History has recorded the use of marijuana by various religions stretching back to thousands of years. Recently in China, archaeologists discovered the tomb of a shaman who had been buried with a marijuana stash. The tomb dates back to 6,000 years ago. This discovery indicates that marijuana was used for spiritual purposes, even ages ago. Read on to learn about the use of marijuana in major world religions.
Taoism
Initially, ancient Taoists in China were skeptical about the efficacy of marijuana. They regarded the drug as a “liberator of sin”. Taoists were critical of the intense hallucinations caused by overdosing on marijuana. They referred to this experience as “seeing devils”. By the time of the first century AD, Taoists had started using marijuana seeds in incense burners, believing that the drug’s milder effects were effective in gaining spiritual awareness during meditation.
Christianity
A few historians believe that the cannabis oil obtained from marijuana seeds was a major ingredient in Christian and Jewish holy ceremonies. Additionally, some gnostic Christians and Rastafarians opine that the “Tree of Life” mentioned in the Bible refers to the marijuana plant.
Sufism
Islam generally condemns marijuana use. In fact, it forbids the use of any type of intoxicants. Sufism, which is a mystical branch of Islam, has a different viewpoint. Sufi culture has recorded the use of marijuana for centuries. In one folk tale, a Sufi monk named Haydar, accidentally came across a marijuana plant. He chewed a few leaves of marijuana and found his mood improving dramatically. Haydar went back to his monastery and recommended the marijuana plant to the other monks.
Hinduism
Hinduism has a long recorded history of marijuana use, dating back to about 1500 BC. During the Hindu festivals of Baisakhi and Holi, Hindus mix marijuana with sugar, milk and spices to make bhang, an intoxicating drink. Many followers of the Hindu god Shiva, smoke marijuana in chillums (clay pipes) believing it helps them attain a higher level of spirituality.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, the use of marijuana is considered divisive and controversial. Buddhist tenets generally are against the use of intoxicants. But, in Chinese Buddhism, many sects have used marijuana for mystical and initiation rituals, dating back to the 5th century BC.
