Did Royal Women Smoke Pot? Unveiling the Truth Behind Queen Victoria’s Opium Use

Often associated with a more licentious lifestyle, the notion of royal women smoking marijuana or engaging in similar practices might seem far-fetched. However, the historical record reveals a different story, particularly in the case of Queen Victoria. We delve into the facts and myths surrounding her opium use and the general practices of her era.

Myths and Realities: Queen Victoria and Opium

Unveiling the truth about Queen Victoria’s habits, it is unlikely that she indulged in smoking marijuana or other similar substances. Ever since biographies and historical records emerge, the prevalent misconception is that Queen Victoria used pot for various reasons. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim. On the other hand, it is documented that she did drink opium on a daily basis in the form of laudanum.

Queen Victoria and Her Distaste for Smoking

Queen Victoria was known for her disapproval of smoking. She vehemently opposed the use of tobacco and frowned upon smoking in both literal and figurative terms. Her rule and personal lifestyle reflected stringent regulations, and she strictly prohibited smoking in the palace. She once famously declared, “I don’t know for sure but I have a niggles in my mind that Princess Alice and Princess Louise smoked tobacco and perhaps—perhaps — Louise tried marijuana or hemp or hashish. She was known as the “Bohemian,” and while her sisters might have had a less conventional relationship with substances, Queen Victoria herself was certainly not one to partake in such practices.

The Curious Case of Princess Alice and Princess Louise

Princess Alice and Princess Louise, her sisters, were often described as unconventional and somewhat rebellious within the confines of their royal roles. The notion that Princess Louise might have experimented with marijuana or hemp is intriguing, especially given her reputation as a "Bohemian." However, without concrete historical evidence, these are mere speculations. It is important to separate popular myth from documented historical fact.

Queen Victoria’s Medicinal Use of Opioids

Instead of smoking, Queen Victoria employed a different method to address her pain and discomfort. She was undoubtedly an opioid user, but primarily through the consumption of laudanum, a tincture of opium. Queen Victoria described this experience positively, finding it immensely enjoyable. She relied heavily on laudanum to alleviate her period pain, migraines, and later in life, rheumatism. She would begin her day with a daily dose of laudanum if she felt it was necessary, and her later years were likely influenced by its effects.

Apart from Medications: Royal and Aristocratic Women and Intoxicants

While Queen Victoria’s own habits were rooted in medicinal use, the broader context of royal and aristocratic women’s experiences with smoking, drugs, and intoxicants is fascinating. Historians and researchers have long wondered what social and medical taboos these women faced in their pursuit of relaxation or relief. The use of substances like cocaine and theivery into the mix of their daily lives provides a unique insight into the behaviors and social norms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Cocaine Connection

Despite her disdain for smoking, Queen Victoria’s interest in substances did extend to other forms. She once shared a type of chewing gum laced with cocaine with a young Winston Churchill, who was a frequent guest at her court. Churchill, who was quite captivated by the queen, was often enamored with her. Additionally, Queen Victoria is rumored to have submitted an anonymous newspaper review for a product called Vin Mariani, a mixture of cocaine and alcohol. This combination of substances, while scandalous by modern standards, was more commonplace and accepted in the early 1900s.

Conclusion

While Queen Victoria’s use of laudanum and the other controversies surrounding her smoking habits are well-documented, it is crucial to recognize the societal and historical context. Her distaste for smoking and her reliance on opium and cocaine illustrate the complex mix of medicinal use, social norms, and personal preferences within the upper echelons of society during her reign. Further research into the broader practices of royal and aristocratic women can provide deeper insights into the taboos and freedoms faced during this period.

Further Reading and Resources

To delve deeper into the topic, here are some recommended reading materials and resources:

Further Reading on Queen Victoria’s Medicinal Use of Opioids Understanding Royal and Aristocratic Women and Their Use of Intoxicants Comprehensive Book on 19th-Century Opium Use

Exploring these resources will provide a more nuanced and historically accurate perspective on the joys and challenges faced by these prominent figures.