"Weed and Religion" by Alden Morris
Archaeologists have recently discovered new evidence of the use of cannabis dating back to the Neolithic Period. This period of time is very crucial to human history because it is a time when agriculture and the need for basic farming were realized. It was during this time that human ancestry never gave up on the ‘never ending hunt’ and ‘survival’ for food. During this time humans learned to plant, grow, and harvest; forever being able to provide food and nourishment for their families. Primarily because of its multiple uses, cannabis became a sufficient tool in everyday human survival. Its uses included clothing, food, nets to fish with, and ropes all made from the durable hemp fiber. However, scientists and researchers have found charred remains of cannabis and cannabis seeds leaving scientists to presume that it was also used as a recreational activity in the 3rdmillennium B.C in both South and Central Asia. Although this is what the archaeological discovery has been able to tell researchers, but what about religion and ancient cultural text passed down for thousands of years? What does the work of human ancestry tell modern day man about the use of cannabis?
One mention of the use of cannabis and marijuana could be read in Christian doctrine. In Genesis 1:12 it says, “And the Earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: And God saw that it was good.” This could be taken into consideration that cannabis may be one of many herbs mentioned in this text. Also mentioned in Genesis 1:29-31, “Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole Earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the Earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was morning-the sixth day. Cannabis has an efficient source of amino acids for the body to properly enact protein synthesis. Basically, it can be eaten alongside other vegetables on a regular basis.
Not only are herbs mentioned in Christian doctrines but also many other doctrines belonging to many ethnic cultures around the world. From Roman to Chinese and even ancient Greek texts state the use of ‘herbs’ as a medicinal remedy. The ancient Greek ritual entitled the “kykeon” was used with psychedelic herbs much like today’s “magic mushrooms.” The kykeon was a ritual undergone to understand more about the Elysian Mysteries, a place where the dead went to rest. The ergot used in the kykeon has the same hallucinogenic compounds as fungi which are found in psychedelic mushrooms.
The acceptance of cannabis and marijuana is on a very slow rise especially through religious ethics and morals. Very few denominations of Christianity accept marijuana and the use of cannabis as of now. Rastafarianism, also a monotheistic religion, is a loyal supporter of the idea regarding the use of marijuana and cannabis within its religious sect. The fore mention of this herb in ancient doctrines is only further evidence that human ancestry that been working with this plant for many centuries.
Slowly though, as the world becomes more aware of this unique and beneficial plant, it will become a part of daily life.
One mention of the use of cannabis and marijuana could be read in Christian doctrine. In Genesis 1:12 it says, “And the Earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: And God saw that it was good.” This could be taken into consideration that cannabis may be one of many herbs mentioned in this text. Also mentioned in Genesis 1:29-31, “Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole Earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the Earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was morning-the sixth day. Cannabis has an efficient source of amino acids for the body to properly enact protein synthesis. Basically, it can be eaten alongside other vegetables on a regular basis.
Not only are herbs mentioned in Christian doctrines but also many other doctrines belonging to many ethnic cultures around the world. From Roman to Chinese and even ancient Greek texts state the use of ‘herbs’ as a medicinal remedy. The ancient Greek ritual entitled the “kykeon” was used with psychedelic herbs much like today’s “magic mushrooms.” The kykeon was a ritual undergone to understand more about the Elysian Mysteries, a place where the dead went to rest. The ergot used in the kykeon has the same hallucinogenic compounds as fungi which are found in psychedelic mushrooms.
The acceptance of cannabis and marijuana is on a very slow rise especially through religious ethics and morals. Very few denominations of Christianity accept marijuana and the use of cannabis as of now. Rastafarianism, also a monotheistic religion, is a loyal supporter of the idea regarding the use of marijuana and cannabis within its religious sect. The fore mention of this herb in ancient doctrines is only further evidence that human ancestry that been working with this plant for many centuries.
Slowly though, as the world becomes more aware of this unique and beneficial plant, it will become a part of daily life.