Where Does Cannabis Come From?

Cannabis. The plant that has sparked centuries of debate, culture shifts, and some of the most passionate discussions in dorm rooms and legislative chambers alike. But where does it actually come from? How did this leafy green plant become both a sacred herb and a political lightning rod? To fully respond, we must journey through history, science, and a little bit of geography.

The Ancient Roots of Cannabis

Cannabis isn’t some modern discovery cooked up in a lab by enterprising stoners. It’s been around for thousands of years, deeply rooted in human history. The earliest known use of cannabis dates back to ancient Central Asia—specifically, regions that are now Mongolia and southern Siberia. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence suggesting that people were using cannabis as far back as 12,000 years ago.

Yep, that means ancient humans were already getting elevated long before penjamins and dispensaries existed.

A Global Tour of Flower

From its Central Asian origins, cannabis spread far and wide, hitching rides with traders, travelers, and conquerors. By around 2000 BCE, it had reached China, where it was used for medicinal purposes, fiber production, and even as an early anesthetic. The ancient Chinese text Shennong Ben Cao Jing (believed to be compiled around 100 AD) describes cannabis as a powerful medicine.

India embraced cannabis with open arms, incorporating it into spiritual and medicinal practices. Known as “bhang,” it became a staple in Hindu rituals and Ayurvedic medicine. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, cannabis was woven into medical treatments and religious practices, with some historians believing it played a role in ancient Persian and Islamic cultures.

Zaza Meets the West

Europe got its hands on cannabis thanks to the Scythians—a nomadic group of skilled horse riders who were known to hotbox tents with burning cannabis. (Yes, they were literally getting high in smoke-filled yurts.) By the time cannabis made its way to the Mediterranean, the Greeks and Romans were using it for everything from pain relief to rope-making.

Then came the transatlantic voyage. In the 1500s, Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought cannabis to the Americas, where it was initially cultivated for hemp. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, cannabis was widely used in medicines sold in pharmacies across the U.S.

The Modern Era: From Legal to Prohibition, back to Legalization

Of course, the 20th century saw a drastic shift. Cannabis went from being a widely used plant to a criminalized substance, thanks to a mix of political agendas, racialized propaganda, and the infamous War on Drugs. But as history loves a good full-circle moment, cannabis has been making a comeback. Today, legalization movements are gaining traction worldwide, as science and society reevaluate the plant’s benefits.

So, Where Does Cannabis Come From?

Short answer: Central Asia. Long answer: It’s been a global traveler, weaving itself into human culture for millennia. Whether used for healing, rituals, textiles, or recreational enjoyment, cannabis has cemented its place in history—and it’s not going anywhere.

Now that you know where it comes from, the real question is: Where is it going next?  Hopefully federal legalization in the United States in the not-too-distant future.

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