Cannabis has accompanied humanity for millennia. In this documentary, we trace the history – from the first records in China through prohibition to the modern legalization movement.
The Beginnings: Asia and the Middle East
The oldest evidence of cannabis use comes from China, around 2700 BC. Emperor Shen-Nung is said to have documented the plant as medicine. From Asia, cannabis spread along the Silk Road to India, Persia, and the Middle East.
Cannabis in the Ancient World
In India, cannabis was part of religious ceremonies. The Scythians used it in steam baths. Herodotus reported on ritual cannabis ceremonies in the 5th century BC. The plant was omnipresent – as medicine, textile, and intoxicant.
Prohibition
In the 20th century, everything changed. American prohibition, led by Harry Anslinger and the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, made cannabis an illegal substance worldwide. Racism and political interests played a central role.
The Legalization Movement
Since the 1990s, the tide has been turning. California legalized medical cannabis in 1996, Colorado followed in 2012 with adult-use legalization. Canada, Uruguay, and now Germany – legalization is advancing worldwide.
4000 Years – And Counting
The story of cannabis is far from over. What began as a medicinal plant was banned and is now returning. The next chapters will be fascinating.
