The sacramental use of cannabis

• Why do shamans, ritualistic, and energy workers partake in cannabis?

The cannabis plant is highly regarded as sacred, enlightening, and healing by many cultures and religions. Using cannabis to increase connections to mind, body, and spirit, this plant is sacramental.

The high of consuming cannabis leads to self reflection, contemplation, and connection. This expansion of consciousness is used for communication with spirit, enlightenment, and contemplation of philosophic and religious mysteries.

As early as 570 AD, The Tang dynasty cult of Magu has written records of burning cannabis as incense to invoke an altered state during ritual.

• Cannabis was limited to religious officials and not shared with common folk. Religious officials consume cannabis to induce an altered state where they can communicate with spirits and receive insights about the future.

India and Hinduism

Ayurvedic medicine recommends cannabis in moderation. It is used for its benefits of stimulating the nervous system. Bhang is a drink consumed in this practice made of cannabis, milk, sometimes with nuts and roses. This drink is a religious rite made to cleanse sins, unite with god and avoid miseries. It is consumed for its medicinal purposes of treating high blood pressure.

• 2000 - 1400 BC, the Vedas claimed cannabis as 1 of 5 sacred plants.
• Cannabis is a source of happiness, a bringer of joy, and a plant that frees you.

Rastafari

The Rastafari faith is sourced in Jamaica. They preach teachings of the Old Testament and are rooted in returning to their African roots after a history of colonial oppression. Bob Marley spread their messages across the world with his music and way of life. Cannabis is used sacramentally and highly regarded for its ability to bring forth spirit. Members of this faith have been persecuted for their use of cannabis for decades. Antigua and Barbuda have recently granted Rastafari the right to grow cannabis and smoke it for religious purposes.

• This sacrament can be analogous to the eucharist, according to ancient oral tradition.
• Using cannabis for religious purposes dates back to the time of Christ. The “holy herb” spoken of is mentioned in the Bible. In Revelation 22:2, “… the herb is the healing of the nations.”
• Although “cannabis” is never mentioned in the Bible, historians believe calamus was a mistranslation of cannabis. Here is why.

“Every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit, you shall have them for food” God tells Adam in Genesis 1:29.

• In the book of Exodus, Moses is instructed to create a Holy anointing oil. In the Old Testament, Calamus is an ingredient in this holy oil.
• However, in the Hebrew and Aramaic translations, this ingredient is “kaneh - bosm,” which means cannabis. This oil was used on the skin to alleviate their mental state and open them up to God.

Joan of Arc

“Approach boldly, I will not fly away.”

Although no historical records have proof she smoked cannabis, Joan of Arc was charged with using “witch herbs” and came from a village known for its cannabis infused topical remedies. Joan channeled the voice of God and messages from angels that led her to become a warrior of France. She was burned at the stake and tried as a witch by the Catholic Church at only 19 years old.

• The pagan practice of the Druids was widespread in Europe during the time of Joan of Arc. Portraying herself as Catholic was necessary for people at this time to avoid persecution.
• Oak trees are sacred to shamanic medicine. Psychoactive mushrooms grow under these trees and produce effects such as spiritual insights, divine communication, and an expansion of consciousness to see beyond 3D reality .
• As a prophet and a warrior during this time in history. It is very likely Joan received her prophecies while consuming cannabis and other psychedelic tinctures.
• At the end of her life, Joan agrees to sign a paper where she denounces her visions as false claims. The next day, she says, the voices returned and told her not to give the church false confessions, even if to spare her life.