A provocative study exploring biblical texts has ignited a conversation about the potential use of cannabis in ancient religious practices, specifically those associated with Jesus and his disciples. The research suggests that cannabis may have been a crucial ingredient in the anointing oils used during biblical times, leading to a fascinating exploration of Jesus’ healing abilities and the role of this plant in ancient medicine.
Chris Bennett, writing for High Times, points to the biblical reference to “kaneh-bosem” as evidence for the use of cannabis extract in ancient anointing oils. Bennett, along with various scholars, believes that this substance, now understood to be cannabis, was a key component of the oils used for anointing during Jesus’ era. Professor Carl Ruck of Boston University, a scholar of classical mythology, supports this claim, stating, “There can be little doubt about a role for cannabis in Judaic religion. The easy availability and long-established tradition of cannabis in early Judaism would inevitably have included it in the [Christian] mixtures.”
Polish anthropologist Sula Benet, whose research from 1936 is cited by Bennett, discovered a translation error in the Old Testament. Her work, including essays like “Tracing One Word Through Different Languages” and “Early Diffusions and Folk Uses of Hemp,” clarifies that the Hebrew terms “kaneh” and “kaneh-bosm” refer to cannabis. This revelation adds weight to the argument for cannabis’ inclusion in these ancient oils.
The research highlights the dual purpose of these anointing oils – ceremonial and medicinal. Bennett argues that those anointed with these oils were “literally drenched in this potent mixture.” While modern cannabis users often prefer smoking or ingesting the plant, the ancient method of oil infusion allowed for absorption through the skin, potentially amplifying its therapeutic effects. Bennett draws connections between these practices and the healing miracles attributed to Jesus in the Gospels, particularly those involving skin and eye diseases.
The study’s conclusion is thought-provoking: “If cannabis was one of the main ingredients of the ancient anointing oil, and receiving this oil is what made Jesus the Christ and his followers Christians, then persecuting those who use cannabis could be considered anti-Christ.”
This perspective challenges the way we view cannabis, both historically and in contemporary contexts. As public opinion shifts toward greater acceptance of cannabis, the implications of this research could significantly influence discussions about its place in religious and therapeutic practices today. With ongoing debates about cannabis legalization and its medicinal benefits, this study offers a unique lens through which to reexamine the historical significance and potential therapeutic uses of this ancient plant.
