By Katherine Pretorius
Though cannabis might be everywhere these days — from dispensary shelves to skincare products — long before it became trendy, it was considered sacred. For thousands of years, this humble herb wasn’t just about getting high. It was a spiritual tool. A connector. A way to tune in and reach something deeper.
Across ancient cultures and spiritual paths, cannabis has always played a quiet yet powerful role. And in some spaces, it still does.
Let’s explore the sacred side of the plant — the side that gets a little lost between brand names and social media buzz.
A Global Spiritual Plant
India – The Sacred Bhang
In India, cannabis has been connected to spirituality and religious rituals for thousands of years. In the Hindu tradition, cannabis (known as bhang) is prepared using the leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant, traditionally blended into drinks like bhang lassi. It’s very popular during the Hindu festival Holi, where followers use it to celebrate joy, spiritual renewal, and connection to the divine.
Bhang is often associated with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. According to legend, Shiva discovered the calming powers of cannabis after wandering into the mountains, tired and overheated. Since then, he’s been considered the cosmic patron of the plant — and many devotees use bhang as a way to feel closer to his energy and wisdom.
Cannabis use in India, particularly for spiritual and Ayurvedic (traditional medicinal) purposes, was deeply respected for centuries. Today, in certain regions, small temples and state-authorised vendors are allowed to sell bhang legally as part of a long-standing cultural and religious tradition.
China – Taoist Meditation & Healing
In ancient China, cannabis was considered a powerful plant with both medicinal and spiritual properties.
Taoist shamans and spiritual practitioners often used cannabis in the form of incense or herbal elixirs, especially during meditation or sacred rituals. The goal was to reach altered states of consciousness believed to open a connection to higher wisdom, boost the flow of energy (qi), and support a deeper sense of inner balance.
Although cannabis was not as central in Chinese ritual life as in India, it was still respected as one of many tools used in pursuit of harmony, longevity, and connection with the unseen world. Over time, as dynasties changed and outside influences grew, cannabis faded from the forefront of Chinese spiritual life — especially as it became increasingly criminalised in more modern eras.
Africa – Indigenous Knowledge & Ceremony
In parts of Southern Africa, cannabis (often called dagga) was traditionally used by healers and sangomas during spiritual ceremonies to access ancestral wisdom or divine guidance. Though many of these rituals were suppressed during colonisation, the cultural roots remain deep, and the plant continues to serve as a tool for enlightenment and spiritual guidance.
Rastafari – “Wisdom Weed”
The Rastafari movement in Jamaica considers cannabis a sacrament. Known as “wisdom weed,” it’s used to elevate consciousness, bring peace, and commune with Jah (God). Smoking is often accompanied by chanting, reasoning sessions, or drumming — spiritual practices in their own right.
Here in South Africa, we have a thriving Rastafari community that not only embraces cannabis as part of their spiritual practice but has also played a huge role in the activism and legalisation movement. For Rastafarians all over the world, cannabis is a sacred gift — used to promote unity, healing, and justice — and their decades-long fight for recognition and rights has been instrumental in pushing the conversation forward.
Sidebar Tip: Sacred, Not Recreational
In traditional spiritual contexts, cannabis was never just about fun or escape. It was used:
- With intention
- In sacred spaces
- During ceremony or prayer
- To support stillness, insight, and connection
The goal wasn’t a high — it was to reach higher.
Modern Revival of Ancient Practices
As attitudes toward weed change globally, more people are returning to the idea of cannabis as a spiritual tool. It’s popping up in:
- Guided meditation and breathwork sessions
- Sound baths and yoga flows
- Solo rituals like journaling, nature walks, or even deep listening to music
For many, it’s not about religion — it’s about presence. Cannabis becomes a way to step out of the daily rush and back into the body, into the now.
Caution: Respect the Practice
Cannabis can be a beautiful ally in spiritual exploration, but it’s not a shortcut. Overusing or using it without purpose can lead to fog rather than clarity.
Spiritual cannabis use is more meaningful when it’s part of a structured routine, like meditating, journaling, saying a quiet prayer, or just sitting in silence.