- Jesus as almost certainly a cannabis user and an early
proponent of the medicinal properties of the drug, according to a study
of scriptural texts published this month. The study suggests that Jesus
and his disciples used the drug to carry out miraculous healings.
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- The anointing oil used by Jesus and his disciples contained
an ingredient called kaneh-bosem which has since been identified as cannabis
extract, according to an article by Chris Bennett in the drugs magazine,
High Times, entitled Was Jesus a Stoner? The incense used by Jesus in ceremonies
also contained a cannabis extract, suggests Mr Bennett, who quotes scholars
to back his claims.
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- "There can be little doubt about a role for cannabis
in Judaic religion," Carl Ruck, professor of classical mythology at
Boston University said.
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- Referring to the existence of cannabis in anointing oils
used in ceremonies, he added: "Obviously the easy availability and
long-established tradition of cannabis in early Judaism _ would inevitably
have included it in the [Christian] mixtures."
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- Mr Bennett suggests those anointed with the oils used
by Jesus were "literally drenched in this potent mixture _ Although
most modern people choose to smoke or eat pot, when its active ingredients
are transferred into an oil-based carrier, it can also be absorbed through
the skin".
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- Quoting the New Testament, Mr Bennett argues that Jesus
anointed his disciples with the oil and encouraged them to do the same
with other followers. This could have been responsible for healing eye
and skin diseases referred to in the Gospels.
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- "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," Mr Bennett concludes.
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- Copyright Guardian Newspapers Limited
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