Cannabis and CBD in different religions: The spiritual, religious and sacred use of cannabis
Cannabis is one of the oldest plants used in spiritual and religious contexts worldwide. This use dates back millennia, when it served as a gateway to trance, meditation, and altered states of consciousness . Even today, this controversial plant continues to find its place in the spiritual practices and cultural traditions of many religions. In this article, discover the impact of cannabis on various beliefs, its ritual practices, and how it fits into religious traditions, both past and present.
India and Nepal: The Old World and the sacredness of cannabis
In India and Nepal, cannabis has been intimately linked to spirituality for over 4,000 years, particularly in Hindu. TheAtharva Veda, a sacred Hindu text dating back to around 2000 BCE, mentions cannabis among the "five sacred plants." Three main forms of cannabis are distinguished and revered for their connection to spirituality:
- Bhang : Consumed as an infusion or drink, bhang is traditionally used during religious festivals.
- Ganja : This preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of the plant is generally smoked for more intimate practices.
- Charas : Resin extracted from the plant, charas is reserved for specific rituals, often by ascetics and devotees of Shiva.
In Hindu tradition, cannabis is associated with Shiva , one of the most revered deities. Consuming bhang during the Maha Shivaratri festival or smoking charas is a way for yogis and sadhus to connect with the divine. These substances are considered offerings to aid in Sadhana , an inner spiritual journey. This tradition is observed at every festival despite modern laws that restrict its use. The impact of cannabis is not limited to India. Its spread in Nepal , particularly during the Holi festival , is a manifestation of the sacred nature of this plant.
Buddhism: The Search for Moderation
Buddhism takes a nuanced stance on cannabis use. In Buddhist teachings, the fifth precept advises abstaining from intoxicating substances that lead to heedlessness, which could include cannabis. However, the use of this plant is not systematically prohibited. In Buddhist tantric writings , cannabis is sometimes mentioned for its medicinal properties.
Specific Tantric traditions permit the use of cannabis in meditation rituals for its calming effects, although these practices remain uncommon and limited to certain esoteric schools. Mahakala Tantra gives a special place to psychoactive plants for spiritual and medicinal. This underscores the pragmatic and nuanced approach of Buddhism, which neither fully endorses nor condemns the use of cannabis, leaving followers free to adopt it according to their spiritual quest.
Africa: The Cult of Hemp and Spiritual Traditions
On the African continent, cannabis has a long spiritual tradition. In some tribes, the plant was used for medicinal and ritual, such as relieving pain or treating various ailments. The king of the Baluka in Congo established a cult around Riamba, or cannabis, as an alternative to fetish worship, using gourd pipes for rituals.
The Bashilenge of Congo elevated the use of cannabis to the level of a religious practice. Called "Bena Riamba" or "the sons of hemp," they celebrated sacred rituals centered around cannabis, consuming it extensively to honor their culture. Hemp pipes held symbolic importance and were used in peace treaties, trade agreements, and war ceremonies. Among the Bashilenge, cannabis represented both life and friendship, uniting clan members in a spirit of brotherhood and peace.
Ancient China: Cannabis in Taoism and Shamanism
In China , the use of cannabis dates back to ancient times, with evidence of shamanic and Taoist practices . Cannabis is mentioned in Taoist writings where it is associated with spiritual practices to achieve mystical states of consciousness . According to the Taoist encyclopedia Wushang Biyao , cannabis was used in incense burners during rituals. This practice allowed practitioners to communicate with spirits and lighten their bodies, feeling connected to the divine.
The renowned sinologist Joseph Needham explored the connection between the goddess Ma Gu, known as the Hemp Maiden, and cannabis. In Taoist tradition, Ma Gu was revered for her magical powers, and cannabis-gathering rituals took place on the sacred mountain of Tai Shan. Through this mythological figure, Taoists saw cannabis as a means of connecting to an invisible world, as well as a symbol of spiritual purity.
The peoples of Central Asia and Scythian traditions
The ancient nomadic peoples ofCentral Asia, particularly the Scythians, played a crucial role in spreading the spiritual use of cannabis.Herodotus report that the Scythians used cannabis steam baths to purify themselves after battles. This ritual, which involved throwing cannabis onto heated stones to produce steam, allowed participants to reach a state of collective euphoria and relaxation.
In addition to the Scythians, other Central Asian tribes incorporated cannabis into their spiritual practices, viewing it as a gateway to the spirit world. By creating an environment conducive to meditation and trance, these peoples transmitted their knowledge to surrounding cultures, influencing the ritual practices of distant regions.
Modern usage and the legacy of the hippies
With the rise of the hippie movement in the 1970s, the spiritual use of cannabis gained popularity in the West. Travelers returning from India and Nepal introduced meditation and cannabis use as a means of spiritual liberation to Europe and North America. This return to mystical origins was propelled by the Rastafari, which views cannabis as a sacred tool for drawing closer to Jah and achieving spiritual elevation.
Rastafari believe that cannabis, often called ganja, is a gift from God intended to purify the soul and lead to a state of awakened consciousness. Consuming cannabis then becomes a sacred experience integrated into rituals, chants, and prayers, aiming to reconnect with livity, a philosophy of life that promotes harmony with nature and justice.