The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention cannabis—at least not in the way we talk about it today. But if you dig into ancient history, the cultural context of the biblical era, and a few eyebrow-raising archaeological finds, there’s a strong case that cannabis and other psychoactive substances played a role in religious rituals and spiritual experiences.
From frankincense and myrrh to the burning altars of the Holy of Holies, sacred highs weren’t as taboo as modern religions often portray. Let’s explore what the Bible says (or implies) about weed and other substances, how ancient cultures used them, and why some biblical visions sound like they were sparked by something far beyond a regular prayer session.
The Bible and Sacred Plants
The Bible is full of references to plants, herbs, and oils used for healing, anointing, and worship. While cannabis isn’t mentioned by name, some scholars believe it could be hiding in plain sight under terms like “kaneh-bosm” or “aromatic reed,” referenced in texts about holy anointing oils.
Exodus 30:22-25 (NIV)
“Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane [kaneh-bosm], and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.”
Some researchers argue that “kaneh-bosm” might be an ancient reference to cannabis, particularly because the plant’s properties align with its described use: purifying, healing, and consecrating spaces or people. While this is debated, it’s a compelling theory that ties cannabis to sacred practices in the Bible.
Frankincense and Myrrh: Sacred and Psychoactive
When the Magi brought gifts to baby Jesus in Matthew 2:11, they offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While gold is straightforward, frankincense and myrrh were more than just incense—they were powerful, expensive substances with psychoactive and medicinal properties.
Frankincense
Frankincense, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals. When burned, it releases psychoactive compounds like incensole acetate, which can create feelings of euphoria, reduce anxiety, and enhance spiritual experiences.
Myrrh
Myrrh, another resinous substance, has sedative and calming effects. It was used for embalming, anointing, and in healing practices.
By offering these substances to Jesus, the Magi were gifting something far beyond a nice-smelling incense—they were bringing tools for sacred connection and possibly altered states of consciousness.
Archaeological Finds: Cannabis in the Holy of Holies
In 2020, archaeologists discovered traces of cannabis and frankincense on an ancient altar in the Holy of Holies at a site in Tel Arad, near Jerusalem. This was a space used for worship during the Kingdom of Judah, around the 8th century BCE.
The cannabis was mixed with animal dung to help it burn slowly, releasing smoke that likely filled the small room. This suggests that worshippers used psychoactive substances as part of their offerings and rituals.
- Why It Matters: The presence of cannabis indicates that ancient Israelites used it in sacred practices, possibly to induce altered states for spiritual experiences or to “enhance” their connection with the divine.
Sacrifices and the “Sweet-Smelling Aroma”
The Bible repeatedly mentions offerings that produce a “pleasing aroma” to God. For example:
Leviticus 1:9 (NIV)
“Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, the head and the fat, on the wood that is burning on the altar. … It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”
While these offerings were primarily animal sacrifices, incense and other fragrant substances were often burned alongside them. The mix of psychoactive smoke and sacred rituals could create an intense spiritual atmosphere, heightening the senses and making worshippers feel closer to God.
Biblical Prophets: Were They High?
Some of the Bible’s wildest visions and stories could easily be interpreted as the result of altered states of consciousness. Here are a few standout examples:
Ezekiel’s Wheels Within Wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21)
Ezekiel describes seeing “a wheel intersecting a wheel” in the sky, covered with eyes, moving in impossible ways. This vivid, dreamlike imagery has puzzled theologians for centuries. Some suggest it could reflect a trance-like state induced by psychoactive substances used in worship rituals.
Jacob Wrestling an Angel (Genesis 32:22-32)
Jacob spends an entire night physically wrestling with an angel and emerges with a new name (Israel) and a limp. Could this intense spiritual encounter have been amplified—or even inspired—by altered consciousness?
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Genesis 37)
Joseph’s prophetic dreams, which involve vivid, symbolic imagery, could hint at a mind opened by sacred substances. While the Bible attributes his visions to divine inspiration, many ancient cultures used psychoactive plants to enhance dream states.
Cannabis and Ancient Religious Practices
Cannabis wasn’t just limited to Israelite rituals—it played a role in many ancient cultures:
- India: Cannabis is considered sacred in Hindu traditions and is associated with Lord Shiva. Bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is consumed during religious festivals.
- Scythians: Ancient Scythians burned cannabis in ceremonial tents to achieve trance-like states.
- Egypt: Some researchers believe cannabis may have been used in mummification rituals or medicinally.
These practices suggest that cannabis and other psychoactive substances were valued for their ability to bridge the physical and spiritual worlds.
So, Was Weed in the Bible?
While cannabis isn’t mentioned outright in the Bible, its presence in ancient religious practices and archaeological finds points to its potential role in sacred rituals. Whether through the possible use of kaneh-bosm, the burning of psychoactive incense, or the intense visions of biblical prophets, cannabis—or something very much like it—seems to have been part of the spiritual toolbox of the time.
As modern cultures continue to reexamine the uses of cannabis, it’s fascinating to consider that what we now view as recreational or medicinal might once have been seen as a path to the divine. Whether you’re lighting up to relax or exploring deeper connections, there’s something timeless about the ways plants like cannabis have been woven into human spirituality.
Perhaps the ancients were onto something. After all, a “sweet-smelling aroma” might be more than just pleasing—it might be sacred.
PS – you should see what the Bible says about cross tattoos…
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