A History of Hashish

Hello, lovely souls and lovers of all things cannabis! Let’s take a journey through the ages and explore the history of hashish—a substance with a long and colourful past that has woven itself into the fabric of many cultures around the world.

Hashish, often simply referred to as “hash,” is a cannabis concentrate derived from the resin of the cannabis plant. Hashish has a long history of usage in countries such as Afghanistan, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Iran, and Lebanon. Its origins trace back thousands of years, with some of the earliest uses believed to be in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and the surrounding regions. Historical records suggest that the ancient Persians and Scythians were among the first to discover and use cannabis for its psychoactive and medicinal properties. The word “hashish” itself comes from the Arabic word “ḥashīsh” (حشيش), which means “grass” or “herb.” By the 10th century, hashish was well-known in the Arab world, and its use was documented in various literary works and historical texts.

From East to West

During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries), the knowledge and use of hashish spread across the Middle East. It was during this time that hashish became popular among Sufi mystics, who used it as a means to enhance spiritual practices and achieve altered states of consciousness. The use of hashish was believed to facilitate deep meditation and connection with the divine.

The spread of hashish continued along trade routes, reaching India, where it was integrated into cultural and religious practices. As trade routes expanded, hashish found its way to India, where it became an integral part of cultural and religious practices.  In India, hashish, known locally as “charas,” has been used for centuries. The process of making charas involves hand-rubbing the resin from the flowering tops of the cannabis plant, a technique that has been passed down through generations. India’s historical texts, including the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), mention cannabis (referred to as “bhang”) as one of the five sacred plants. It was considered a source of happiness, a joy-giver, and a liberator. Bhang, a preparation made from cannabis leaves and flowers, is often consumed during religious festivals like Holi and Shivratri.

One of the principal deities in Hinduism, Lord Shiva, is often associated with cannabis. Shiva is known as the “Lord of Bhang” and is depicted consuming cannabis to aid in meditation and spiritual pursuits. Devotees of Shiva such as Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, often use hashish to aid in their spiritual practices. These stoned nomadic ascetics renounce worldly possessions and use cannabis to deepen their meditation and spiritual awareness, viewing it as a sacred tool to enhance their connection with the divine.

By the 19th century, hashish had made its way to Europe, brought back by soldiers and travellers from the Napoleonic campaigns in Egypt. It gained popularity among European intellectuals and artists, who were fascinated by its mind-altering effects. Hashish clubs emerged in Paris, where writers and poets like Charles Baudelaire and Victor Hugo experimented with the substance and documented their experiences. However, with the rise of the 20th century came increased regulation and prohibition. Many Western countries, influenced by changing attitudes towards ‘drug use’, began to criminalise cannabis and its derivatives, including hashish. This led to a significant decline in its legal use and availability. Despite these challenges, hashish has maintained a thriving presence around the world. In countries like Morocco and Afghanistan, traditional hashish production techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving the craft and heritage of this ancient substance. Morocco is currently among the world’s top producers of hashish. As of 2024, Morocco was the world’s top supplier of cannabis. On May 26, 2021, the Moroccan parliament voted to legalise the use of cannabis for medical, as well as cosmetic and industrial purposes.

As attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve, globally we’ve seen a push towards legalisation and decriminalisation, hopefully leading to a more appreciation and less stigma. We think that this shift has allowed for greater exploration of its potential therapeutic benefits, as well as a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural significance.

Whether you’re drawn to hashish/cannabis for its historical roots, its potential benefits, or its role in contemporary wellness practices, remember to approach it with respect and awareness. It’s important to recognise that substances like hash can have different effects on different individuals, as it’s our unique dispositions that vary, not the cannabis itself – Let’s strive to keep an open mind and not let our biases cloud our judgements. We implore you to prioritise your well-being and seek guidance if needed – always within a framework of mindful and responsible use.

Stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep exploring the many paths to healing and understanding.

References

• Herodotus. “Histories.”
• Rhazes. “Kitab al-Hawi.”
• Al-Suhrawardi. “The Philosophy of Illumination.”
• Abel, E. L. (1980). “Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years.” Springer.
• Baudelaire, C. (1860). “Les Paradis Artificiels.”
• Booth, M. (2003). Cannabis: A History. St. Martin’s Press.
• Chopra, R. N. (1940). “Cannabis Sativa in Relation to Medicine and Religion.” Indian Medical Gazette.
•  “Some Arab governments are rethinking harsh cannabis laws”. The Economist. Apr 12, 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
• Narasimhan, R. (2013). Asceticism and Its Discontents: What Is It Good for? The Journal of Hindu Studies.
• Sharma, H. (2012). Cannabis in Hinduism: A Reappraisal. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity.