Royal Cannabis

Victoria’s Secret Medicine

In the 19th century, cannabis wasn’t controversial—it was common. Sold in pharmacies, prescribed by doctors, and even rumoured to be used by royalty, cannabis played a surprising role in Victorian medicine.

One of the most fascinating tales from this era? The story of Queen Victoria’s private remedy—a cannabis tincture reportedly prescribed by her personal physician. Welcome to the forgotten chapter of royal cannabis use and the medical acceptance it once enjoyed.

Cannabis in the Victorian Era: A Respected Medicine

Before prohibition, cannabis—then commonly known as Cannabis Indica—was widely recognised for its therapeutic effects. Doctors in Britain prescribed it to relieve:

- Menstrual cramps
- Nerve pain
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Mood disorders

The movement gained momentum in 1839 when Dr. William O’Shaughnessy, an Irish physician working in British India, published his groundbreaking cannabis research. He observed its medical use in Ayurvedic traditions and successfully introduced it to Western medicine. His findings were quickly adopted across Europe.

The Queen and Her Cannabis Tincture

Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 to 1901, during the height of medical cannabis popularity. While official palace records are discreet, it's widely believed that her physician, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, prescribed her cannabis to relieve painful menstrual symptoms.

Reynolds wasn’t just any doctor—he was one of the most respected neurologists of the time. In an 1890 edition of The Lancet, he wrote:

“When pure and administered carefully, cannabis is one of the most valuable medicines we possess.”

If Reynolds gave it the royal seal of approval, it’s no stretch to think Queen Victoria may have benefited from its pain-relieving qualities.

What Did Royal Cannabis Look Like?

Forget rolling papers—Victorian cannabis came in small glass bottles and was often mixed with alcohol or other herbs. Popular products included:

- Tinctures – Drops taken orally or added to drinks
- Lozenges – Dissolvable tablets for stress and sleep
- Cannabis wine tonics – Blended with alcohol for stronger effects
- Patent medicines – Sold over-the-counter in chemist shops

Companies like Burroughs Wellcome (a precursor to today’s GlaxoSmithKline) marketed cannabis products as treatment for "nervous disorders" and "female troubles."

A Royal Lesson for the Future

Today, as medical cannabis regains legitimacy worldwide, we’re rediscovering what forward-thinking physicians of the 19th century already understood: cannabis, when used responsibly, has real medicinal value. Modern research continues to confirm its potential in easing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, aiding sleep, and improving quality of life for countless patients.

By looking back at figures like Sir J. Russell Reynolds—Queen Victoria’s personal physician—we see that cannabis wasn’t always a taboo subject. It was once embraced by some of the brightest medical minds of the era. Understanding this royal connection to cannabis helps dismantle the myths and stigma that took root during the 20th century’s prohibitionist campaigns.

Whether or not Queen Victoria herself relied on cannabis regularly, the fact that her trusted doctor openly prescribed and defended its use speaks volumes. It reminds us that cannabis has a long history as a respected medicine—one that societies are only now beginning to reclaim.