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#133: The Sacred Herb:
Cannabis as a Bridge to the Divine
Picture this: a Hindu sadhu sits cross-legged in the Himalayas, sharing a chillum with fellow seekers. Meanwhile, ancient Chinese Taoists burn cannabis in their temples to reveal future truths. Thousands of miles away, Sufi mystics use the sacred plant to connect with the divine.
For thousands of years, cannabis has been a spiritual companion to humans, appearing in various religious and spiritual practices around the world. From Rastafarianism to Hinduism, a diverse range of beliefs and traditions incorporated cannabis into their sacred rituals and ceremonies.
Ganja as a sacrament

When we think of cannabis and spirituality, the first thing that may come to mind is Rastafarianism. Originating in Jamaica in the 1930s, this religious movement sees cannabis as a sacrament and an integral part of their spiritual practice.
In Rastafarian belief, smoking cannabis, also known as "herb" or "ganja", is seen as a way to commune with God and reach a higher spiritual consciousness. It is viewed as a natural and medicinal herb that brings clarity, creativity, and peace of mind.
Cannabis plays a significant role in Rastafarian ceremonies and rituals. For example, it is often used during spiritual gatherings called "reasoning sessions", where members come together to discuss religious teachings, smoke cannabis, and share food. This practice promotes unity, community, and connection with God.
The lord of bhang

In India, cannabis isn't just a plant - it's a gift from the gods. The earliest mentions come from the Atharva Veda, written around 2000-1400 BCE. This ancient text calls cannabis one of the "five sacred plants that release us from anxiety".
Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism's main gods, is often called the "Lord of Bhang" because it was his favourite food. Hindu stories tell us that the gods sent hemp to humanity so people could find joy and lose their fears. In some Hindu scriptures, cannabis is referred to as "Shiva's joy" or "joy-giver". This association with such a revered deity gives the plant a sacred status in Hindu culture.
Even today, you'll find sadhus (holy men) smoking cannabis throughout India, believing it helps them connect with Shiva and reach higher states of consciousness. During festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, millions of Hindus drink bhang, a cannabis-infused drink. They believe it cleanses sins and brings them closer to the divine.
Sufism and conscious expansion

In the mystical branch of Islam called Sufism, some practitioners have used cannabis for centuries. These spiritual seekers believe the plant helps quiet the mind and enhance meditation. They see cannabis as a way to transcend ordinary consciousness and experience divine unity.
Sufism is a controversial branch of Islam, and some scholars argue that its use of cannabis goes against the teachings of the Quran. However, Sufi mystics claim that their usage is rooted in ancient traditions and has spiritual significance. While not all Sufi orders embraced cannabis, those who did considered it a sacred tool for spiritual exploration.
Cannabis was often shared during Sufi gatherings as a symbol of community and spiritual connection. These sessions fostered deep discussions about faith, love, and the nature of existence. Cannabis was seen as a manifestation of divine blessings and a means to experience the beauty of creation.
The tao of cannabis

The Chinese have a long relationship with cannabis dating back thousands of years. Around 100 CE, Taoist shamans began using cannabis in their spiritual practices. They believed that cannabis could help them see into the future and communicate with the spirit world.
Taoists would burn cannabis in incense burners to "drive away demons" and "reveal future events". They mixed it with ginseng, believing this combination could cast their spirits forward in time. Cannabis was considered so powerful that its use was often restricted to religious officials.
These ancient Chinese practices show how cannabis was seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. The Taoists believed it could unlock hidden realms of consciousness and divine wisdom. This magical use of cannabis continued through the centuries and spread to other parts of Asia, such as India.
Sacred smoke of the Nile

Even in ancient Egypt, cannabis played a spiritual role. Cannabis was called "shemshemet" in Egyptian hieroglyphs and likely came to Egypt through trade routes from Asia. The plant may have been used even before the Great Pyramids were built, around 3000 BCE.
The most famous evidence comes from the mummy of Ramses II, who died in 1213 BCE. When scientists examined his remains in 1981, they found hemp pollen coating the linen wrappings. Seven pollen grains of cannabis were retrieved from the pharaoh's mummy, and similar traces have been found in other royal mummies.
Archaeological evidence suggests cannabis was also used in burial rituals, with the highest concentrations of THC found in mummy lungs, indicating it was smoked during spiritual ceremonies. The plant's presence in royal tombs shows it was considered valuable enough to accompany pharaohs into the afterlife.
Scythian purification rituals

The nomadic Scythians, who lived in Central Asia thousands of years ago, had unique cannabis rituals. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote about their fascinating funeral practices. After someone died, they would honour them for forty days with special ceremonies.
During purification rituals, the Scythians built small tents and threw cannabis seeds on red-hot stones. The resulting vapour created what historians call the world's first "cannabis sauna". They believed this helped purify the soul and connect with the spirit world.
Archaeological evidence from Scythian burial mounds shows that cannabis was considered essential for the afterlife journey. These ancient warriors saw the plant as a spiritual ally in both life and death. Cannabis remnants found in burial sites indicate its central role in their spiritual beliefs.
Buddha’s seed

While most sects of Buddhism generally discourage intoxicants, historical evidence shows cannabis use in certain Buddhist traditions. In Mahayana Buddhism, legend has it that Gautama Buddha survived on a single cannabis seed for six years during his path to enlightenment.
Some specific tantric texts did mention cannabis use, where Buddha allegedly said wine without cannabis "cannot produce real ecstasy". Whatever the truth may be, it is clear that cannabis has been an integral part of certain Buddhist traditions and practices.
And cannabis was described as "essential to ecstasy" in the Tara Tantra, a Buddhist text from the 7th century. Cannabis was believed to be a powerful tool for spiritual transformation and was used in various rituals and ceremonies.
A timeless spirit
From the mountains of India to the steps of Central Asia, cannabis has served as humanity's spiritual companion for millennia. These diverse traditions show that the sacred use of cannabis goes far beyond any single culture or religion. Whether used by Hindu sadhus or Sufi mystics, cannabis has consistently been seen as a bridge to the divine.
As we continue to explore cannabis in modern life, these ancient traditions remind us of the profound spiritual potential of cannabis. They show us that when used with respect and intention, cannabis can be much more than medicine or recreation; it can be a pathway to the sacred.

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