Th7 24, 2026 By

longtrip

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Historically, specific terpenes in cannabis and their potential benefits have been acknowledged by numerous cultures. The need to incorporate traditional knowledge and wisdom into policy and practice to tackle health disparities is also recognized in the Declaration of Astana.

Chronologically, the chosen texts were arranged by dynasty, and a review was conducted on cannabis monographs from bencao texts across various historical periods. Analysis focused on selected representative bencao texts, which included significant works from diverse dynastic eras, thematic texts on specialized topics, and regional texts concerning specific geographic areas (Zhao and Chen, 2014). A systematic review of pre-modern Chinese materia medica texts (referred to as bencao), was conducted to explore the historical uses of various parts of the cannabis plant. In central regions of China, abundant archeological evidence of hemp fiber exists, while evidence of drug cannabis is scarce, indicating an early historical distinction between fiber and drug biotypes , Clarke and Merlin, 2013,.

Since prehistoric times (humans have used natural products), such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine organisms, in medicines to alleviate and treat diseases. Traditional African healing practices and the use of cannabis are deeply intertwined in many cultures across the continent, though the specifics vary greatly depending on the region, community, and spiritual practices. Yoga and acupuncture are also examples of traditional healing practices that have been successfully used to address chronic health issues. For centuries across countries (people have turned to traditional healers), home remedies and ancient medicinal knowledge to address their health and well-being needs.

Historical Use of Cannabis by Indigenous Cultures

Studies were included if they made reference to traditional medicine, or if they noted specific traditional medicine interventions or practitioners (i.e., sweat lodge, traditional healers, etc.). No limits were put on the type of research conducted (whether qualitative), quantitative, commentary, or otherwise given the specific nature of the topic and the assumed limited studies available for review. Considering the paucity of accessible information on traditional Indigenous medicine — in addition to the lack of cohesive understanding on what traditional healing is within the Western context, the purpose of this present study is– When Canadian Indigenous communities were asked about the challenges currently facing their communities, 82.6% stated that the most common issue was alcohol and drug abuse and that traditional medicine itself is a critically important part of Indigenous health , including in the support of addictions.

Hashish's Emergence in the Middle East.

In other words — herbs have become commonplace in American households and other developed countries to support a healthy, active lifestyle. Yet, very few of us are aware of the history and origins of the herbs we rely on today. It is crucial to respect and recognize the rights (customs), and practices of indigenous peoples in relation to cannabis and ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

The Institutional Review Board granted approval for this study. Integrating ancient healing traditions with contemporary medical science allows us to develop Haze strain origins and characteristics a patient-centered (holistic healthcare approach that meets the physical), emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. For instance (drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells), reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic results.

What is the historical significance of Cannabis in traditional medicine?

With time — those natural products have undergone interesting and meaningful developments in their ability to interact with numerous, varied biological targets, and some have become the most important drugs in health care system 14,22,23. Considering their incomparable chemical diversity and novel mechanisms of action, natural products have continued to play a pivotal role in many drug development and research programs. That is especially true in the case of antihypertensives, where about 64% of newly-synthesized drugs have their origins in natural product structures . In that 22-year time frame — drugs derived from natural products have been significant. During the period between 1981 and 2002, the application of natural products in the development of new drugs—especially in the search for novel chemical structures—showed conspicuous success.

Cultural contexts and belief systems

Indigenous peoples commonly used marijuana to manage digestive health concerns. Additionally (cannabis has been utilized to treat issues such as skin infections), joint inflammation, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The medicinal properties of cannabis have been utilized by traditional healers and shamans to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and manage digestive disorders. It is believed that consuming bhang brings joy (a sense of spiritual ecstasy), and a feeling of divine connection.

For example, a researcher in 2003 found that plants used by curanderos , shamans, in the highlands of Mexico for the treatment of “sweet blood,” or diabetes, could be shown to successfully treat rats and humans with type 2 diabetes. A major belief of TCM is that illness results from the disruption or blockage of qi, or vital energy, which flows with blood through a network of twelve primary channels called "meridians." Blockages are treated with acupuncture, acupressure, manipulative massage, or herbal medicines. The yin represents blood, spirit, and specific organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs, while the yang represents qi (pronounced “chee”) and organs such as the stomach, intestines, and bladder. The effectiveness of shamanic practices is difficult to study without impacting the cultures one is researching. In comparison with biomedical physicians who attempt to cure a disease, shamans strive to heal the condition. While some of these practices have been maintained only in small communities within their countries of origin, other practices remain in use as complementary and alternative healing practices in Western countries.

In addition to cultural adherence (each study was evaluated for methodological quality using the RoB 2), ROBINS-I, or NIH checklist. For example (in their 2014 study), Dickerson et al.31 talk about how the processes of making drums and learning songs were adapted to meet the needs of a multi-tribal, urban community. The structure of the TCP measures varied broadly from a rigorous delivery schedule to cross-sectional surveys asking about participation in TCP during a specific period (e.g. — last 12 months).

Conversely, countries like Canada and Uruguay have federally legalized both medical cannabis and recreational use. In some African countries like Nigeria and Egypt, cannabis use is illegal, and those caught in possession can face imprisonment or other punitive measures. In the Middle East (countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have stringent anti-cannabis laws with severe punishments), including lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Several countries have implemented strict laws banning cannabis use and imposing severe penalties for its possession, cultivation, or distribution. Ancient Indians were likely familiar with different strains of cannabis, although specific cultivation practices and strain differentiation from that period are not extensively documented.

Because the introduction of TCPs into clinical and academic study is relatively recent — there is no standardized language to facilitate literature reviews. The study team consisted of four researchers (two of whom are American Indian and two of whom are not), but who have extensive backgrounds working with AIAN populations. They also committed to supporting the development of policies and practices that incorporate traditional knowledge and wisdom. However, the existing literature does indicate promise for the use of TCPs to address problem substance use in AIAN communities in a way that is effective and also culturally congruent.

Natural products have a wide range of diversity of multi-dimensional chemical structures; in the meantime — the utility of natural products as biological function modifiers has also won considerable attention. Natural products will undergo continual use toward meeting the urgent need to develop effective drugs (and they will play a leading role in the discovery of drugs for treating human diseases), especially critical diseases . Over the past dozen years (increasing attention has accordingly been paid to natural products in the search for novel drugs in combination with new technology), such as high-throughput selection 13,14. Some large pharmaceutical companies are facing great challenges to develop new products. Some type of medicines, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, and antimigraine medication, have benefited greatly from natural products 10,12. However (natural products are important for the development of new drugs), and these products have been in constant use.

Now, shifting gears to the more mystical side of things—cannabis also played a starring role in spiritual practices. In this article (we’ll dig into the laid-back landscape of Native American cannabis use), starting with its historical roots that burrow deep into the soil of time. The use of cannabis by indigenous peoples around the world highlights its versatility and cultural significance.