Biblical Marijuana

Did you know that Israel is a world leader in medical cannabis research?

As it turns out, Delta 9-THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), was isolated for the first time in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni. They analyzed the residue from an ancient holy balm (Shemen Afarshimon) and spiced incense (Ha Ketoret) used in the Holy of Holies (Beit HaMikdash) by the “Most High Priest” when approaching the Ark of the Covenant. The discovery validates most biblical authorities who identify “kaneh bosem,” as one of the sacred herbs Moses used to make this holy balm and incense. Who knew marijuana had such rich cultural and religious roots?

“Kaneh bosom” is first mentioned in the Hebrew Old Testament, when in Exodus 30:22-33, Moses is told by God (YHWH) to anoint the his tent (tabernacle) with a blend of oils, containing “kaneh bosem” (marijuana), later mistranslated as calamus in the Greek version. This plant-derived balm (Shemen Afarshimon) would forevermore designate holy things from ordinary things.

The original four ingredients were to be myrrh, cinnamon, kaneh-bosem, cassia and olive oil. Much later, another version included eleven spices. This formula was considered so sacred, that if it were misused, the person would be driven away or possibly killed. The fragrance of the ancient incense (Ha Ketoret) was said to be so powerful when being prepared that one could smell it as far away as Jericho, 12 miles to the north of Qumran. It appears these ancient shaman priests preferred skunky bud in their balm mix.

Close inspection of the Old Testament tells us God (YHWH) “came to Moses out of the midst of the cloud” and that this cloud came from smoke produced by the ritual burning of incense (Ha Ketoret). Truth is Moses wasn’t the only one to practice capturing the smoke of marijuana in a tent. The ancient Scythians, Semites, and Israelites were all in close association and adapted many cultural similarities. Many cultures report conjuring visions and divine revelations from sacred plants; whether applied topically, inhaled or ingested.

Many experts agree that plants play a vital role in the development of medicine and the awakening of consciousness. How ancient peoples shared these higher cognitive experiences and whether plants acted as catalysts for authentic spiritual awakening or genuine creative insights are a mystery because we simply lack sufficient information.

But leading researchers are discovering the inter-relationship between our DNA molecules and the immediate environment. From subtle energy fields and nutrients, to the influence of the plant kingdom, are considerably deeper than we first suspected.

We still evolve and awaken in relation to our direct experience with this same environment. What if it turns out that setting apart the sacred and holy things from the ordinary, is the major key to unlocking our deeper spiritual evolution? You can decide that. All I can say for sure is at least now we know why they called them the “Most High Priest!”

~ The Botanical Guru