NAPOLEON AND THE CANNABIS WAR

 How did Napoleon's troops influence the cannabis market in Europe

Napoleon's troops significantly influenced the cannabis market in Europe, particularly through their experiences during the Egyptian campaign of 1798. Here's how:

1. Introduction to hashish: During the invasion of Egypt, French soldiers encountered hashish for the first time. Deprived of their usual alcohol, they began consuming hashish in local cafés and markets[2][3].

2. Cultural exchange: The soldiers' exploration of hashish contributed to a cultural exchange that helped shape Western Europe's evolving perspective on cannabis[3].

3. Bringing hashish back to France: Upon returning from Egypt in 1801, French troops brought supplies of hashish with them, introducing it to a wider audience in France[5].

4. Literary influence: The soldiers' experiences with hashish in Egypt indirectly led to the formation of the Club des Hashischins in Paris. This club, dedicated to the consumption of hashish and other drugs, included famous authors like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Charles Baudelaire[5].

5. Medical research: French psychiatrist Jacques-Joseph Moreau, inspired by these experiences, conducted extensive studies on hashish. In 1845, he published "Du Hachisch et de l'aliénation mentale" (Hashish and Mental Illness), contributing to early medical understanding of cannabis[5].

These events sparked interest in cannabis products across Europe, influencing both cultural and scientific spheres, and ultimately shaping the continent's relationship with cannabis for years to come.

Citations:
[1] NAPOLEON AND THE CANNABIS WAR https://dragon-cannabis.com/en/2021/07/21/napoleon-in-war-for-cannabis/
[2] The Emperor's Hash: Napoleon's Lasting Legacy in Cannabis Culture https://herbaldispatch.com/blogs/news/the-emperors-hash-napoleons-lasting-legacy-in-cannabis-culture
[3] Did Napoleon Fail Because of Freezing Weather or His Troops Kept ... https://cannabis.net/blog/history/did-napoleon-fail-because-of-freezing-weather-or-his-troops-kept-getting-high-everyday
[4] Leading Like Napoleon: Strategic Thinking for Cannabis Executives https://420cpa.com/leading-like-napoleon-strategic-thinking-for-cannabis-executives/
[5] Cannabis in France - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_France