Cannabis is a plant that has been used for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. While its use is often associated with modern-day recreational use and addiction, it has a rich history dating back to the ancient times. Among the early adopters of cannabis were the people of ancient India, whose medicinal practices and religious rituals centered around the plant. Today, we’ll take a trip back in time to explore the history of cannabis in ancient India and its various applications.
Historical evidence suggests that the use of cannabis in India dates back at least 4,000 years. One of the earliest mentions of cannabis was in the Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas - ancient Hindu texts - that refers to the plant as ‘sacred grass’. Apart from religious significance, cannabis was used in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic system that has been practiced in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. The plant was believed to have several medicinal properties, including the treatment of insomnia, headaches, and anxiety.
In addition to its medicinal properties, cannabis also had a significant place in Indian religious rituals. It was often used as incense in worship ceremonies to promote spiritual relaxation and promote a state of communion with the Divine. The Sadhus - Hindu ascetics who renounce worldly pleasures and devote themselves to spiritual pursuits - have long considered cannabis a sacrament. They believe that its use helps bring them closer to God and aids meditation.
During the Mughal era (16th-18th centuries), cannabis use became even more prevalent in India. Emperor Akbar is said to have encouraged the consumption of bhang, a popular cannabis-infused beverage. His successor, Emperor Jehangir was a reputed fan and is said to have enjoyed the drink to the extent that it was served in his court. Print literature has been found that associates the use of the cannabis plant with poets, artists, and musicians from that time.
However, the British Raj (1858-1947) saw a drastic shift in cannabis’s perception in India, as the British introduced the various colonial laws and customs, including drug prohibition. They were particularly wary of Hindu spiritual practices that involved cannabis use. Cannabis was then designated as an illicit drug and its use was heavily stigmatized. Today, cannabis legalization is a hot topic of discussion in India as many are pushing for a re-examination of the plant’s cultural and medicinal relevance.
The history of cannabis in India reveals a rich connection between the plant and the cultures and traditions of this region. From its use in religious ceremonies to its medicinal value, the plant was intertwined in the fabric of everyday life in ancient India. It holds immense significance in the country’s past, and proponents of legalization hope it will once again, play a more significant role in India's future. Despite its ups and downs, cannabis has emerged as a powerful tool to address various medical conditions, and we must have an open discourse on its role in our lives.