Why it matters:
This article explores the historical context of the ban on hashish in Egypt during Napoleon’s conquest. It also highlights the influence of this ban on Western Europe’s perception of cannabis and the failure of the ban itself.
What they are saying:
The ban on hashish in Egypt during Napoleon’s invasion was not due to his soldiers being too stoned to fight, but rather a political move by one of his generals. The ban aimed to exert control over Egypt and Syria and to gain the respect of his Sunni in-laws. However, the ban was unsuccessful in stopping the cultivation, sale, and consumption of cannabis.
The big picture:
The ban on hashish introduced by Napoleon’s general was one of the first drug prohibition laws in the modern world. Despite the ban, hashish continued to be used in Egypt and was eventually introduced to Western Europe through French soldiers, similar to American veterans returning from Vietnam. Additionally, the hemp plant played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars, as it was used to make materials necessary for war.
What to watch:
It would be interesting to explore the socio-cultural impact that the introduction of hashish to Western Europe had on the attitudes towards cannabis and the evolution of cannabis policies in the region.
My take:
This article sheds light on the historical significance of the ban on hashish in Egypt during Napoleon’s conquest. It highlights the failure of the ban and its influence on Western Europe’s perception of cannabis. It also emphasizes the importance of the hemp plant during the Napoleonic Wars. Overall, the article showcases how historical events have shaped the global understanding and regulation of cannabis.
