Western Acknowledgement

 Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy 

Marijuana’s medicinal benefits have been known since at least the 1830s. Around that time, Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor studying in
India, documented that cannabis extracts could ease cholera symptoms like stomach pain and vomiting. By the late 19th century, Americans and Europeans could buy cannabis extracts in pharmacies and doctors’ offices to help with stomach aches, migraines, inflammation, insomnia, and other ailments. 

India 

Cannabis in India has been used since as early as 2000 BCE. From that time on, extensive knowledge has accumulated about cannabis in the treatment of various diseases. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian folk medicine, lists about 30 different diseases for which cannabis and cannabis-based products have been used to treat pain and other medical conditions. Current medical use of cannabis in India is limited by its illegal status. However, in 2020, India’s first cannabis clinic was opened using cannabis-based medications. 

In addition to its use for medical purposes, bhang (i.e., a popular cannabis edible mixture made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of the female plant) is used for Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals. Despite its illegal status, exceptions have been made for production and use-related purposes. In 2019, 2.8% of India’s population aged 10 to 75 reported cannabis use 

Middle Eastern  

The Islamic world became acquainted with cannabis 200 years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (A.D. 570–632). Unlike alcohol, there is no direct prohibition of cannabis use in the Quran. Although the status of cannabis in Islam remains uncertain, negative attitudes prevail even though it is allowed for pain and other medical conditions. Despite legal bans and religious restrictions, cannabis use remains present in many Arab countries, with some like Lebanon and Morocco considering amended legislation to support medical cannabis cultivation and export. 

Russia and Belarus 

Russia and Belarus have a shared history with cannabis dating back to 600 BCE when the Scythians, a nomadic Indo-European group, introduced its use to southeast Russia. Cannabis (mostly Cannabis sativa) cultivation in regional territories began in the 8th century. The substance quickly became a popular crop among peasants for propagation and use. In the early 20th century, Cannabis indica extract and tinctures were used for medical conditions including pain and insomnia, as well as a laxative when used in liquid form. 

For most people of the Russian Empire, cannabis was not a popular drug especially when compared to alcohol. However, in 1914, shortly before the outbreak of World War I, a prohibition was introduced in the Russian Empire to reduce alcohol consumption. This measure increased the use of drugs such as hashish and Anasha (the slang term for hashish and marijuana in some areas of the Russian Empire). Presently, countries now have a zero-tolerance policy for all drugs, including cannabis. While some research on the substance is allowed for medical purposes, there is no education offered about its use at medical universities in Russia or Belarus. 

The purpose of this study was to examine whether country of origin affects medical cannabis knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among foreign medical students studying in Russia and Belarus. We hypothesized that student country of origin is a considerable influence.