Cannabis smoking was introduced to Sub-Saharan Africa through Ethiopia and the east African coast by either Indian or Arab traders in the 13th century or earlier, probably spreading on the same trade routes as those that carried coffee, which originated in the highlands of Ethiopia. Tobacco and cannabis were used, much like elsewhere in the world, to confirm to social and spiritual rituals.

In what is modern day Congo, a society called “People of the Cannabis” was organized that rejected alcohol and herbal medicines in favor of cannabis. Certain other herbs were also smoked by certain African communities. These plants are said to help see invisible spirit sorcerers, even though there are no reports of the substance being hallucinogenic.