In the United States, in the Harrison Narcotic Act, a narcotic is defined as a 'dangerous, addictive agent'. Cannabis, therefore, is not legally a narcotic but a hallucinogen (which are not addictive).

Hallucinogens do more then impact vision - as is commonly misunderstood - but have an affect on all senses: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory.

Now found the world over, Cannabis is native to Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia. It is an ancient hallucinogen, well known to pre-, Vedic, and post-Vedic cultures. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Cannabis has fifty (50) chemical structures that are medically promising.

According to Bharat-India myth, the Gods gifted humans with Cannabis so that we may enjoy Ananda-bliss. Another myth relates that when the Devas-Gods and Asuras-Demons churned the ocean, one of the many blessings released was Cannabis; which the Devas immediately called Vijaya-victory.

According to many references in the Rig Veda, Bhang - a drink made from Cannabis - was the favorite drink of both Siva and Indra (whose names mean 'Auspiciousness' and 'Lord of Heaven', respectively). Siva advised that humans should chant the word "Bhangi" while smoking and drinking Cannabis, equally as we sow, weed and harvest the plant. Meaning, Bhangi is the mantra of Cannabis.

According to historians and archeologists, Cannabis has been used for some 10,000 years; certainly since the discovery of agriculture. In fact, Cannabis is considered one of the world's oldest cultivars; a plant with five purposes:
- hemp fiber (clothing and textiles)
- hemp oil (medicine and food)
- hemp seed (food)
- hallucinogen (spiritual awareness)
- therapy (used to treat illness)

Throughout its history, Cannabis has been considered a member of the nettle family, the fig family, and the hops family. It is said that Buddha ate six Cannabis seeds a day during his six year fast (some stories relate one seed a day). In some depictions of Buddha, his Sadhu bowl contains Cannabis leaves.

According to the Arthava Veda - from which Ayurveda derives - Cannabis is one of the Somas - divine herbs or nectars given to man for their good health and long life. The Sushruta Samhita, written in the 6th century common era, lists Cannabis as an 'essential herb' for the cure from virtually everything from acne and dandruff, to cancer and leprosy, to sexually transmitted disease to insomnia. The Bharaprakasha Samhita, 1600 ACE, lists Cannabis as the primary cure to rid the body of phlegm, to ease digestive disorders, and enhance the voice (for both speaking and mantra).

Certainly, in Bharat-India and Tibet, Cannabis has reached a state of refinement and importance in both daily use and religious observance. This fact can be seen in the many preparations of Cannabis, such as:
- Bhang = Cannabis mixed with spices and consumed as candy (maajun), or tea (bhanga);
- Ganja = flowering tops pressed to induce chemical changes; then smoked with tobacco (charas).

Finally, Tibetan Buddhism lists six steps of asceticism that all contain the use of Cannabis; primarily as a tool to faciitate deep meditation and heightened awareness.

Clearly, these examples relate that Cannabis is - first and foremost - to be used as medicine and to enchance spiritual awareness. In the West today, this is not the case. Mostly, today, Cannabis is abused, and so has become a social, moral and health hazard. Which is why the true history of Cannabis needs be researched and so understood: so that the original wisdom of this remarkable herb can be fully embraced in an intelligent and spiritual context.

Be Whole!
Siddhananda Devi

tribes.tribe.net/adi_ayurveda
tribes.tribe.net/adi_bhagavad_gita
tribes.tribe.net/adi_tantra
tribes.tribe.net/hamsa_yoga

you are always deluded if you believe drugs/altered perception can bring you closer to god. drugs take you away from who you really are and fracture your spiritual/energetic and emotional bodies allowing entry by all types of psychic hitch hikers.... good luck to you but on this there is no truth. only the continuing illusion of drugs.