A study examining biblical texts suggests that Jesus Christ and his apostles might have used anointing oil made with cannabis to heal individuals suffering from debilitating diseases. This research has sparked a thought-provoking conversation about the potential role of cannabis in ancient religious practices, particularly those connected to Jesus and his followers. Evidence points to cannabis likely being a central component of anointing oils during biblical times, supporting the idea that Jesus may have harnessed the plant for its healing properties.
The Hidden Role of Cannabis in Ancient Biblical Anointing Oils
Recent scholarship has reignited debate about the potential use of cannabis in biblical anointing oils, particularly during the time of Jesus. Chris Bennett, writing for *High Times*, has drawn attention to the term "kaneh-bosem," which appears in the Hebrew Bible and is traditionally thought to refer to aromatic reeds like calamus. However, Bennett builds on the work of Polish anthropologist Sula Benet, who in 1936 suggested that this term was a mistranslation and could refer to cannabis. Benet’s research, documented in essays such as *Tracing One Word Through Different Languages* and *Early Diffusions and Folk Uses of Hemp*, traced the term through ancient languages and demonstrated that it likely refers to cannabis.
Carl Ruck, a professor of classical mythology at Boston University, adds to this argument by claiming that cannabis had an important part in ancient Judaic religious activities and would have been present in early Christian ceremonies. Ruck reminds out that cannabis was easily accessible in the area and had a long history of use. In an interview with *The Guardian*, he asserted that "there can be little doubt about a role for cannabis in Judaic religion," implying that the herb was most likely a component of the sacred mixes used for anointing in both Judaic and early Christian rites.
The presence of cannabis in these anointing oils may help explain the healing miracles ascribed to Jesus and his disciples. The oils of the period were prepared from a combination of spices and herbs, but the inclusion of cannabis may have increased their strength due to its well-known psychotropic and therapeutic characteristics. If cannabis was a vital element, it would imply that the plant was treasured not just for its spiritual importance, but also for its practical medicinal properties, which played an important part in the religious and healing traditions mentioned in biblical scriptures.
Cannabis-Infused Anointing Oils and the Healing Miracles of Jesus
Novel perspectives on the miraculous healings related in the Gospels arise from the hypothesis that cannabis was a part of Jesus' and his apostles' healing regimen. Chris Bennett contends that the anointing oils that Jesus and his disciples used were potent therapeutic mixtures that may have included cannabis as a major component, rather than merely ceremonial uses. Cannabis was well recognized in antiquity for its therapeutic qualities, especially in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and skin disorders. The Bible describes events in which Jesus healed people of a variety of diseases, such as leprosy and blindness, in which the calming and anti-inflammatory properties may have treated cannabis-infused oils.
Unlike modern-day cannabis use, which often involves smoking or ingesting the plant, the method of applying cannabis through infused oils allows for absorption through the skin. This method could have provided localized relief for those suffering from conditions such as skin diseases or joint pain, conditions commonly mentioned in biblical healing narratives. According to Bennett, those anointed with these oils were “literally drenched” in the potent mixture, which could explain the profound, almost immediate effects attributed to Jesus' healing touch. This theory suggests that Jesus' healing may have been enhanced by the medicinal properties of cannabis, in combination with spiritual or symbolic elements of the rituals.
If cannabis was included in Jesus' anointing oil, this finding sheds new insight into the nature of his healing miracles. Rather than depending only on supernatural powers, Jesus may have used natural medicines, harnessing the strong effects of plants such as cannabis, which were widely available and well-known for their medicinal virtues. This perspective bridges the gap between the miraculous and the medical, arguing that the power of Jesus' healings stemmed from a comprehensive grasp of natural ingredients as well as heavenly intervention. This viewpoint not only changes our understanding of biblical miracles but also reflects the larger usage of plant-based medicine in ancient religious and therapeutic traditions.
Modern Implications of Ancient Cannabis Use in Religious and Medical Contexts
Cannabis's possible relevance in Jesus' healing practices and early Christian healing practices calls into question the way the plant is currently seen in both religious and medical contexts. Modern audiences are encouraged to reevaluate the historical and spiritual importance of cannabis as public opinions about it change due to rising acknowledgement of its medicinal advantages and growing movements for its legalization. It is possible that cannabis had a major role in ancient religious ceremonies. Should cannabis have played a significant role in Jesus and his disciples' healing practices, this would challenge the stigma attached to the plant and emphasize its potential as a respectable means of promoting both bodily and spiritual healing.
This study reveals that cannabis was not just a revered drug in ancient times, but also a useful one, employed for its medical benefits. As cannabis re-emerges in contemporary medicine, particularly in pain management, anxiety reduction, and the treatment of chronic illnesses, critical issues regarding its broader potential uses arise. Could the use of cannabis in ancient therapeutic rituals lead to a resurgence of plant-based medicines in religious or spiritual settings today? For many, the historical link between cannabis and early Christian practices makes a persuasive case for its inclusion in modern therapeutic approaches, whether in medical, alternative, or religious organizations.
Bottom Line
The study suggesting that cannabis may have been a key ingredient in Jesus' anointing oils offers a provocative reexamination of ancient religious and healing practices. If true, it could mean that cannabis was used for its therapeutic properties in Jesus' healing miracles, blending natural remedies with spiritual rituals. This theory invites modern readers to reconsider the historical and medicinal significance of cannabis, potentially reshaping its perception in both religious and medical contexts today.
JESUS AND ANCIENT CANNABIS, READ ON...
