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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.”

6. Queen Arnegunde (c. 480-531 AD): The Frankish queen’s tomb contained cannabis remnants, suggesting potential ritualistic or medicinal use.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Unfortunately, historical records regarding the private cannabis consumption habits of kings and queens are often scarce and unreliable. Many rulers used cannabis for medicinal purposes, and some may have used it recreationally, but concrete evidence is hard to come by.

However, here are 20 instances of historical figures of royal lineage and their connections to cannabis:

Ancient World:

1. Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt (1507-1458 BC): Evidence suggests cannabis was used medicinally in ancient Egypt, and it’s possible Hatshepsut utilized it for menstrual cramps or other ailments.
2. Pharaoh Akhenaten of Egypt (1353-1336 BC): Cannabis pollen was found in his tomb, suggesting potential ritualistic or medicinal use.
3. King Solomon of Israel (c. 970-931 BC): The Bible mentions “kaneh bosm,” possibly cannabis, used in holy anointing oil.

Medieval Era:

4. Empress Wu Zetian of China (624-705 AD): A proponent of traditional medicine, she likely knew of cannabis’s uses, though specific evidence of her personal use is lacking.
5. King Henry VIII of England (1491-1547): Hemp was vital for shipbuilding, and Henry VIII encouraged its cultivation. While no direct evidence exists of his personal cannabis use, it was present in England during his reign.

Early Modern Era:

6. Queen Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603): Like her father, she supported hemp cultivation for its industrial uses. Some speculate she may have used it medicinally.
7. Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1542-1605): Cannabis was widely used in India during his reign, and it’s likely he was aware of its properties, though personal use is undocumented.
8. Queen Victoria of England (1819-1901): Her physician, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, prescribed cannabis for menstrual cramps, suggesting its presence in royal circles.

19th & 20th Centuries:

9. King George V of England (1865-1936): Though no direct evidence exists, some historians speculate he may have used cannabis medicinally in his later years.
10. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (1930-2002): Rumors circulated about her cannabis use, though never officially confirmed.
11. Queen Mother Elizabeth (1900-2002): Anecdotal accounts suggest she may have used cannabis-infused creams for arthritis pain.

Modern Era:

12. Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022): No evidence suggests she ever used cannabis, and she generally maintained a conservative stance on drug use.
13. King Charles III (born 1948): While his views on recreational cannabis are unknown, he has expressed interest in the medicinal potential of CBD.

Other Notable Figures:

14. Prince Henrik of Denmark (1934-2018): Openly admitted to smoking cannabis in his youth.
15. King Mohammed VI of Morocco (born 1963): Though Morocco is a major cannabis producer, no evidence suggests his personal use.
16. King Mswati III of Eswatini (born 1968): His country has considered legalizing cannabis cultivation, but his personal views are unclear.
17. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia (1892-1975): Associated with Rastafarianism, which uses cannabis sacramentally, though his personal use is debated.
18. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (1927-2016): Historically, Thailand had a more lenient view of cannabis; its medicinal use was known during his reign.
19. Princess Anne of the United Kingdom (born 1950): No evidence of personal use, but she has visited cannabis research facilities.
20. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (born 1984): Openly admitted to past cannabis use.

It’s important to remember that much of this information is based on speculation or anecdotal evidence. Royal families are often shrouded in secrecy, and official records on personal cannabis use are rare. However, this list provides a glimpse into the long and complex relationship between cannabis and royalty throughout history.

Cannabis has a long-standing reputation for inducing the “munchies,” that insatiable craving for snacks that often follows consumption. So, it might seem counterintuitive that this very plant could also be linked to weight loss. Yet, emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest a more complex relationship between cannabis and weight management.

While cannabis is certainly not a magic bullet for shedding pounds, it may offer some surprising benefits for those seeking to achieve a healthy weight. Let’s explore the science behind this intriguing connection and delve into how cannabis might influence appetite, metabolism, and ultimately, weight loss.

The “Munchies” Paradox:

It’s true that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, can stimulate appetite. This is due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating hunger and satiety. THC can increase the release of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger, and enhance the pleasure associated with eating.

However, studies have observed a curious phenomenon: despite increased caloric intake, long-term cannabis users tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and lower rates of obesity compared to non-users. This paradox suggests that other factors are at play, counteracting the munchies effect and potentially contributing to weight loss.

Possible Mechanisms:

While research is still ongoing, several mechanisms might explain the link between cannabis and weight loss:

1. Metabolic Effects:

• Increased Metabolism: Some studies suggest that cannabis may boost metabolism, the process by which your body converts food into energy. A higher metabolism can lead to more efficient calorie burning and potentially contribute to weight loss.
• Brown Fat Activation: Cannabis may promote the “browning” of white fat cells. Brown fat is more metabolically active than white fat, meaning it burns more calories to generate heat. This could contribute to weight loss by increasing energy expenditure.

2. Appetite Regulation:

• THCV’s Role: Certain cannabis strains contain THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), a cannabinoid that has been shown to suppress appetite and increase satiety. Unlike THC, THCV may actually help curb cravings and reduce overall food intake.
• CBD’s Influence: CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, may also play a role in appetite regulation. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD can modulate the endocannabinoid system and potentially influence hunger cues.

3. Lifestyle Factors:

• Reduced Alcohol Consumption: Cannabis users may sometimes substitute cannabis for alcohol, which is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.
• Increased Physical Activity: Some individuals report feeling more motivated to exercise after consuming cannabis, potentially leading to increased calorie expenditure.
• Improved Sleep: Cannabis can help improve sleep quality for some individuals. Adequate sleep is crucial for weight management, as sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones related to appetite and metabolism.

4. Reduced Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation is linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. Cannabis has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to improved metabolic health and weight management.

Cannabis and Weight Loss: The Bottom Line

While the evidence is promising, it’s important to emphasize that cannabis is not a miracle weight loss solution. More research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between cannabis, metabolism, and weight.

If you’re considering using cannabis for weight loss, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Strain Selection: Choose strains high in THCV or CBD, which are more likely to have appetite-suppressing effects.
• Dosage: Start low and go slow. Find the dosage that works for you without causing unwanted side effects.
• Consumption Method: Smoking may have negative health consequences. Consider healthier alternatives like vaping, edibles, or tinctures.
• Lifestyle Factors: Combine cannabis use with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal results.
• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Discuss your weight loss goals and cannabis use with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.

The Future of Cannabis and Weight Management:

As research progresses and cannabis laws evolve, we can expect to see more targeted cannabis-based products and therapies designed specifically for weight management. This could include personalized strain recommendations based on individual needs and metabolic profiles.

While the journey of understanding the relationship between cannabis and weight loss is ongoing, the emerging evidence suggests that this plant may offer a valuable tool for those seeking to achieve a healthy weight. By approaching cannabis use responsibly and incorporating it into a holistic wellness plan, individuals may be able to harness its potential benefits for weight management and overall health.