Hashish isn’t just a product—it’s a time traveler, a cultural icon, and a smoky slice of history that’s been sparking curiosity for centuries. At We Got Gaz, we’re obsessed with this concentrated cannabis wonder, and today, we’re taking you on a wild ride through its past. From ancient rituals to modern relaxation, hashish has stories to tell—and we’ve got the goods to match. Grab a seat (and maybe a dab rig), because this is hashish history like you’ve never smoked it before!
The Dawn of Dank: Hashish in Ancient Times
Picture this: it’s 10th-century Persia, and traders are sifting sticky resin from cannabis plants under a blazing sun. Hashish—derived from the Arabic “hashīsh,” meaning “dry herb” or “grass”—makes its debut. Early records suggest it popped up in the Middle East, with texts like the Arabian Nights hinting at its use as a mind-bending treat. Nomads and mystics pressed it into cakes, smoked it in pipes, or munched it for spiritual kicks. Was it the original chill pill? You bet. By 900 AD, it was already a trade secret along the Silk Road, spreading its earthy magic far and wide.
Source: Abel, Ernest L. Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years. Springer, 1980; The Arabian Nights (translated by Sir Richard Burton, 1885)—public domain.
Sultans, Assassins, and a Smoky Legend
Ever heard of the Hashishin? These 11th-century Persian warriors gave hashish its wildest myth. Legend says their leader, Hasan-i Sabbah, dosed his crew with hashish to fuel fearless assassin missions—hence the word “assassin.” Historians argue it’s more tall tale than truth (they were likely just hardcore without the hash), but the story stuck. Meanwhile, sultans and poets in the Islamic Golden Age were puffing hashish in hookahs, praising its ability to “open the mind’s eye.” By the 1200s, it was the VIP of vices—exclusive, exotic, and oh-so-sticky.
Source: Booth, Martin. Cannabis: A History. Picador, 2005.
Marco Polo’s Sticky Souvenir
Fast forward to the 13th century, and hashish catches the eye of a famous wanderer: Marco Polo. In his travelogues, he describes encountering “hasheesh” in Asia—pressed cannabis resin traded like gold. He didn’t just bring back pasta vibes; he helped spark Europe’s curiosity about this mysterious substance. Soon, hashish was trickling into ports like Venice, whispered about in taverns as the “spice of the East.” It wasn’t mainstream yet, but the seeds (or resin, rather) were planted for a global takeover.
Source: Russo, Ethan B. “History of Cannabis and Its Preparations in Saga, Science, and Sobriquet.” Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2007.
Napoleon’s Hash Headache
Hashish hit a turning point in 1798 when Napoleon’s troops stormed Egypt. His soldiers discovered the local hashish scene—smoking, eating, and vibing like champs. They brought it back to France, and suddenly, Paris was buzzing. But Napoleon wasn’t a fan; he banned it in 1800, claiming it made his men too chill to fight. Too late—the cat was out of the bag. By the 1840s, French intellectuals like Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas were hosting “Club des Hashischins,” where they’d munch hashish edibles and wax poetic. Hashish wasn’t just a drug; it was a cultural muse.
Source: Booth, Martin. Cannabis: A History. Picador, 2005.
Victorian Vibes: Hashish Goes High Society
Across the Channel, the British caught the hashish bug via colonial India, where it was called “charas.” In the 19th century, Victorian doctors like William O’Shaughnessy studied its medicinal perks—pain relief, insomnia cures, even appetite boosts. Soon, hashish tinctures were all the rage in London pharmacies. Meanwhile, bohemian artists smoked it for inspiration, scribbling poetry between puffs. It was the ultimate paradox: a posh cure and a rebel’s delight, all rolled into one resinous ball.
Source: O’Shaughnessy, W.B. “On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah.” Provincial Medical Journal, 1843.
The Roaring ’20s: Jazz, Joints, and Hashish Hits
Hashish swaggered into the 20th century with jazz-age flair. In the 1920s, American speakeasies and Harlem jazz clubs started buzzing with “hash joints.” Smugglers slipped it in from Morocco and Lebanon, where hashish production was an art form—hand-rubbed, sun-dried, and shipped in secret. It mingled with the Prohibition crowd, offering a smoky escape from booze bans. By mid-century, beatniks like Jack Kerouac were name-dropping hashish in their rants, cementing its cool-kid status. It wasn’t everywhere, but where it was, it stole the show.
Source: Booth, Martin. Cannabis: A History. Picador, 2005.
Hippie Hash: The ’60s Love Affair
Cue the 1960s: flower power, free love, and hashish galore. Hippies trekked the “Hippie Trail” from Europe to India and Nepal, scooping up kilos of hand-pressed hashish. Places like Kathmandu became hash meccas, with varieties like “Temple Ball” and “Malana Cream” gaining cult fame. Back home, it fueled counterculture—think tie-dye, sitars, and clouds of sweet smoke. Hashish wasn’t just a high; it was a statement. And with cannabis laws loosening by the decade’s end, its legend only grew.
Source: Russo, Ethan B. “History of Cannabis and Its Preparations in Saga, Science, and Sobriquet.” Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2007.
Hashish Today: A Modern Renaissance
Flash to 2025, and hashish is having a glow-up. Legalization waves have brought it out of the shadows, and artisans (like us at We Got Gaz) are crafting premium CBD hashish that’s safe, potent, and packed with flavor. From its ancient roots to today’s labs, hashish has evolved—now full-spectrum, organic, and THC-light for pure relaxation. Searches for “best CBD hashish,” “organic hashish online,” and “hashish history” are spiking, and we’re here for it. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a lifestyle—and it’s never been better.
Why We Got Gaz is Your Hashish Haven
Here’s the kicker: history isn’t just for reading—it’s for smoking. At We Got Gaz, our hashish lineup—like the zesty Orange Fritter CBD Hashish—channels centuries of craftsmanship into every crumbly nugget. Organic, lab-tested, and bursting with terpenes, it’s the modern twist on an ancient classic. Want to taste the legacy? Hit our shop page and snag some before it’s gone—because hashish this good doesn’t sit around long.
Smoke the Past, Savor the Present
From Persian mystics to jazz joints, hashish has danced through time, leaving a trail of awe and aroma. It’s more than a product—it’s a story, and you’re the next chapter. Dive deeper into our blog for more hemp history, or better yet, light up some We Got Gaz hashish and make your own. History never tasted so good!
Full Sources List
- Abel, Ernest L. Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years. Springer, 1980.
- Booth, Martin. Cannabis: A History. Picador, 2005.
- Russo, Ethan B. “History of Cannabis and Its Preparations in Saga, Science, and Sobriquet.” Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2007.
- The Arabian Nights (translated by Sir Richard Burton, 1885)—public domain.
- O’Shaughnessy, W.B. “On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah.” Provincial Medical Journal, 1843.