The Bible and the Use of Calamus vs. Cannabis

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The question of whether the Bible references cannabis, rather than calamus, has sparked debate, particularly concerning the interpretation of Exodus 30:23, which describes the ingredients for the holy anointing oil. The King James Version (KJV) translates the Hebrew word "qaneh" as "calamus." However, some scholars and researchers suggest that "qaneh" might have been mistranslated and could refer to cannabis.

The Hebrew word "qaneh bosm" (or its singular form, "kaneh bos") sounds remarkably similar to the modern word "cannabis." [1] This has led to the argument that the KJV may have incorrectly interpreted the Hebrew word as "calamus." [1]

The source provided, "THE BIBLE and CALAMUS vs. CANNABIS," highlights the etymological similarities between "kaneh bosm" and "cannabis." [1] It also notes that the current Hebrew word for cannabis is "kanabos." [1] The article further points out that calamus is a known toxin, banned by the FDA in 1968, while cannabis is non-toxic. [1]

The article also references Sula Benet, a Polish etymologist, who presented evidence of cannabis use in ancient Hebrew texts, suggesting that "kaneh-bosm" was used as incense and an intoxicant. [1] The article suggests that the mistranslation occurred in the Septuagint, the oldest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. [1]

The article "Ancient Ways: Christ on Cannabis" from Cannabis Cactus, also supports the idea that cannabis was a core ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil and Sacred Incense used by priests and even Jesus. [3] The article states that the mistranslation occurred when the Bible was translated from Hebrew into Greek in the third century B.C., where "kaneh bosm" was erroneously switched with "calamus." [3]

However, it is important to consider the other side of the argument. The article "Calamus Root Essential Oil" from Alchemy Works, describes calamus as an ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil. [4] It also notes that calamus has a unique, warm, herbal aroma with a touch of spice. [4] The article also mentions the toxicity of calamus, stating that it should only be used as a perfume ingredient and is toxic if ingested. [4]

Drugs.com also provides information on calamus, stating that clinical studies are lacking due to concerns of toxicity. [5] The article notes that the use of calamus and its extracts is prohibited in the United States. [5]

Wikipedia's entry on Acorus calamus (calamus) describes it as a species of flowering plant with psychoactive chemicals. [6] The entry also notes that it has been used in traditional medicine for digestive disorders and pain, but has no clinical evidence of safety or efficacy and may be toxic if ingested. [6]

Given the information, the most relevant answer part is that the debate centers on whether the Hebrew word "qaneh" in Exodus 30:23, translated as "calamus" in the KJV, might have been mistranslated and could refer to cannabis.

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