Cannabis and the Bible: Etymological and Historical Connections

The question of whether cannabis is mentioned in the Bible is a complex one, involving etymology, historical context, and interpretation. While the word "cannabis" does not appear in contemporary English translations, some scholars argue that it is referenced in the original Hebrew text.

Etymological Evidence

Biblical References and Interpretations

The word "cannabis" itself has an interesting history. It is believed to be a Scythian word that made its way into Persian, Greek, and Latin.[11] In the Hebrew language, the word qaneh bosem (קָנֶה בֹּשׂם) is used, which has been translated as "fragrant cane" or "aromatic reed." [12] [1] However, some researchers, like Sula Benet, have argued that qaneh bosem is a reference to cannabis, pointing to similarities with the Assyrian word qunubu (also qunnabu), which is widely believed to refer to cannabis.[12] [13] [15] The root "kan" (or "qan") in Hebrew and other ancient languages could have a double meaning, referring to both hemp and reed.[1]

The primary biblical passage of interest is Exodus 30:23, where God instructs Moses to create a holy anointing oil containing kaneh bosem (קָנֶה בֹּשׂם), along with other spices.[1] Some scholars and researchers suggest that kaneh bosem in this context refers to cannabis, and that the recipe, therefore, included cannabis. [1] [11] This interpretation has significant implications, as it would mean cannabis was a sacred ingredient in the anointing oil used for priests and kings.[1]

Historical Context

Other verses where qaneh (cane or reed) appears, such as in the Song of Solomon 4:14, Isaiah 43:24, Jeremiah 6:20, and Ezekiel 27:19, are also subject to this interpretation, with cannabis potentially fitting the context better than the traditional translation of "aromatic cane." [1]

Controversies and Alternative Interpretations

The use of cannabis in the ancient Near East is well-documented. Archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis was used for medicinal and ritual purposes in various cultures, including the Assyrians, who had close interactions with the Hebrews.[15] The discovery of cannabis residue on altars in an ancient Jewish shrine at Tel Arad in Israel provides further evidence of its use in religious practices during the First Temple period.[3]

Conclusion

Furthermore, even if cannabis was used, some argue that it was for external application only, and not for its psychoactive effects.[1]

It is important to note that the identification of qaneh bosem with cannabis is not universally accepted. Mainstream biblical scholars often maintain that the term refers to other aromatic plants, such as calamus or cinnamon.[1] The Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translated qaneh bosem as "calamus," which has contributed to the mistranslation in subsequent versions.[1]

The question of whether cannabis is mentioned in the Bible remains a subject of debate. While the word "cannabis" does not appear in modern translations, etymological and historical evidence suggests that the Hebrew term qaneh bosem may refer to cannabis. If this interpretation is correct, it would indicate that cannabis played a role in ancient Hebrew religious practices, specifically in the creation of the holy anointing oil. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, and alternative explanations exist.

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