The Yamnaya, traders from what is now Ukraine, were the first to trade cannabis throughout Europe and East Asia around 5,000 years ago.
The marijuana plant itself was in use in both Europe and Asia at least 10,200 years ago and grew naturally across both continents. However, archaeological records show a spike in cannabis use in East Asia around 5,000 years ago, right around the time when the nomadic Yamnaya established a trade route across the steppes. Yamnaya sites show signs of cannabis burning, suggesting they may have brought the habit of smoking marijuana with them as they moved about.
Therefore, whatever your political beliefs, we at least owe the Ukraine some solidarity on a weed level. Thanks for spreading the love.