What does Buddhism think about marijuana?

With less than 1 percent self-identification, Buddhism is not the most popular religion in North America, but its ideas permeate our culture. From Beastie Boys lyrics and spiritual themes in Star Wars to the publicized beliefs of celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Harrison Ford and Richard Gere. Steve Jobs claimed to be a Buddhist. And nothing reflects the idea of ​​a zen peaceful state of mind better than someone who uses marijuana. And the name Buddha means “awakened one” in Sanskrit.

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Buddhism is one of the largest religions in the world and originated in India 2,500 years ago. Buddhists believe that human life is a life of suffering and that meditation, spiritual and physical work, and good behavior are the path to enlightenment nirvana.

The Four Noble Truths form the essence of the Buddha’s teachings, even if they leave much unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

Buddhism strongly advises against alcohol and other intoxicating substances. This is despite the great variety of Buddhist traditions in different countries. Alcohol has been on everyone’s lips since the beginning of religion. Using marijuana can help you quiet your mind and achieve a Zen-like peace or temporary enlightenment, but seems a little at odds with Buddhist beliefs about intoxicants.

The Dalai Lama isn’t all that enthusiastic about recreational marijuana use, but the spiritual leader told his supporters in Mexico in 2014 that he advocates legal, medical marijuana if the drug is proven to be valuable.

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In Buddhism, the fifth commandment is often interpreted as “refraining from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to heedlessness,” although in some direct translations the fifth commandment refers specifically to alcohol. Cannabis and some other psychoactive plants are specifically prescribed for medicinal purposes in Mahākāla Tantra.

Medical marijuana has converts from all walks of life and Buddhism is one of its fans. Buddhists value the effects of cannabis given its healing nature, fewer side effects, and low cost.

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A Buddhist quote reads, “May all beings have a happy mind.” For those who consume, take as you please.