“ Jesus Healing the Blind ” From 12th Century Basilica Catedrale di Santa Maria Nouva di Monreale in Sicily . ( Public photo
courtesy , Wiki Commons )
Anointing with holy oils is a longstanding religious ritual , especially in Christianity . The Old Testament refers to a holy oil ( Exodus 30 : 22-23 ) that contains “ 250 shekels of kaneh-bosm .” According to scholar Chris Bennett ( Director of Soma Institute , Center for the Study of Entheogens ), kaneh-bosm translates to cannabis , suggesting that Christ used cannabis-infused oils in healing rituals .
Archaeological evidence points to the historical use of cannabis in Israel , dating back to the 8th century , where resin was found on an altar in a Jewish temple . According to the Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University , “( THC ), cannabidiol ( CBD ) and cannabinol ( CBN ) were detected along with an assortment of terpenes and terpenoids , suggesting that cannabis inflorescences had been burnt on it .”
Cannabis is present in several other spiritual traditions . Prince Siddhartha Gautama , who became the most known buddha , is said to have subsisted on nothing but hemp seeds for six years . Some Buddhists consider marijuana a holy plant . Tantric followers , both in the sexual and meditative traditions , use cannabis in ritualism by burning it as an offering , applying it as a lubricant , or consuming it for arousal . Assyrians , dating back to 900 B . C ., used cannabis in religious context and referred to it as qunubu or the antidote for sadness . Rastafarianism continues to use cannabis as a sacrament . Shamans used hemp and cannabis in rituals meant to purify an individual of evil .
It ’ s truly a plant of a thousand uses .
Whether used for spiritual growth , medicinal benefits , or simply to feel good , the very act of consuming cannabis is ritualistic and magical and has been for centuries . Spanning the globe and diverse religious and spiritual traditions , the cannabis plant elevates and uplifts our human experience . And in a time of such strife and tension on the planet , many continue to seek solace in the healing benefits of this sacred plant .
And that ’ s a ritual I can get behind .
Karla Deel is the Flora Farms Marketing Director , a writer , poet , and researcher , with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City . She ’ s published a book titled “ Storied & Scandalous Kansas City , a History of Corruption Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze .” Deel also serves on the Jackson County Historical Society board , works in communications for the Friends of the Kansas City Public Library , and volunteers for several local nonprofits . Visit Karla at
www . KarlaDeel . com .
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