Biblical cannabis: Christianity and weed

Christianity and weeds – natural enemies or unusual bedfellows? Contrary to popular belief, cannabis has long had a place in religion and spirituality. The same goes for shamanic practices and the Rastafarian religion, but what about Christianity?

There is general consensus that Christianity prohibits the use of most psychoactive substances, including cannabis. However, there are recent efforts to rehabilitate cannabis’ image within the religion and challenge the so-called antagonism between Christianity and weed.

The Historical Relationship Between Christianity and Weed

Many historians agree on the presence and use of cannabis products in the Middle East before the birth of Christ. Some scholars apparently cite a religious site in Tel Adar, Israel, as a location for rituals involving burning cannabis, supposedly to induce intoxication among believers.

Christ himself may have had close encounters with the plant. Some researchers believe that the oil Jesus used so often to heal others was actually cannabis oil.

There is little doubt about the role of cannabis in the Jewish religion.

Carl Ruck, Professor of Classical Mythology, Boston University

The Bible itself suggests evidence of this. The book of Exodus first refers to the anointing oil, which is older than Jesus. The oil is said to come from a plant called Kaneh-Bosem. Before Jesus, priests and kings used only oil. However, Jesus reportedly went against the grain by using it to heal the masses.

The news of him spread all over Syria, and the people brought to him all those who suffered from various diseases, suffered from acute pain, demon possessed, had seizures and the paralyzed – and he cured them.

Matthew 4:24

In the Gospel of Mark the author speaks of the twelve apostles learning the healing arts from Christ. These apostles then set out to spread the gospel. They also cast out “many demons and healed many sick and anointed them with oil” (Mk 6:13). This passage suggests that the oil itself had healing properties. Also that anyone, not just Jesus, could have used it.

Early researchers suggested the Kaneh bosem plant could be calamus, also known as the sweet flag. While calamus is known to be psychoactive, science has since dismissed the plant’s so-called healing powers, calling it into question as a candidate for this biblical anointing oil.

On the other hand, the population of the region was already familiar with cannabis, as evidenced by its discovery at the ancient temple site mentioned above; and its healing properties are confirmed by science and confirmed by contemporary patients.

There is also speculation that the term “Kaneh-Bosem” is derived from the word “cannabis”. The Hebrew root KaNeH refers to a reed or stem that some say describes a cannabis plant.

Christianity and Grass: Potential Allies?

It is not enough to rely on historical precedents. Many contemporary Christians are constantly struggling to de-stigmatize cannabis through moral arguments and the reinterpretation of scriptures.

The writer Jonathan Merritt makes two different moral arguments for destigmatizing cannabis. First, to help the sick, and second, to prevent injustices from being perpetrated against communities of color.

That evening I tried a small dose and experienced what some might call a miracle. The excruciating pain subsided and the cloud surrounding my head lifted for the first time in months. I lay in bed and cried for over an hour.

Jonathan Merritt – The Christian Case for Marijuana

Merritt writes that justice, which is one of the dominant pillars of both Jewish and Christian beliefs, should motivate Christians to advocate legalization to curb the ongoing persecution of people of color in the name of a futile war on drugs.

Merritt is not alone. More and more churches and Christian organizations are advocating a change in attitudes towards marijuana, with some even citing scriptures as evidence that God intended cannabis for consumption:

Behold, I have given you every herb that bears seeds that is in all the earth, and every tree in which there is the fruit of a tree that bears seeds; it should be flesh for you.

Genesis 1:29

It is extremely important for these Christians to combat stigma. Many continue to struggle to reconcile their beliefs and cannabis use.

It remains to be seen which comes first and leads to the other: wide acceptance or legalization. Still, there is hope that once governments recognize the importance of the sector, more people around the world will at least be able to reap the benefits of medical marijuana.