Cannabis and food: A Journey Through The Culinary History Of Cannabis

The history of cannabis dates back to the Neolithic around 50.000 years ago based on archeological evidence and was used for fiber, rope, food, medicine and for religious purposes among other uses.

Nowadays, we still use cannabis in a similar way as our ancestors did, but we keep exploring different ways to consume it (like vaping or using oils) and take advantage of all the beneficial therapeutic properties that this plant provides. Thus, in this article we are going to take a journey through the culinary history of cannabis.

Neolithic

The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, is described in history books as the age of the polished or ground stone tools, when humans started to settle in permanent villages while domesticating animals and plants.

Many historians and archaeologists affirm that back then humans were already cultivating cannabis among other plants to use them as food, fiber or medicine. Besides, cannabis achenes have been found in an archaeological site in the Oki Islands, near Japan, from about 8000 BC, which means that it was not a coincidence and that they were in fact using the plant.

Ancient India

Although we don’t have much information about eating cannabis during prehistory, we know a little bit more about its consumption in Ancient India. We can’t talk about this period without mentioning one of the oldest cannabis traditions, Bhang.

Bhang was an edible preparation that is still consumed nowadays and that consisted of an infused drink made with yogurt, nuts, spices and rose water. It originated in the 10th century in India and it wasn’t considered a drug, but a traditional sleeping aid and appetizer.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages or medieval period in Europe lasted from the 5th to the 15th century approximately, beginning with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and transitioning into the Renaissance. In the collective imagination, this period was seen as dark times when the Black Death devastated Europe and only Kings and Queens could afford a good quality of life.

In regards to the use of cannabis in food, there are written sources about the use of this plant as medicine, but not so many documents to know if it was a common ingredient in medieval people’s diet. However, some surviving folk recipes such as the Guc-kand from Uzbekistan point to the fact that it was edible.

Guc-kand was a recipe made from cannabis, sugar, saffron and egg whites which was commonly used to relieve pain during baby circumcisions. At the same time in Greece, there was an infusion used to relieve earache based on green cannabis seeds and liquid (either water or wine; either honey or mead) known as Khylos.

From the 19th century to present

With all the culinary advances and household appliances, we can affirm that edible cannabis also relies on this technology evolution. Thus, nowadays, we are able to be more creative and to replicate thousands of recipes adding this ingredient to it.

In the 1800s, we saw the development of the hashish maple candy recipe. Time after, in the 1900s, the popular and delicious cannabis brownies recipe appeared, still consumed and enjoyed in our days. Besides, you can legally buy CBD hemp gummies and more.

Since 2011, GB The Green Brand has had a recipe section in its blog with lots of posts to discover. From the sweetest mushroom chocolate to the most seasonal Christmas dinners. This has been our journey through the culinary history of cannabis to connect with our ancestors while discovering the mysterious and magic hidden secrets of this plant.