Cannabis is a plant that has been used by different cultures for centuries. One of the areas where it has been wildly used is Siberia. Siberia is known for its harsh winters, but it is also known as the land of medicinal and spiritual plants. Siberia has always been a region with diverse cultures, and each group has had different uses of Cannabis. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the historical uses of Cannabis in Siberia, how long they have been using it and what they use it for.
Cannabis has been used in Siberia for over 2,500 years. The Scythians were the first people to use it. They used to live in the region that is now modern-day Iran and Central Asia. The Scythians migrated north into Siberia and brought with them different plants, including Cannabis. The Scythians were known for their nomadic lifestyle, and they used Cannabis both for medicinal and recreational purposes. They used to smoke it as a way to induce trance states during their religious ceremonies.
Cannabis also found its place in the traditional Siberian medicine. The Buryat people, who live near Lake Baikal, have been using Cannabis as medicine for centuries. They use the plant to treat a wide range of ailments, from inflammation to migraine headaches. They also used to make a tea out of it for relieving anxiety and depression. The Evenki people, who live in the northeastern part of Siberia, used to add Cannabis to their traditional sauna (Banya) as a way to relax and socialize.
Shamanism is also a significant cultural component in Siberia, and Cannabis has played a big part in its practice. Shamans use Cannabis as a tool to communicate with the spirit world. They believe that by smoking it, they can open up a channel for spirits to come and communicate with them. Cannabis is also used to help shamans heal people. They blow the smoke over the sick part of the body and believe that it has healing properties.
The historical uses of Cannabis in Siberia are fascinating tales of its medicinal, shamanic, and recreational use. Siberian cultures have been using Cannabis for over 2,500 years, and it has played a significant role in their way of life. From the Scythians who migrated north with it and used it for religious ceremonies, to the Buryat and Evenki people, who integrated it into their traditional medicine and social practices. Today, Cannabis is still widely used in Siberia, and its cultural significance is still as profound as it was centuries ago.