Many individuals have used Cannabis recreationally but, did you know that Cannabis is a sacred shamanic medicine, a Spirit Plant Medicine?
Rastafarian religion states “ganja [Cannabis] is celebrated as a sacred plant medicine that ‘reveals us to ourselves.'”
“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.” Bob Marley
“Cannabis shows me my Nature. It reminds me of who I am. It lightens up the Higher Self in me. I feel blissful, in these instances. I feel light-hearted, excited, and filled with wonder, like a child. I often have the inclination to express joy through singing, or going outdoors, or roller skating through a grocery store.” cabelindsay
“Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here.” Willy Nelson
“This thinking is in alignment with another worldwide religion I’m aware of, called Santo Daime, cannabis is treated as a sacred plant medicine, often called Santa Maria. This is one of the Amazon Rainforest’s ayahuasca religions, incorporating elements of Christianity along with other spiritual traditions. Of course, Santa Maria is the Portuguese and Spanish term for Saint Mary, who is also understood as Mother Earth, or Pachamama.” cabelindsay
Which I find quite remarkable as Don Luchio, the Ayahuascaro from Tamshiyacu, Peru, would automatically banish anyone found partaking in Cannabis on his retreat property. His ceremony, his property, and his rules.
“When a shamanic leader named Padrinho Sebastião was first introduced to cannabis, he understood how to consecrate this herb, meeting “her” with firmness in the mind, relaxing into her peaceful and loving medicine. In doing this, Padrinho essentially lit a torch of inspiration that continues to pass forward as more people begin a relationship with this ancient spiritual ally.” cabelindsay
As with all other Spirit Plant Medicines, there is a reverence to Cannabis. There is a way of growing and harvesting it cleanly, a way of consuming it consciously and with respect for the insight it can provide, and a way of sharing it lovingly. Cannabis provides us many benefits; from a reduction in depression and anxiety to the connection we feel spiritually. Cannabis can and often does provide us with an emotional boost!
“When I was a kid I inhaled frequently. That was the point.” Barack Obama
Like many individuals, I have been a recreational consumer of Cannabis since around 2002. We will not go back to my dark ages when, during most of the 1970s, I was completely addicted to ‘getting high’ and my drug of choice was any and all forms of Cannabis. Consuming Cannabis was a way of ‘lightening the load’, getting your ya-yas out, and feeling good. I did not realize at that time that the medicinal spirit of Cannabis was actually reducing my anxiety and depression and making me feel more [socially] acceptable.
It wasn’t until I attended my first official Cannabis Ceremony at the Spirit Plant Medicine Conference (UBC campus, 2018), that I was awakened to the Spirit of this miraculous plant. After consuming this sacred herb on the UBC campus, just outside of the hall, we reentered the conference space and were thrust into non-ordinary spiritual realms with a mindfulness exercise, some beautiful spiritual music and song (Santo Daime church members), and a dance (Shine Edgar’s amazing didgeridoo accompanied by a Latin American percussionist). Mesmerizing! I could not stop moving! My notion of Cannabis was forever changed from one of a fun drug to a sacred medicine.
Some examples of the traditional spiritual use of cannabis follow;
“Smoking is a ritual in itself: first a hymn is sung to invite [Santa Maria] to join the ceremony. Then the joints are lit. The one who holds it takes three puffs: one devoted to the sun, the second to the moon, and the third to the stars. The joints are passed and the next person inhales three times as well. While it circles, the participants keep singing songs for [Santa Maria].
Ganja is also sacred to the sadhus (holy men) of India, who pray, chant mantras and meditate while sharing a chillum (or enjoy a cup of bhang!). Quite similar to the Rastafaris who use cannabis to get closer to Jah (God).
The plant has been used ritually by indigenous people from Tibet to Mexico. And they all discovered the same thing: in the right set and setting the herb will elevate you into extraordinary states of consciousness.” https://plantsofwisdom.org/en/ave-maria-cannabis-as-a-sacrament/
“Make the most of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere.” George Washington
An important aspect of the experience of Santa Maria, as a spiritual plant, is the dedication and care which went into her cultivation, harvesting, and storage. As with any profit centric business industry, the legalization of this herb has created a massive ‘machine’ which produces an enormous volumes of pot for the hungry consumer. For the most part, the small farmers of this sacred herb have given way to industry giants who have managed to, unconsciously or not, lose the spirit of Santa Maria and replace her with numbers; THC %, CBD %, yield, etc. Big industry has replaced the love and mindful cultivation which used to go into most small grows with modern technology, cheap synthetic nutrients, massive scale, and forced speed and production.
What has been lost due to these modern production methods ?
- the Spirit of this sacred plant. ‘She is strong but waning.’
- many benefits; spiritual connection, Oneness, healing
- the Terpene profile (flavours, aromas, and other beneficial effects)
- reverence (Cannabis has become a commodity)
So, what does one do if one wants to partake in the full spirit of Santa Maria experience and gain all the benefits therein? How does one develop their own spiritual practice with Santa Maria?
- Grow your own herbs! (Or get a trustworthy connection). I believe this to be key. Cannabis is a plant, a natural substance. Anything you put in there (fertile soil, sunlight, peace and tranquility, songs, prayer, intentions) will come out. Of course the strain is relevant, but the circumstances in which she’s grown matter quite as much.
- Provide a good set & setting, whether alone or together. Put some awareness to your surroundings: light a candle, clean the dirt, grab some flowers or play a nice tune. It will definitely improve your experience. Prepare your body and mind before consecrating the sacrament.
- Put an intention or prayer. Before you start or for example with every puff you take. In the church they concentrate subsequently on the sun, moon and stars. But likely you can find your own. Obviously you can adept your prayer to the circumstances.
- Look for and attend group ceremonies where Santa Maria is consumed with spiritual intention.
The rewards of observing the traditional use of this sacred herb will become immediately apparent. With good intention and a compassionate and spiritually nurturing facilitator you will have little choice but to be gently lifted into the non-ordinary spiritual realm. There is a very high probability that you will meet with your helping spirits and be rewarded with a sense of connection to One.
I have taken up the art of growing my own herb and take very seriously the importance of adhering to the traditional farming practice of growing organically, in small batches, and in soil using fabric pots. I use a beneficial bacteria compost tea and natural nutrients for the feedings. The water I use is chlorine free and the light source is LEDs. I sing Icaros and mantras to my spiritual friends so as to infuse them with love and compassion. I do not use any machinery and trim the buds by hand (farmer trim), and I cure the finished product in jars for several weeks.
I will be scheduling an in-person Santa Maria Ceremony soon. Here we will consume the sacred organic herb outside and then collect indoors for the remainder of our ceremony. This is sure to be a beneficial and uplifting experience for all.
I normally have a very limited supply of strong home grown organic Santa Maria available for reasonable exchange. Upon request, I will bring some of the supply to the ceremony for exchange. The cultivar will change regularly – currently there is Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze, and Green Crack. Just send an email to feliz@spiritquest.ca and I will provide you with the details.
Connected in spirit ❤️ gray