The history of hashish use in Canada is a complex narrative woven through the fabric of societal, legal, and cultural changes over centuries. Hashish, derived from cannabis resin, has been used both recreationally and medicinally in various parts of the world. In Canada, its history reflects broader attitudes towards cannabis itself.

Hashish first came to Canadian awareness through international influences and was popularized during the 19th century as part of exotic curiosities brought back by travelers from regions like the Middle East and Asia where it was commonly used. However, it was not widely consumed or recognized until much later.

During the early 20th century, Canada’s drug policies were heavily influenced by its southern neighbor, the United States. The Opium Act of 1908 and subsequent amendments were primarily aimed at opium for smoking but set the stage for broader narcotics regulation. By 1923, cannabis was added to the Confidential Restricted List under the Narcotics Drug Act Amendment Bill without much debate or public uproar—it included cannabis resin (hashish) as well.

Cannabis use in Canada saw a significant rise during the 1960s counterculture movement when anti-establishment ideologies and a rejection of conventional values led young people to embrace different lifestyles. This period marked a significant increase in hashish consumption among Canadians as part of a broader embrace of psychedelic substances and new experiences. Universities and urban centers became hubs for cannabis culture.

Despite its growing popularity, hashish remained illegal under Canadian law, leading to widespread debates over drug policy and individual freedoms throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Enforcement practices varied considerably across different provinces and cities; for example, Vancouver police were known for their relative tolerance compared to other regions.

The conversation around cannabis—including hashish—began shifting significantly in the late 1990s and early 2000s as medical marijuana started gaining acceptance due to advocacy from groups emphasizing its therapeutic benefits. In response to these changing perceptions, Canada became one of the first countries to implement a national medical marijuana program with Health Canada's MMAR (Marihuana Medical Access Regulations) in 2001.

This paved the way toward more substantial reforms; public opinion continued to shift towards favoring decriminalization or legalization. This culminated in October 2018 when Canada legalized recreational cannabis usage through the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45), which includes provisions for both dried flower and concentrates like hashish.

Since then, hashish has become increasingly mainstream within Canadian society as part of a regulated market that offers various forms of cannabis products safely and legally. Dispensaries now sell various grades and types of hashish reflecting diverse consumer preferences rooted in quality, potency, and flavor profiles.

In conclusion, while historically stigmatized alongside other forms of cannabis consumption due to longstanding prohibitive legislation influenced by global narcotics policies, hashish has transitioned into an accepted part of Canadian drug culture post-legalization—a testament to evolving social norms around drug use based on nuanced understanding rather than punitive approaches.