Marijuana

Marijuana is a lower classification of the hemp genus. The number of species in the genus is disputed – I imagine because a lot of it is grown and consumed secretly. If no one can actually say how much and where it is growing, it isn’t unreasonable to say that we don’t know how many different varieties there are. In principle it is agreed that there are three types – Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis, all of which come in male and female varieties, which colonise, and may also form hermaphroditic and androgenous plants. There are no scientific differences between these three types, but a general acceptance that these exist. Of the three types, Sativa and Indica are those grown and consumed to provide some sort of sense of escape –for recreational, medicinal or religious purpose – all have mind altering effects and can arguably alleviate pain. Although marijuana has more recently been used as a ‘recreational’ drug, leading to feelings of relaxation and considered to reduce stress by infusing the user with a sense of wellbeing, it is also used in religious senses and ceremonies. Marijuana, or cannabis as it is also known, was used by the ancient Assyrians shamans who burned the flowers to induce a trance state, and historical artefacts suggest it’s use by Chinese as far back as 3rd century AD. World trade allowed the distribution of the plants and industrial hemp into north and south America. Marijuana was introduced to the west Indian islands by east Indians, who were brought to Jamaica after slavery ended. Jamaica was a centre for Rastafarians, who took to using cannabis to aid meditation, gain wisdom and to use in sacraments. Rastafarians believe that the Tree of Life mentioned in the bible is the marijuana plant, and that the bible promotes its use throughout the old testament. Rastafarians do not see cannabis as a recreational drug and claim that its use is inherent in the tenets of their religion. Using in this way does not lead to addiction – where addiction is noted to be dependent on context, cues, presence of friends and social behaviour. For example, American GIs returning from Vietnam reported no craving for drugs, although they may have been extensive users while in Vietnam. Where Rastafarians use cannabis to achieve closeness to their divine being, this is in direct contradiction to recreational users, who seek euphoria or fun as a result of imbibing the drug – antithesis of religious belief? Studies have noted that the expectation of a high may influence the feelings of being high when cannabis is taken by a recreational user, which can lead to addiction, whereas this may not be the case when it’s used in religious terms. The use of marijuana (“ganja”) by Rastafarians is widely misunderstood to focus on its use to get high. In fact their belief is centred on the provision of the plant by Jah (their term for “god”) and that it’s use is therefore not governed by man.

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