The word “ganja” has its origins in Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, the term “gañjā” (गञ्जा) refers to hemp or cannabis, and it has been used in Indian culture for centuries. Cannabis has a long history of use in India, both medicinally and recreationally, dating back thousands of years. It was used in various forms, including as a medicine, in religious ceremonies, and for recreational purposes. The term “ganja” likely evolved from the Sanskrit term as cannabis spread to other regions and language.
Ancient China
Cannabis has been used in China for its medicinal properties for millennia. The earliest recorded use dates back to around 2700 BCE in the writings of Emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese medicine. Cannabis was recommended for various ailments including rheumatism, menstrual issues, and malaria.
Ancient India
Cannabis, known as “ganja” or “bhang,” has a long history of medicinal and religious use in India. It is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Atharva Veda (c. 1500–1000 BCE) and the Sushruta Samhita (an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery).
Ancient Middle East and Africa
Historical evidence suggests that cannabis was used medicinally in ancient Egypt and throughout the Middle East. The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to around 1550 BCE, mentions cannabis as a treatment for various ailments.
Ancient Greece and Rome
Cannabis was known in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Greek physician Claudius Galen mentioned its use for treating pain and inflammation.
Medieval Islamic World
Cannabis was utilized in the medieval Islamic world for medicinal purposes. The Persian physician Avicenna wrote about its medicinal properties in his medical encyclopedia “The Canon of Medicine.”
Europe
Cannabis was used in European medicine during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, primarily as a treatment for pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues. However, its use declined in Europe in the 19th century with the rise of synthetic medicines.
Modern Era
Cannabis regained attention in the 19th and 20th centuries, with various Western physicians advocating for its medicinal use. In the 19th century, cannabis tinctures were commonly prescribed in Western medicine for conditions such as pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. However, with the prohibition of cannabis in the early 20th century, its medicinal use declined in Western medicine.
Contemporary Era
In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in the medicinal properties of cannabis. Countries around the world are legalizing medical cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea associated with chemotherapy. Research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, continues to grow, leading to the development of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals and treatments.