A Brief History
Cannabis has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with its roots tracing back to Central Asia. Ancient civilisations cultivated the plant for its fibres, seeds, and psychoactive properties.
In China, cannabis was used medicinally as early as 2700 BCE. From there, it spread to India, where it became an important part of religious and medicinal practices.
As trade routes developed, cannabis spread to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In medieval Islamic societies, cannabis was used recreationally and medicinally, and in Europe, hemp (a variety of cannabis) was widely cultivated for rope and textiles.
The psychoactive use of cannabis became more prevalent in the West during the 19th century. However, in the early 20th century, many countries began to criminalise cannabis.
Many countries are now decriminalising and legalising cannabis, recognising its medicinal benefits and economic potential.
African and South African History of Cannabis
Cannabis has a centuries-old legacy in Africa, serving medicinal, spiritual, and social roles. Traditional healers and religious ceremonies often incorporated the plant. Cannabis grew naturally in some African regions and was cultivated as a valuable cash crop. During colonial times, European powers inconsistently discouraged or banned its use.
Many African countries maintained strict cannabis laws after gaining independence. However, recent developments signal change. Lesotho, in 2017, became the first African nation to legalise cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes, inspiring others to explore similar paths.
South Africa’s Cannabis Journey
Cannabis, known as “dagga,” has ancient roots in South Africa. Indigenous peoples, including the Khoikhoi and San, employed it for medicinal and spiritual purposes. During Dutch colonisation (17th-18th centuries), both settlers and indigenous communities embraced cannabis. However, British rule in the 19th century led to stricter regulations.
In 1922, South Africa became an early adopter of cannabis criminalisation. This continued through apartheid and beyond. In 2018, the tide turned again when the Constitutional Court decriminalised private cannabis use, recognising personal autonomy. Today, South Africa aims to harness cannabis’s potential, focusing on both medicinal and industrial hemp production.