While historical records on cannabis use can be patchy, especially regarding specific instances with royalty, here are 10 instances or anecdotes of kings and queens throughout history who were linked to cannabis:
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Queen Victoria (1819-1901): Royal physician Sir Russell Reynolds prescribed cannabis to Queen Victoria for menstrual cramps. It’s believed she found it effective for pain relief.
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King Henry VIII (1491-1547): Though not direct evidence of his personal use, hemp cultivation was encouraged during his reign for rope and sailcloth production for the English navy. It’s plausible he was aware of its other properties.
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Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603): Similar to Henry VIII, she supported hemp cultivation, even imposing fines on landowners who didn’t grow it. While her personal use is uncertain, cannabis was present in Elizabethan England.
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Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Evidence suggests cannabis was used in ancient Egypt for medicinal and spiritual purposes. While specific pharaohs aren’t named, it’s likely they were at least aware of its use within their society.
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Emperor Shen Nung of China (mythological, c. 2800 BC): Considered the father of Chinese medicine, he is credited with documenting the medicinal uses of various herbs, including cannabis, in the “Pen Ts’ao Ching.”
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Queen Arnegunde (c. 480-531 AD): The Frankish queen’s tomb contained cannabis remnants, suggesting potential ritualistic or medicinal use.
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King Solomon of Israel (c. 970-931 BC): While debated, some interpretations of biblical texts suggest “kaneh bosm” may refer to cannabis, potentially used in religious ceremonies.
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Various Indian Emperors: Cannabis has a long history of spiritual and medicinal use in India. Many emperors, particularly during the Mughal era, likely consumed it in the form of bhang.
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French Empress Eugénie (1826-1920): Wife of Napoleon III, she was known to use hashish to treat menstrual cramps, possibly influencing its use in French high society.
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King Louis XIII of France (1601-1643): His physician, Francois Rabelais, wrote about the potential medicinal uses of cannabis, indicating an awareness of the plant within the French court.
Important Notes:
- Evidence Varies: The level of historical evidence for each ruler’s cannabis use differs. Some are based on direct accounts, others on circumstantial evidence or cultural practices of the time.
- Social Context Matters: Cannabis use was viewed differently throughout history and across cultures. What might be considered recreational today may have had medicinal or spiritual significance in the past.
This list provides a glimpse into the historical relationship between royalty and cannabis. While further research is always uncovering new details, it’s clear that cannabis has been present in human societies, including among the elite, for millennia.
