Cannabis has been employed by humans for thousands of years with roots tracing back to the Indian subcontinent and the fabled Middle Eastern region. However, the history of cannabis use in European cities is a rich and complex tapestry, spanning centuries and reflecting the ever-changing values and cultural norms of the time.

One of the earliest recorded uses of cannabis in Europe dates back to the 13th century, when it was first used for therapeutic applications in the courts of England. The herb was introduced to the continent by Arab physicians who had discovered its healing properties in their travels to India and the Middle East.

As the Renaissance took hold in Italy and Spain, cannabis use began to gain acceptance among the aristocracy, the intelligentsia, and even was embraced by the cultured classes. The famous Italian scientist Girolamo Fracastoro conducted research that culminated in a lauded poem in 1532 praising its medicinal properties, and his work was widely read and admired.

The use of cannabis as a medicinal herb continued to gain acceptance throughout the 16th and 17th centuries with physicians of considerable renown, including Thomas Sydenham, recommending it for a range of ailments.

Despite its growing popularity among the medical community, cannabis use was hindered by widespread misconceptions and many governments began to view the herb as a threat to public morality. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many European governments began to implement laws banning its use. In England, the first anti-cannabis law was passed in 1542, outlawing the "sowing, sowing, or planting" of hemp, which was closely related to cannabis.

However, these laws were commonly flouted, and cannabis continued to be used by many in secret. In the coffeehouses of 18th century London and Paris, cannabis was often used as a stimulant and was one of the 'house's' specialties.

The coffeehouses were viewed as dens of sin and vice by the authorities, but for many patrons, they offered a unique blend of artistic expression and personal liberty.

In the 19th century, cannabis use declined in popularity in Europe as new synthetic medicines became available and many governments passed stricter laws banning its use. However, influential creatives including the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Allen Ginsberg utilized the herb for its creative and spiritual properties in the early 20th century.

Today, cannabis use is once again on the rise in Europe, especially in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, where to buy weed in paris recreational cannabis is not strictly regulated.