cannabis and its psychoactive properties.

600 BCE, China: Rise of Taoism brings cultural rejection of intoxicants, including cannabis.

600-700 CE, Southeast Asia: Use of hashish- an extract made with sifting method using sieves- spreads with expansion of Islam. Early Islam texts refer to cannabis as “bush of understanding” and “morsel of thought."

*Traditional theologists believe Mohammed prohibited use of “intoxicants.” Sufi Muslims take tension to next level, believing cannabis is a logical vehicle for achieving spiritual enlightenment

1253 CE, Egypt: Sufi Muslims grow cannabis. Government officials raids farms and destroys crops.

1324-78 CE, Egypt: Destruction from Egyptian troops increase and martial law imposed.

1798, Egypt: Napoleon stations French forces in Egypt. Hashish becomes well known and banned among European revolutionaries

18th-19th century Europe: Cannabis and hemp production increased due to new advancements with tobacco agriculture. Cannabis is popular despite harsh punishment.

1950s: American hippies travel to Europe through Thailand, a popular cannabis travel route referred to as the Hippie Trail.

1960s: Moroccan hash increases in popularity despite the recent passing of the Boggs Act in the United states.

1970s: United States: Butane Hash Oil (BHO) first arrives in the U.S. Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act and designated cannabis as a Schedule I drug, making it difficult for studies to be done on the uses for cannabis. The act describes cannabis as having no medical value and a high potential for abuse.

1973: United States: D. Gold’s Cannabis Alchemy is published. The guide details alcohol and charcoal extraction methods.

1977: United States: Michael Starks publishes Marijuana Chemistry which details extractions methods that use various solvents.

1999: Erowid publishes modern-day open-blasting method, a hazardous amateur home extraction guide, online.

2005: Canada, “Budder” is showcased in a Cannabis Culture article.

2010: United States: Butane Hash Oil makes first appearance at the High Times Cannabis Cup.

2010s: Different solvents and consistencies appear in both the legal and elicit cannabis markets. This includes concentrates like budder, shatter, and sap.

In the next blog, we'll cover next extraction technology including vape pens and cartridges, and solventless live rosin.

For more information about cannabis extracts, check out our Know Your Cannabis Classes!