Cannabis in Ancient Civilizations

Here's an exploration of the historical use of cannabis in religious and spiritual contexts, drawing on various sources:

Indian Subcontinent

The use of cannabis as an entheogen, a substance used in religious or spiritual contexts, has a long history, dating back thousands of years. The Indian subcontinent and Ancient China are among the earliest regions where cannabis use is documented.[1]

Ancient China

In the Indian subcontinent, cannabis has been used since the Vedic period, approximately 1500 BCE, and possibly as far back as 2500 BCE.[1] The Atharva Veda, estimated to be written around 2000–1400 BCE, refers to cannabis as one of the "five sacred plants" and a "source of happiness," "joy-giver," and "liberator." [1] [7] Cannabis is associated with Lord Shiva and is consumed during festivals like Shivaratri and devotional meetings called bhajans.[1] Three main forms of cannabis are used: bhang (edible), ganja (smoked), and charas or hashish (resin).[1]

Ancient Central Asia

In ancient China, the use of cannabis is also well-documented. Joseph Needham concluded that the hallucinogenic properties of hemp were known in Chinese medical and Taoist circles for over two millennia.[10] Archaeological findings in western China have revealed traces of THC in wooden bowls from a 2,500-year-old cemetery.[12] The Shennong Ben Cao Jing (ca. 100 CE) described the use of cannabis seeds, noting that excessive consumption could lead to hallucinations and communication with spirits.[13] Taoist priests also used cannabis in rituals, and the plant was cultivated for various purposes, including clothing and fiber.[8]

Africa

Archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis played a role in burial rituals in Central Asia around the 5th century BCE. Several Tarim mummies in Xinjiang province of Northwestern China were buried with sacks of cannabis.[18] In the Altai Mountains of Siberia, burial mounds from the Pazyryk culture contained bronze vessels with hemp seeds and stones.[23]

Europe

In Africa, cannabis has a long tradition of use, including in religious cults. The King of the Baluka tribe of the Congo established a "riamba" or hemp-smoking cult in 1884.[26] The Bashilenge, who called themselves Bena Riamba ("sons of hemp"), attributed magical powers to cannabis and used it in various ceremonies.[28] The Rastafari movement, which emerged in the 20th century, considers cannabis a sacred herb, the "Tree of Life," and uses it in "reasoning sessions" to connect with God.[30] [44]

Middle East

The Histories of Herodotus (ca. 440 BCE) record the Scythians using cannabis steam baths.[31] The Thracians, who had contact with the Scythians, introduced the plant to the Dacians, where it became popular among a shamanic cult called the Kapnobatai, or "Those Who Walk in the Clouds." [32] Burial tombs of the Phrygians and Scythians frequently contained cannabis sativa seeds.[4] In ancient Germanic paganism, cannabis was possibly associated with the Norse love goddess, Freya.[33]

Ancient Israel

Cannabis oil was likely used throughout the Middle East for centuries before and after the birth of Christ.[4] The Assyrians, Egyptians, and Israelites, among other Afro-Asiatic Languages cultures of the Middle East, mostly acquired cannabis from Aryan cultures and have burned it as an incense as early as 1000 BC.[7] In Egypt, cannabis pollen was recovered from the tomb of Ramesses II, and several mummies contain trace cannabinoids.[6]

Modern Religious Movements

In 2020, cannabis residue was found on the Israelite sanctuary altar at Tel Arad dating to the 8th century BCE of the Kingdom of Judah, suggesting that cannabis was a part of some Israelite rituals at the time.[40]

The Rastafari movement uses cannabis as a sacrament, seeing it as a way to connect with God and gain spiritual insight.[44] Cantheism is a more recent religious philosophy that views the interaction with cannabis as a religious experience.[41]

The use of cannabis in religious and spiritual practices has been widespread across different cultures and time periods, with evidence suggesting its use in ancient India, China, Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

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