Spiritual Marijuana

by AdamS on August 21, 2012

Cannabis Savita, or marijuana, has been used throughout ancient history as a sacrament ritual by various religions as a means to bring the user closer to god. There have been writings by ancient philosophers found that describe ceremonial practices that occurred as early as the 2nd century BCE. Cultures in ancient India, Africa, China, and Europe have all been utilizing this substance as an element of faith and religious practice for millennia. Cannabis is still viewed as a sacred plant to many religious cultures today. There are various different terms that marijuana is known as amongst the following religions but if you want to learn more about drug slang, go to https://www.thewatershed.com/treatment/resources/drug-slang/.

Hinduism

Hinduism is the primary faith in India that uses this plant for religious purposes. The Hindus will offer it as a gift to one of their gods’ known as Shiva, and by doing so believe that they will prevent an excess of worldliness to protect them from greed and covetousness. It is also consumed by some Shaivite yogis who are particularly dedicated to serving Shiva who they believe is the creator, preserver, and revealer of all things. During the Indian festival known as Holi, people will consume marijuana in liquid form and is known as the “elixir of life” said to have been created from Shivas’ own body.

Native Americans

Peyote is the most common drug associated with Native American ritual, but marijuana is another drug that was utilized during spiritual ceremonies. The foundation of the Native American beliefs rested in the imminence of the divine, where nature is believed to be a manifestation of the spirit. Marijuana is smoked out of long pipes or hollow bamboo depending on what tribe they belonged to. During a ceremony, a group of Native Americans will attempt to achieve this sacred bond with nature where they believe that they can also gain access to other dimensions through different levels of consciousness.

Rastafari

The practice of meditation through the use of marijuana is one of the key components to the Rastafarian faith. Members believe that this plant is extremely beneficial, and is the “Tree of Life” that is mentioned in the Bible. While using it to worship their King, Haile Selassie, they also say that it brings them closer to God through the clarity of mind achieved by burning the corruption out of the consciousness and the heart. They even believe that rubbing the ashes over their body is a healthy practice.

The religious use of marijuana could possibly be one of the reasons that researchers believe that cannabis savita is not a dangerous substance that causes addiction or harmful side effects. However, when these groups use marijuana for religious purposes they are using it out of reverence of their faith and not for recreational purposes like many in the North American culture of today. Although there is not any proof that it causes addiction, there is reason to believe that it is a “gateway drug” which suggests that it can lead to the use of more harmful drugs. Recent studies are also questioning the long term effects of marijuana such as respiratory dysfunction, and links to various mental illnesses. Go to https://www.thewatershed.com/treatment/individualized-programs/dual-diagnosis/ to find out how a combination of diagnosed illnesses can be treated.

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