From Smoke to Steam: Consumption Across the Ages

With legalization helping take cannabis mainstream, a wave of new products and brands has hit the shelves, and demand has been surging. Enthusiasts have been flocking to dispensaries, searching for the latest and greatest innovations.

But before we get too caught up in the now, let’s take a moment to recognize the long history of cannabis sativa use—both medicinal and recreational—spanning cultures and centuries. Here’s a look at some key historical consumption methods through the millennia:

Smoking

The oldest and most common method of consumption is smoking, particularly the burning of dried flowers and leaves. This practice dates back thousands of years, with ancient texts from India, China, and the Middle East referencing cannabis for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes.

The Scythians, a nomadic tribe in Central Asia around the 3rd millennium BCE, were known to inhale the vapors from burning cannabis seeds and flowers, likely using heated stones. So maybe we shouldn’t complain about a harsh pull now and then—compared to their methods, we’ve come a long way.

Hashish

One of the earliest concentrated forms of cannabis, hashish, is a resin extracted from the plant’s trichomes. This method gained popularity in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India around the 10th century CE. Hashish was smoked in pipes and hookahs or mixed into food and drinks.

It also earned a place in literary and philosophical circles. Notable figures like Aleister Crowley, Charles Baudelaire, Alexandre Dumas, and Victor Hugo were known to partake, leaving a lasting cultural imprint on literature and the arts.

Edibles

Cannabis-infused edibles have a long history. In India, the preparation of bhang—a drink made with cannabis leaves, milk, spices, and sugar—dates back over 1,000 years. It was consumed in religious rituals, festivals, and as a medicinal tonic.

In ancient China, cannabis seeds were ground into a powder and incorporated into food. Early Chinese pharmacological texts describe the medicinal benefits of cannabis-infused preparations, showing that edibles weren’t just about recreation—they were about healing.

Topicals

Cannabis has long been used in topical applications for its therapeutic benefits. Ancient Egyptians applied cannabis-infused ointments for anti-inflammatory and pain relief purposes, while Ayurvedic medicine in India used cannabis oil to treat skin disorders and body aches.

Tinctures and Extracts

By the 19th century, cannabis tinctures became a widely accepted medicinal remedy in the West. These alcohol-based extracts were used to treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Sold in pharmacies across the U.S. and Europe, cannabis tinctures remained commonplace until prohibition laws took effect in the early 20th century.

Final Toke

The methods of cannabis consumption have continuously adapted with time, reflecting the ever-evolving relationship between humans and the plant. From the crude inhalation of burning seeds by the Scythians to modern vaporization, cannabis culture has always sought new ways to enhance the experience.

Vaporization, while often seen as a modern innovation, has ancient roots. The concept of heating cannabis without burning it can be traced back to early practices like the Scythians' use of heated stones. Today’s vaporizers, whether handheld devices or sophisticated rigs, refine that concept into a method that delivers cannabinoids efficiently while reducing the harmful byproducts of combustion. 

It’s a testament to how technology and tradition continually intersect in cannabis culture. As we move forward, cannabis consumption will continue to evolve, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovations.