How far back does opium use date?

Opium use dates back to at least 3400 BCE, with evidence found in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was cultivated from the opium poppy. Historical records indicate that the Sumerians referred to it as the "joy plant." The use of opium spread to various cultures, including the Egyptians and Greeks, where it was utilized for medicinal and recreational purposes. Over the centuries, its use has evolved, leading to significant social and health implications worldwide.