Spiritual Dimension of Cannabis

For years, no one told us about the spiritual dimension of cannabis. We had no Ganjiers around to give us an idea of its long history both as a medicine and as a sacrament. On the contrary, we were told she was the “Devil’s Weed” and would drive us crazy.

The decades of stigma and persecution notwithstanding, the spiritual essence of the cannabis flower is today more and more recognized. How this came about is a testament to the spiritual power within cannabis. The Divine Consciousness within the plant itself has taught us to revere Her as a manifestation of the Divine Feminine.

I can only conclude that it must be she herself, as the female of the species, who has revealed this sacred quality at the core of her nature, because, as I said, no one told us about it. Rather, thousands of years of medical, inspirational, religious and sacramental uses of cannabis were erased from history and cannabis consumption in any form was driven underground. The authorities were so fanatic about obliterating cannabis they even proscribed the use of Hemp, the world’s most useful plant, but one without the mind-altering effects of its sacred cousin.

Nevertheless, the innate spiritual dimension of cannabis is revealing itself. The sacred herb has been in the forefront of the growing recognition of plant medicine as a spiritual force. Part of this development can be attributed to the chemists’ discovery of psychedelics as well as ethnobotanical investigation of plant-based entheogens and the latter’s use even today by tribal shamans around the world.

I see cannabis as the “everyday” entheogen. Other substances such as LSD, MMDA, mushrooms, peyote, ayahuasca, etc., require a commitment of time because the effects are so strong and long lasting. They are all a “trip.” Whereas cannabis alters one’s consciousness in more subtle ways, so it can be used every day as an ally. When used as a sacrament in a ritual, its effects can be directed toward spiritual work.

Nevertheless, a strong dose of edible cannabis, such as the famous Bhang in India or a big hit of RSO or eating a chunk of hashish, can launch one on an out-of-body experience, which for the unprepared, can be rather frightening, but for the initiate, becomes a spiritual journey to the center of one’s own consciousness.

Groups are forming around sacramental use of the sacred herb. Other groups are  creating religious ceremonies centered on mushrooms, cactus and ayahuasca. More books about ceremonial rituals centering on cannabis and other plant allies are coming out every year. Researchers are discovering hidden references to and evidence of cannabis use in numerous cultures and religions throughout human history.