A new peer-reviewed study titled “Forensic Toxicological Analysis Reveals Cannabis Use in 1600s Milan, Italy” archeology journalestablished that 17th-century Italians used cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes.
Building on a study of the once-famous 17th-century basement of Milan’s Ospedale Maggiore Hospital, researchers analyzed femur samples from the bodies of hospital patients who had been kept in the basement.
The purpose of the test was to see if they contained cannabis.
The researchers analyzed nine femurs belonging to seven men and two women.
Toxicological tests revealed that two cannabinoids, compounds found in the cannabis plant, were present in two thigh samples of these nine individuals.
The team then tried to determine whether the cannabis was used for recreational or medical purposes.
An examination of the hospital pharmacopoeia and documents identifying medicines used on hospital premises revealed that cannabis was not listed.
Researchers say this indicates the plant may be used recreationally, rather than medicinally.
However, the researchers also noted that the patients may have been given the plants while being treated by doctors outside the hospital.
The research team said these findings are evidence that 17th-century Italians in general, and residents of Milan in particular, were exposed to this plant.
The researchers noted that this is therefore the first physical evidence of modern cannabis use, not only in Italy but also in Europe.
have used cannabis in the past
Hemp plants were ubiquitous in ancient Greece and Rome, but interest in hemp waned during the Middle Ages.
Although the plant was banned by church edict in the 15th century, it continued to be used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes throughout the 16th century, thanks in large part to East and African travelers importing it on their voyages to Europe. Ta.