Cannabis has been employed by humans for thousands of years with its origins dating back to the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. However, the history of cannabis use in European cities is weed illegal in france 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 has a documented history stretching back to a medieval era, when it was first used for therapeutic applications in the courts of England. The herb was introduced to the continent by Arab physicians who were introduced to its remarkable effects via their international travels.

As the Renaissance took hold in Italy and Spain, cannabis use gained popularity among the creative elite, the intelligentsia, and even spread to the upper echelons of society. The famous Italian scientist Girolamo Fracastoro conducted research that culminated in a lauded poem in 1532 praising its medicinal properties, and his work was widespread in popularity.

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 a popular ingredient in coffee and tea blends.

The coffeehouses were viewed as dens of sin and vice by the authorities, but for many patrons, they represented a haven of intellectual freedom.

In the 19th century, cannabis use lost its allure in Europe as new synthetic medicines became available and many governments passed stricter laws banning its use. However, some artists 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, notably in nations such as the Netherlands and Germany, where recreational cannabis is not strictly regulated.