Marijuana in the Bible: Spirituality, Christianity and Cannabis

For centuries, cannabis has been tangled up in debates over morality, medicine, and mysticism. Some claim it’s a gift from God, while others condemn it as a temptation of the flesh. But what if the real answer is buried somewhere in between? With more Christians questioning old stigmas, the conversation around Christianity and cannabis is heating up—and the Bible may have more to say on the subject than you’d expect.

What Does the Bible Say About Marijuana?

If you flip through scripture looking for the word “marijuana,” you won’t find it. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there—just under a different name. Enter "kaneh bosm," an herb mentioned in the Old Testament as a key ingredient in holy anointing oil. Now, say it out loud: kaneh bosm... cannabis. Sounds familiar, right? Some biblical scholars believe that’s not a coincidence.

Exodus 30:22-25 lays out a recipe for anointing oil used by priests and prophets, calling for kaneh bosm, myrrh, cinnamon, and olive oil. If marijuana in the Bible was being used in sacred ceremonies, then this plant wasn’t just tolerated—it was considered divine.

This brings up an even bigger question: Is there evidence that Jesus healed using cannabis? It’s possible. In ancient times, cannabis was widely recognized for its medicinal properties and used to treat pain, inflammation, and even seizures. If Jesus and his disciples used this oil to anoint the sick, then some of his healing miracles might have had a very real, very plant-based effect.

And now, for the boldest question of all—did Jesus smoke marijuana? While there’s zero historical proof that Jesus was rolling up a fatty in the desert, he was deeply connected to natural healing. If he viewed cannabis as medicine, it’s not impossible that he would have used it in some form. After all, the Bible never explicitly bans cannabis, and Jesus himself never spoke against it.

Christianity and Cannabis: A Changing Perspective

For a long time, churches framed marijuana and Christianity as incompatible. Many religious leaders grouped cannabis with other “sins” like drinking, gambling, adultery, and general debauchery. But here’s the thing—wine is all over the Bible. Jesus himself turned water into it. So why is one plant celebrated while another is demonized?

Some argue that cannabis alters the mind, making it a violation of biblical teachings on sobriety. Others point out that scripture actually encourages using plants for healing (Genesis 1:29). With modern science backing cannabis as a legitimate medicine, many believers are starting to wonder—was this plant ever truly forbidden, or was it just misunderstood?

And while not all churches are embracing cannabis, some cannabis churches are reimagining what faith looks like in the modern world. The First Church of Cannabis in Indiana and The International Church of Cannabis in Colorado are leading a growing movement of spiritual cannabis communities where people gather to worship, reflect, and consume cannabis as a sacrament. These churches argue that marijuana isn’t a barrier to faith—it’s a tool for spiritual enlightenment.

But they’re hardly the first to see cannabis as sacred. Rastafarian ganja traditions have used cannabis in worship since the 1930s, believing it brings them closer to Jah (God). For Rastafarians, smoking marijuana isn’t about getting high—it’s a ritual, a way to meditate, reason, and gain spiritual wisdom. Unlike newer cannabis churches, which blend modern spirituality with marijuana use, Rastafarianism has long treated the plant as a bridge to the divine.

Even outside organized religion, many people report spiritual effects of marijuana, saying it enhances their ability to pray, meditate, and feel more connected to the universe. Some say it helps quiet the mind, making it easier to focus on gratitude and reflection. Others find that it deepens their sense of awe and appreciation for creation—whether that’s in a church pew, on a mountain, or just lying in the grass staring up at the stars.

A New Era for Faith and Cannabis

So, what the Bible says about cannabis might not be a simple yes-or-no answer. Some Christians still view it as a vice, while others believe it can be used with intention and reverence. What’s clear is that the conversation is evolving. More believers are asking whether cannabis and spirituality can coexist, and more churches are rethinking outdated stigmas.

Maybe, just maybe, cannabis was never meant to be feared—but embraced as one of The Creator’s many gifts. And if nothing else, one thing’s for sure: this discussion is far from over. What do you think? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it!