Cannabis has been present in the territory of the former Yugoslavia for centuries long before the creation of any modern nation state in the region. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that hemp cultivation was common among Slavic and Balkan communities as early as the medieval period. The strong stalks were spun into cordage, fabric, and marine rigging, while the seeds were eaten as food or pressed for oil. Traditional healers long recognized its therapeutic value in folk remedies for pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.

During the Ottoman rule in the Balkans, which lasted for several centuries, cannabis use continued in both agricultural and recreational forms. The Ottomans themselves had a long tradition of using cannabis, and this influence spread through trade and cultural exchange. It was intercropped with staple plants as part of traditional agriculture, and its use was not heavily stigmatized. By the 19th century, as modern medicine began to develop, medical practitioners began noting its clinical applications for treating conditions like epilepsy and neuralgia.

When the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was formed after World War I, the government maintained relatively liberal policies toward hemp farming, recognizing its economic value. Hemp farming was actively promoted by state agricultural programs. However, recreational use of cannabis was less documented during this time, partly because of limited access and social norms that favored alcohol over other intoxicants.

The situation changed significantly after World War II with the establishment of socialist Yugoslavia under Josip Broz Tito. While the state promoted industrial hemp for textiles and paper, it became more popular among urban populations, especially among youth and artists in the 1960s and 1970s. The country’s relative openness compared to other Eastern Bloc nations allowed for greater cultural exchange with Western Europe and the United States, leading to increased exposure to countercultural movements that included cannabis use. Urban centers developed clandestine cannabis circles where cannabis was smoked socially, often alongside music and poetry.

Despite this, Yugoslav authorities did not fully legalize recreational use. Possession and distribution remained technically illegal, but police prioritized trafficking over personal use. In many rural areas, local officials permitted modest cultivation, and the state focused more on controlling large-scale drug trafficking than punishing individual users. This pragmatic approach reflected the broader Yugoslav ethos of balancing socialist control with local autonomy.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, the newly independent states adopted varying policies. Slovenia and later Croatia eased penalties for small amounts, while others maintained stricter laws. The legacy of cannabis use most weed-friendly cities in the world the region remains complex, shaped by centuries of agricultural tradition, cultural tolerance, and shifting political climates. Today, many people in the former Yugoslav countries view cannabis not only as a plant with medicinal potential but also as part of their shared historical and cultural heritage.