The Meaning of "Kaneh-Bosem"

The term "kaneh-bosem" appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Exodus 30:23, where it is listed as an ingredient for the holy anointing oil. The precise botanical identity of "kaneh-bosem" has been a subject of debate among scholars for centuries. Several interpretations have been proposed, with the most prominent ones being calamus (sweet flag), and cannabis (hemp).

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The interpretation of "kaneh-bosem" as hemp is supported by several lines of evidence. Anthropologist Sula Benet (1936) argued that "kaneh-bosem" refers to hemp, highlighting its ritual, medicinal, and industrial uses in Semitic cultures.[1] Historian Chris Bennett also documents hemp's presence in ancient Near Eastern texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, and its diverse applications.[2] The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text, includes cannabis among its medicinal ingredients. The use of cannabis in religious contexts is also suggested by archaeological findings and historical accounts from various cultures.

The alternative interpretation, that "kaneh-bosem" refers to calamus, is based on linguistic analysis and the perceived availability of calamus in the region. Proponents of this view argue that calamus was a known aromatic plant used in ancient times, and its scent aligns with the description of the anointing oil. However, the evidence for hemp's presence and use in the ancient Near East is substantial, making the cannabis interpretation a strong contender.

Considering the available evidence, the most likely interpretation of "kaneh-bosem" is cannabis (hemp). This is supported by the historical and anthropological evidence of hemp's use in the region, including its ritual, medicinal, and industrial applications, as well as its presence in ancient texts like the Ebers Papyrus.