Historic references regarding the use of therapeutic cannabis for a variety of female medical conditions, including difficult childbirth, date back to the 7th century BC. According to, Cannabis Treatments in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Historical Review, by Dr. Ethan Russo, various parts of the plant, including cannabis flowers and seeds, were used by Chinese and Persian societies to induce contractions, prevent miscarriages, and reduce incidences of postpartum hemorrhage. By the mid 19th century, the use of cannabis tinctures became prevalent in Western cultures to hasten pregnancy and reduce prepartum nausea. The historical use of cannabis use for pregnancy associated pain and other complications is also referenced in African, Indian, and Southeast Asian cultures.
