From: Damien Broderick (thespike@earthlink.net)
Date: Mon Jan 06 2003 - 10:31:46 MST
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/01/06/1041566367015.html
Cannabis: the good oil on Jesus
By Duncan Campbell,
Los Angeles
January 7 2003
Jesus was almost certainly a proponent of the medicinal properties of
cannabis, according to a study of scriptural texts.
The study suggests that Jesus and his disciples used the drug for miraculous
healings.
The anointing oil used by Jesus and his disciples contained an ingredient
called kaneh-bosem, which has since been identified as cannabis extract,
according to an article by Chris Bennett published this month in the drugs
magazine High Times.
The incense used by Jesus in ceremonies also contained a cannabis extract,
suggests Mr Bennett, who quotes scholars to back his claims.
"There can be little doubt about a role for cannabis in Judaic religion,"
said Carl Ruck, professor of classical mythology at Boston University.
On the existence of cannabis in ceremonial oils, he added: "Obviously, the
easy availability and long-established tradition of cannabis in early
Judaism . . . would inevitably have included it in the mixtures."
Mr Bennett suggests that those anointed with the oils used by Jesus were
"literally drenched" in the potent mixture.
"Although most modern people choose to smoke or eat pot, when its active
ingredients are transferred into an oil-based carrier, it can also be
absorbed through the skin," he says.
Quoting the New Testament, Mr Bennett argues that Jesus anointed his
disciples with the oil and encouraged them to do the same with other
followers.
This could have been responsible for healing eye and skin diseases referred
to in the gospels.
- Guardian
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