The First “Hotbox” in History

At Blazing Chiefs, we love a good story—especially the ones that show how Cannabis has been part of human culture for far longer than most people realize. And sometimes you stumble upon historical facts that sound so absurd at first, you’d swear someone made them up.

Like this one:

Over 2,500 years ago, the Scythians were relaxing in saunas with Cannabis. They simply tossed flowers and seeds onto glowing hot stones. These guys basically invented the hotbox!

For anyone unfamiliar with the term: Hotboxing means filling a small, enclosed space so densely with smoke that it spreads evenly, with the heat amplifying the effect. In simple terms: nobody airs the place out, and things get progressively more “interesting.” Today you mostly hear about it happening in cars. The Scythians did it in felt sauna tents.

2,500 years ago. With style. Who Were the Scythians?

The Scythians were a nomadic horse-riding people of the Eurasian steppe. They were into strength, gold, horses, and bows—the full-on “Comanche-on-the-warpath” starter pack. At the same time, they had a strong sense of ritual, community, and knowing exactly how to enjoy themselves.

How the Ancient “Cannabis Sauna” Worked

The Scythians built small tents made of felt. In the center, they placed glowing stones and threw Cannabis flowers and seeds onto them. Herodotus described the whole scene quite vividly and wrote that the resulting smoke “surpasses any Greek steam bath. The Scythians become so delighted they howl aloud.”

Why This Story Feels Perfect for Christmas

It’s fascinating to see how many cultures used Cannabis—not just as a party tool, but as a ritual, a medicine, or a way to strengthen social bonds. And it’s a reminder that Cannabis has long been woven into the fabric of human life. Cannabis is a piece of cultural history that has connected people for thousands of years. And sometimes a small ritual from the steppe tells you more about community, joy, and humanity than any dry historical citation ever could.