Ethnobotanical Aspects of Cannabis in Southeast Asia

Cannabis indica, originating in central Asia, was probably introduced into Southeast Asia about the sixteenth century. The vernacular name used throughout Southeast Asia is derived from the Sanskrit ganja. Cultivation of the plant is on a family basis, several roots planted around the house. Ganja is openly sold in the markets. The female plants are smoked, together with tobacco. The occasional cases of intoxication are remedied by decoctions of native plants. Ganja leaves and stalks are used extensively in the cuisine, to provide both an euphoric quality and agreeable flavor. Recognized as an analgesic, cannabis is used to combat, among other conditions, cholera, malaria, dysentery, anorexia, and loss of memory; it relieves asthma and calms the nerves; suppresses polyps, coughing, dizziness and convulsions; facilitates digestion and childbirth; it stimulates lactation, purifies the blood and clears the bile, regulates the function of the heart, liver and lungs; eliminates intestinal parasites, decongests the organism and is a treatment for paralysis. Cannabis is considered a source of social well-being to be shared with friends and is also used to ease difficult work tasks. Data are presented principally from Cambodia with some observations about Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. There are marked similarities in the use of cannabis in these countries. I wish to acknowledge the assitance of Mlle Uraisi Varasarin and M. Pierre Marie Gagneux in carrying out this study.