Cannabis Sacrament, The Hawai'i Cannabis (THC) Ministry Options

[Chanahari]

Even my wife/disciple does not partake of the sacred herb, drink or eat meat.

Is the word usage "sacred herb" denote that you indeed believe that this plant is somehow (more) connected to the spiritual (than the other plants)? Like cows and Tulasi plants for the trad. Gaudiyas? Do you revere it religiously?

[babu]

or making bhang? you grind the buds or leaves and mix it with a little flour and ginger I think. I think jijaji knows the recipe.

I was always reluctant to cook my grass other than in a pipe.

or inject the buds directly into your veins with a syringe

[0jijaji0]

Marijuana Use and Abuse

by herbalist, Brigitte Mars

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa , C. indica, C. ruderalis) is a member of the Cannabaceae Family. The genus name, sativa means "with a long history of cultivation." It also is known as Ganja, Dagga, Bhang, Indian Dreamer, Grass, Pot, Reefer and Tea. Hemp is the name used when discussing the industrial and nonpsychoactive uses of the plant. The name marijuana is a term from Mexican Spanish meaning "intoxicant."

Marijuana has been cultivated for at least 10,000 years and is considered one of the world's oldest cultivated crops. It is native to northern India and Iran and is sacred to Shiva, "Lord of Bhang" and Indra in the Hindu culture.

In 1400 BC, Indian herbals recommended cannabis for anxiety. It is still considered one of the five sacred plants of India. Ayurvedic medicine today recommends cannabis to "increase the joys of married life".

In Chinese medicine, The Shen-Nung recommended marijuana seed for beri-beri, constipation and absent mindedness, female weakness, gout, malaria, rheumatism. In ancient Germany, hemp sprigs were laid on the body to treat convulsions and aid difficult births.

In Africa people would throw cannabis into a fire and inhale. It was also north Africans that developed the water pipe which cooled and purified its smoke. A bit more than 100 years ago, marijuana was recommended for menstrual problems. The seeds are still considered a demulcent laxative, mucilaginous much like flax seed and psyllium are used in America. Marijuana is considered very yin. In magic, marijuana is governed by Saturn.

During Biblical times hemp was used in twelve ways: celebration, ceremony, clothing, cord, fishnet, food, lamp and cooking oil, medicine, paper, relaxation and sails. The Bible was once printed on hemp paper after the invention of the Gutenburg movable type. In the Shinto religion to this day, hemp is a symbol of fertility and purity and symbolic objects such as purification wands, bell robes and priests' robes are made of hemp.

Cannabis grew in North America during prehistoric times perhaps brought here by early explorers and migrating birds. The Ancient Mound Builders' archeological finds yielded evidence of clay pipes containing hemp wrapped in hemp cloth dating from about 400 B.C.

Marijuana seeds were brought to America from England in 1632 by the Pilgrims. By 1762, Virginia farmers were penalized for not growing this plant, as it was such an important useful and economic crop. George Washington grew it at Mount Vernon in 1765. He also pulled up the male plants which increases the potency of psychoactive female plants. Thomas Jefferson advised its cultivation. In 1850, marijuana was America's third largest crop. Between 1840 and 1900 over a hundred published papers recommended Marijuana as medicine. The resin is most concentrated on the flowering tops of the female plants. Marijuana buds and leaves are smoked. Marijuana is not soluble in water as a tea, though is sometimes eaten in foods, though must be cooked in some type of oil for 15 minutes. Tincture of cannabis is used medicinally, though less psychoactive. Hashish is marijuana resin mixed with fat and honey and compressed into cakes.

Seeds are used raw as a food and cooked. Also hemp seed oil is a valuable medicine in addiction recovery and is not psychoactive at all. It can be substituted for flax seed oil. Energetically the leaves are ? seeds are considered sweet and neutral. Marijuana leaves have served humanity as a medicine due to its properties of being analgesic, anesthetic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bronchiodilator, cataleptic, cerebral sedative, cerebral stimulant, demulcent (seeds), euphoric, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, laxative (seeds), nutritive (seeds), sedative and yin tonic (seeds).

It has been used medicinally to treat anorexia (buds, seeds), arthritis pain (buds, seeds), asthma, cerebral palsy , chemotherapy nausea, childbirth pain, spasmodic coughs, depression, glaucoma, insomnia, menstrual cramps, migraines, nausea , nervousness in the elderly, nightmares, pain, paraplegia, piritis (chronic itching), wasting diseases ( buds, seeds) and relief for the terminally ill. Given in tincture form, marijuana has been used for opiate and alcohol addiction.

Marijuana smoke is medicinal for spastic paralysis, has benefited paralysis from brain injuries and relaxes stiff muscles. As for epilepsy, 75 % of patients are helped by allopathic medicines, but 25% cannot handle the side effects and find marijuana helpful as it helps reduce seizure occurrence. It can help MS by relieving painful muscle spasms. It allows people to be relieved of pain and still be able to write, improves bladder control and relaxes tremors . It can help AIDS patients to gain weight. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchioles and increases heart rate. When taken in advance of chemotherapy, it helps counteract nausea by 78%. It reduces the nausea and vomiting during the treatments.

It helps glaucoma, by reducing interocular pressure and preventing the optic nerve from being destroyed. I would have a difficult time thinking of a plant that more medicinal uses.

Important constituents of marijuana leaves are: cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannbinol), flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids (cannabisativine, muscarine, trigonelline) and calcium. Seeds contain protein, lipids, choline, inositol and enzymes.

Marijuana's intrinsic value is slight in comparison to other substances. Marijuana affects some people adversely and induces paranoia and personality deviations as well as short term memory loss and perceptual distortions. People can have widely differing effects from marijuana - some becoming introverted while others become extroverted. Some get the giggles, others become serious. Some claim it is an aphrodisiac while others find they become disinterested in sex. Some people feel energized from smoking marijuana, others become lethargic. Some can use it for meditation, while others become confused. Some users enjoy it for sleep, others for helping them clean or do tasks or creative work. Many people claim that they have less dreaming activity when using marijuana and war vets have long used it to deter nightmares. It can also give access to buried memories. Many report enhanced senses of sight, smell and taste. It does not appear to produce a tolerance effect where more is needed.

Marijuana can decrease testosterone levels in men and reduce sperm count. Polyuria also known as frequent urination occurs in some marijuana smokers. According to Chinese medicine, marijuana use depletes the essence of the kidneys and can be weakening to the liver.

In general smoking anything can be hard on the lungs and though cannabis has been used to help asthma and bronchitis, smoking it can also aggravate those conditions. Irritated throat is a common response. Marijuana is a bronchial dilator.

It can overstimulate the appetite, causing a person to put on weight. The "stoned munchies" occur with low blood sugar which occurs several hours after smoking causing intense food cravings, especially for sweets. In some circumstances white blood cell production can be inhibited causing a lowered immune response. Marijuana can also cause red eyes (even if eaten), lazy eyes, where the eyelids droop slightly for a short period of time after use.

Overdose of marijuana can impair coordination, cause paranoia, fatigue or hyperactivity and in rare cases psychosis.

Most of the high is due to THC, tetrahydrocannabinol which was synthesized in 1966. THC is activated by heat. In 1980's receptor sites for THC were identified in the body and have been named anandamide, meaning "bliss." THC induces euphoria and exhilaration. THC accumulates and is stored in fatty tissue. When rats are given THC they learn how to run mazes faster than untreated rats. Marinol was legalized in 1986 and is synthetic THC. It is very expensive. The drug Marinol puts you to sleep and if you have nausea you can't keep down a pill anyways. There is no known lethal dose from marijuana.

An old Sufi saying is "Smoking it occasionally makes you wise. Smoking it too much turns you into a donkey."

Cooking marijuana makes it less a stress on the lungs, but is more expensive and it takes a while for it to "come on." One can be surprised when the effects come on later and one realizes they could have eaten half as much. Also not all of the medicinal components are passed on through the intestines. As smoking lets you know within a few minutes how high you are.

If being drug tested, be aware that being in close proximity such as in a small room or car with burning substances can cause you to test positive.

Set and setting are most important. Sitting in a circle on a rug or ground with a group of friends that you have prayed, smoked and shared with can be very enhancing. Since you have to be close enough to pass a joint or a pipe it encourages closeness and camaraderie. Some guidelines for safe use include:

Use only in moderation. Smoke no more than once a week. Don't combine drugs. Avoid using recreational substances before or when at school at work. Use only on special occasions or weekends. Consider having a right use by using it as a sacrament on a full moon, Easter Sunday, Halloween and when in a beautiful or meaningful place. Not recommended in unsafe settings or with driving or machinery operation.

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving before lighting up. Sit while smoking. Waterpipes, though illegal in many states, actually make cannabis less irritating to smoke.

Marijuana is neither a stimulant or sedative. Many people are able to use it on occasion for social, celebrations or to enjoy the arts. But many get pulled into "the wake and bake" habit. Those that smoke it constantly do not get any profound experiences from it. Daily use tends to produce lethargy. Use can impair judgment of time and space and lower ability to respond so be extra cautious. The combination of alcohol and marijuana is even more impairing than either substance alone.

Withdrawal from marijuana can cause cravings, anxiety, anorexia, depression, hyperactivity, irritability and sleep disturbances.
Nutritional Therapy

Be sure to get adequate protein and avoid bingeing on sweets which will only destabilize blood sugar levels. Choose whole grains such as oatmeal, barley and brown rice and avoid refined flour products. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice diluted 50% with water when giving up marijuana.
Herbal Therapy to Use Less Marijuana

* Anise
* Ashwagandha
* Basil
* Burdock
* Calamus
* Catnip
* Dandelion
* Fennel
* Ginkgo
* Ginseng
* Gotu kola
* Hops
* Kava kava
* Oatstraw
* Passion flower
* Reishi
* Rosemary
* Saint John'swort
* Schizandra
* Siberian ginseng
* Wild lettuce
* Supplement Therapy
* B complex 100 mg. daily
* Vitamin C 300 mg. daily
* Vitamin A 10,000-25,000 daily
* 200 mcg. GTF chromium 4 times daily
* L-glutamine 500 mg. 2 times daily

People with addictive tendencies are more likely to continue their addictions if they continue smoking marijuana. When detoxing from marijuana take 1000 mg. vitamin c every two to four waking hours.

In case of marijuana overdose, drink basil tea, hold on to an amethyst crystal and breathe to feel more grounded, drink lemonade, eat some protein rich food, drink coffee or take a cold shower.
Aromatherapy

For marijuana addiction smell essential oils of basil, cardamom, clary sage and nutmeg.

Hemp is a very renewable crop that can be easily grown without chemicals and as it can be used to make paper, fiber and fuel, it can solve many of the planet's environmental problems. Legalizing hemp would result in less trees being cut for paper, about 1/7 the amount of carbon dioxide residue should we use this for fuel and less dioxin residue from paper made from trees. It also provides lots of oxygen for the planet when growing and can reduce air pollution. Hemp is a plant that can liberate people from their addictions to petrochemicals, cutting down the forests as well as to many prescription and more dangerous recreational drugs. Perhaps because this plant is used in its whole form and is an herb and really not a refined drug its dangers are less. It certainly can be abused, but has much less potential for this than other substances.

From planetherbs.com

[0jijaji0]

An old Sufi saying is "Smoking it occasionally makes you wise. Smoking it too much turns you into a donkey."

[0madhavadasa0]

http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/4277.html

[0jijaji0]

[zanardi]

Thanks, Jijaji. That elaborate description was exactly what I wanted to read. I feel educated. Thanks

[0Subal0]

Is the word usage "sacred herb" denote that you indeed believe that this plant is somehow (more) connected to the spiritual (than the other plants)? Like cows and Tulasi plants for the trad. Gaudiyas? Do you revere it religiously?

I'm not very reverential or religious, but perhaps have an irreverent, irreligious side. Therefore, I would not revere it like Sri Tulasi. However, I have been using it spiritually since 1965. I really believe that it is one of the great sacred plants given humanity by God to help us become God conscious. Back in the 60s, Allen Ginsburgh taught us to chant Om Shiva Shankara Hara Hara Ganja before smoking for protection and a better high. High is a spiritual term. We want that ecstatic vision, that beatific high. Many of Shivas followers in India smoke religiously. In 1975, I became aware of the Rasta religion and identified with that very closely also. You see, I am truly an ecclectic universalist and adopt the best of everything. I must point out that I did not smoke while in ISKCON 1967-74 or while in seminary or serving as a pastor (I drank then. It was much more acceptable.)

Cannabis is used in many cultures spiritually. There's an interesting passage in Jaiva Dharma, where a Gaudiya Vaishnava main character sees a couple of Sri Vaishnavas smoking cannabis under a tree by his house and goes to inquire of them in spiritual matters.

Now, I find it is also the sacred annointing oil, the balm of the nations, etc. Heck, I just know it from much personal experience with many persons, it is a spiritual herb, a sacrament that is able to liberate the mind from a certain level of maya. In the hippie/beat movement, there was always a large group of spiritually minded persons who use herb and LSD sacramentally while others were joy trippers or speed freaks. It is especially good when used with mantra chanting and other raganuga sadhana practices as I do them. I don't say it is good for everyone. Some persons experience a negative effect. I remain clear headed and active. I think if more persons used herb rather than alcohol, ice or tobacco, the world would be a much better place.

[0jijaji0]

Thanks, Jijaji.  That elaborate description was exactly what I wanted to read.  I feel educated.  Thanks

sure...

[0jijaji0]

It is especially good when used with mantra chanting and other raganuga sadhana practices as I do them. I don't say it is good for everyone. Some persons experience a negative effect.

I agree I use it for meditation and the chanting of mantras....

It just works for me

[Tapati]

An old Sufi saying is "Smoking it occasionally makes you wise. Smoking it too much turns you into a donkey."

My reaction to this was that if you only smoke it occasionally you are probably already wise.

I've heard it's good for migraines too. Unfortunately speeding up my heart rate is not a good thing. And it also simply puts me to sleep so I decided years ago that I wasn't really into it.

[Preyobrazhenya]

Thanks to all who posted tincture info. I wonder if my son would get the medicinal benefits without the "high." Since pot can help seizures, this seems to support my son's "medicinal" use. More recently, medications normally used for epilepsy, have been used for bipolar disorder as well. The medical establishment is beginning to think that there may be a connection between bipolar and electrical activity in the brain. I'm going to hunt for more information about this point.

I personally don't care for pot, as it just gives me a migrane headache and makes me sleepy. Still, I don't know why it is illegal in the USA?

[0madhavadasa0]

Japanese house made of weed!

[babu]

Marijuana Use and Abuse

by herbalist, Brigitte Mars...
An old Sufi saying is "Smoking it occasionally makes you wise. Smoking it too much turns you into a donkey."

From planetherbs.com

this is not true... too much ganja is never enough

[Brainiac]

So where are all the recipes?

"Cannabis Cookbook".

One time I walked into a bookstore and I suddenly realised that there were a lot of cookbooks around all featuring "green leaves". I flicked through one of them and was astounded at the variety of recipes there were! Whoever knew that people could be so inventive. What's next, the Cannabis Diet?

What a shame I couldn't put any of those recipes to use since I've never touched the stuff.

[0Subal0]

Ecumenical Relations

Very good relations exist among the various cannabis ministries here. We went to The 1st Sunday Reggae Church in Glenwood. It’s organized by Jesse Dawn and his band Jah Kine. He gave out free copies of their new CD, “Jah Kine Uprising.” There was another band there too. Not many people were in the audience due to thunder storms, but those who were there seemed very open and welcoming. My wife and I enjoyed dancing during breaks in the rain including a circle dance. It was good talking with a local brah around my age who was very welcoming and accepted us as kama’ainas, children of the land. He invited me to join him and his friends in communion and to visit his ranch whenever I like. That is the true aloha spirit.

Tuesday, Rev. Dan from the Church of Cognizance, a Neo-Zoroastrian cannabis sacrament ministry a couple of blocks away, visited me at my home, sanctuary-temple. We communed and he explained his beliefs and ministry to me. I am not very familiar with Zoroastrianism, so it was interesting to hear his beliefs and practices. We agreed to stay in touch and he said he would refer persons to me.

Wednesday, I again visited Roger at the Hawai’i Cannabis Ministry office. We watched great waves in the bay and long boarders riding them as we talked. He went through the Sanctuary Kit and explained it to me. We also talked of how we could collaborate in ministry. I feel very at home and comfortable with this ministry.

On the way home, I met a neighbor and his friend walking up the hill and gave them a ride to his house. He invited me and my wife to a big birthday party last night at the home of a Rasta neighbor I have gotten to know a little. It was a wonderful gathering with lots of community and love.

I find that the cannabis sacrament definitely helps build community (communion) among many of the diverse persons who live in this area. It is truly the healing herb and balm of the nations. May its spiritual blessing spread.

[0Aran0]

I am curious to hear about the verified health benefits.  KP, you seem to have the scientists edge. 

its a potent herb, for sure. I never used it and never had the desire to try, but I have studied it a bit from an academic point of view. it seems to have a pain killing value in some types of chronic pain, as well as obvious mood enhancing value. as to spiritual value... whatever.... and if I wanted to trip out to the netherworld, peyote is far, far more useful... but then again, why would I want to mess with the ghosts in their own element? that would be pretty retarded...

Are Shamans then, in your understanding, merely the agents of 'ghosts' ?

[Swami Anand Rekk...]

It is especially good when used with mantra chanting and other raganuga sadhana practices as I do them. I don't say it is good for everyone. Some persons experience a negative effect.

I agree I use it for meditation and the chanting of mantras....

It just works for me

I use it too and it help the visualization pratices while chanting mantras.

At Santo Daime, cannabis was used religiously and called Sant Mary. It´s consacred to the Virgin Mary. The ritual is to receive the joint with the left hand, make the cross sign, smoke 3 times (to sun, moon and stars) and pass with the right hand. There are some very beautiful hyms chanted to Sant Mary.

[babu]

It is especially good when used with mantra chanting and other raganuga sadhana practices as I do them. I don't say it is good for everyone. Some persons experience a negative effect.

I agree I use it for meditation and the chanting of mantras....

It just works for me

I use it too and it help the visualization pratices while chanting mantras.

At Santo Daime, cannabis was used religiously and called Sant Mary. It´s consacred to the Virgin Mary. The ritual is to receive the joint with the left hand, make the cross sign, smoke 3 times (to sun, moon and stars) and pass with the right hand. There are some very beautiful hyms chanted to Sant Mary.

i just use it to get high

[Swami Anand Rekk...]

i just use it to get high

Why do you want to get high?