Both the recreational and medical aspects of cannabis are commonly discussed, but less often do people talk about the plant’s spiritual qualities.
Various spiritual or religious traditions esteem cannabis as a sacrament. Perhaps the most well known is Rastafarianism, according to which, cannabis — a.k.a. the “holy herb” or “wisdom weed” — is sacred. In fact, Rastafarian tradition condemns the use of cannabis merely to get high; rather cannabis consumption is ritualized and begins with a prayer, such as “Glory be the father and to the maker of creation. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Jah Rastafari: Eternal God Selassie I.”
In Hinduism, cannabis, or “ganja” — derived from the ancient Sanskrit word “ganjika” — is a holy sacrament associated with the deity Shiva, god of yoga, destruction, and mind altering substances. Cannabis is considered “Shiva’s prasad {offering},” and is an important part of Shivaratri, the holiest day of the year for Shiva devotees. On this holiday, it’s common to consume cannabis in order to achieve (or more realistically, aspire to) a Shiva state of consciousness — that is, a yogic mindset, helping you transcend the ego, and experience universal oneness.
The Judeo-Christian tradition also holds cannabis in a special regard. Many Jews claim that cannabis helps them get more into the spirit of Shabbat, the day or rest, while a small sect of Christians have created a church around the holy anointing Christ used to heal people, and which contained kaneh-bosm, or cannabis.
Whether you’re religious, agnostic, or atheist, however, cannabis can help you meditate or get into a more spiritual mental state. Allow yourself the time and space to get comfortable before you consume, and let your thoughts wander where they may. If you’re trying to meditate, you may try to reel your focus in. Otherwise, cannabis may help you get into a trance-like state that enables more creative or spiritual thought and action, whether you’re playing music or journaling. While you may or may not want to call this a religious experience, there’s no denying that cannabis alters your thoughts and can allow you to see your self, your issues, and other staples of the mind from a different perspective.
If you’re looking to elevate your cannabis experience, begin with intention. Ask yourself whether you are using the plant to feel more connected to yourself, your loved ones, a higher consciousness, or simply to meditate. Try not to judge the thoughts that come up, nor judge yourself for not feeling “spiritual enough.” Eventually, as you develop a closer, more nuanced relationship to yourself through cannabis, you may automatically feel like you are having a more connected experience, all around.
