By Ayşe Kösen

From China to Egypt, from India to Mesopotamia, the fascinating journey of cannabis has
accompanied human history as a tool for healing, a ritual element, and a symbol of our bond
with nature.
Thousands of years ago, as humanity tried to decipher the secrets of nature, it discovered a
hidden treasure in the leaves of cannabis. This humble plant became a symbol of healing in
the hands of ancient civilizations — a hopeful remedy and a reflection of harmony with life.
From ancient papyri and clay tablets to modern laboratories, medical journey of cannabis is a
captivating legacy shaped by scientific curiosity and the human spirit. Let us step into this
ancient path and discover how cannabis has touched humanity.

Ancient China (c. 2700 BCE):
In the legendary Shennong Ben Cao Jing, cannabis was known as “ma”. It soothed the pain of
rheumatism, calmed restless nights, and eased digestion. Brewed as a tea, infused with wine,
or inhaled as vapor, cannabis was nature’s powerful gift — treating everything from malaria
to “wind disorders” (what we now call neurological conditions). Chinese healers skillfully
harnessed its balanced energy to align the body with nature.

India (c. 1000 BCE):
In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, cannabis was considered a sacred gift from Shiva.
Through the drink “bhang”, minds found calm, epileptic seizures subsided, and headaches
dissolved. It stimulated appetite, reduced nausea, and opened the doors of meditation in
spiritual rituals, freeing the soul. Cannabis became a legendary figure in India’s cultural and
medicinal fabric — a healer that embraced both body and spirit.

Ancient Egypt (c. 2000 BCE):
In the “Ebers Papyrus”, cannabis — referred to as “šmšmt” — was used along the fertile
banks of the Nile for its healing powers. It eased labor pains, treated vaginal infections, and
relieved eye diseases like glaucoma. Administered through pastes, suppositories, and steam,
Egyptians regarded cannabis as a gift attuned to nature’s rhythms, applying it in both medical
and sacred contexts.

The Middle East & Mesopotamia (c. 1000 BCE):
On Assyrian tablets, cannabis was recorded as a wound healer, tremor soother, and seizure
reliever. The Persians used it as an aphrodisiac, linking it to passion and life energy. Whether
in oils, ointments, or incense, cannabis found its way into the lives of warriors and farmers
alike. In the sun-drenched lands of the Middle East, this plant stood as a symbol of healing
and strength.

Greece & Rome (500 BCE – 500 CE):
Renowned physicians like Dioscorides and Galen documented the medical value of cannabis.
Cannabis seed water was dropped into ears for infections, salves were applied to burns and
joint pain, and poultices treated swelling. Along the sunny Mediterranean coast, cannabis
featured in both prescriptions and everyday remedies of physicians, reflecting its versatility
and illuminating the ancient world’s approach to health.

Africa (Prehistoric – Medieval):
Archaeological findings reveal that cannabis was known in Ethiopia as early as 2000 BCE. It
was used to repel malaria, expel intestinal parasites, and ease childbirth. Whether chewed,
steeped as tea, or inhaled as smoke, cannabis was an integral part of a nature-centered
lifestyle across many African cultures — offering both physical and spiritual healing.

A Reunion Through Science:
Today, modern science is rediscovering the ancient wisdom of cannabis by studying
cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Research confirms its efficacy in pain management,
epilepsy treatment, nausea reduction, and inflammation control. Of course, ancient use lacked
standardized dosages, which sometimes posed toxicity risks. Still, cannabis remained a plant
that strengthened humanity’s connection with nature — a bridge across civilizations.
Cannabis is not just a plant. It’s a living symbol of cultures, beliefs, and humanity’s quest to
live in harmony with the natural world. This ancient legacy reminds us the wisdom of our
ancestors, the generosity of nature, and the universal language of healing.