Etymological Journey of "Cannabis"

Here's an analysis of the etymology of "cannabis" and its potential connection to the Hebrew word "kaneh bosem," addressing the questions raised and incorporating the provided source material.

The Hebrew Connection: "Kaneh Bosem"

The plant name "cannabis" has a rich history, originating from a Scythian word.[1] This word then made its way into Persian as "kanab," then into Greek as "kánnabis," and finally into Latin as "cannabis."[1] The ancient Greeks learned about cannabis use by observing Scythian funeral rituals.[1] In Neo-Assyrian Akkadian, cannabis was known as "qunnabu."[1] This word was adopted into Hebrew as "qaneh bosem."[1] The Germanic word that gives rise to English "hemp" (Old English "hænep," Common Germanic "*hanapi-z") may be an early Germanic loan from the same source.[1]

The Argument for Cannabis

The Hebrew phrase "qaneh bosem" is often translated as "aromatic cane." The word "kaneh" means "reed" or "stalk," derived from the root "Q.N.A," meaning "to acquire, purchase, or buy."[3] "Bosem" means "spice" or "balsam," derived from the root "B.S.M," meaning "to be fragrant."[3]

The argument that "kaneh bosem" refers to cannabis is based on several factors:

Counterarguments and Alternative Interpretations

1. Linguistic Similarity: The similarity between "kaneh bosem" and "cannabis" is undeniable.[3]
2. Historical Use: Cannabis was indigenous to the Middle East and used for various purposes during the time of the Hebrew people.[3]
3. Etymological Connections: The Hebrew word "qinamon" is the origin of the English word "cinnamon." Similarly, "Qaneh bosem" may be the origin of the word "cannabis."[3]
4. Historical Context: The ancient Hebrews were familiar with cannabis, and it was used for various purposes, including anointing oil.[2]

The primary counterargument is that "kaneh bosem" refers to calamus, a type of reed. Traditional translations often render "kaneh bosem" as "calamus." However, the argument for calamus is weakened by the lack of evidence that high-quality calamus was traded from India into Israel, as cannabis was, as well as the lack of references to calamus being used in sacred incenses and anointing oils.[4]

Addressing the Questions

Based on the etymological and historical evidence, the most likely interpretation is that the Hebrew word "kaneh bosem" is related to cannabis, not calamus.

Conclusion

1. Modern Hebrew Terms: The modern Hebrew term for cannabis is "kanabos," a word that is related to the ancient term "kaneh bosem."
2. Jeremiah 6:20: The verse states, "To what purpose comes there unto me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me." The rejection of "sweet cane" (kaneh bosem) in this verse could be interpreted as a rejection of cannabis, but it could also be a rejection of the practices associated with it or the quality of the offering.
3. Trade of Calamus: There is no evidence that high-quality calamus was traded from India into Israel, as cannabis was, in the ancient world.
4. Calamus in Sacred Use: There are no ancient world references to calamus being used in sacred incenses and anointing oils.
5. Language Researchers: There are language researchers who are aware of the cannabis claims regarding calamus, but who argue in favor of calamus, and show how they explain this connection.
6. Calamus for Food: There are no references to seeds or grains of calamus being used for food, and coming from multi-heads of calamus.
7. Calamus Cloth: There are no references to cloth being woven from the fibres of calamus in the ancient world.
8. Nigel Groom: There is no evidence that Groom is a spurious researcher.

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