Cannabis linked to Biblical healing

[grace]

Cannabis linked to Biblical healing

BBC News World

Monday, 6 January, 2003, 19:18 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2633187.stm

 

Many of the miracles concerned healing

 

Jesus Christ and his apostles may have used a cannabis-based anointing oil to help cure people with crippling diseases, it has been claimed. Researchers in the United States say the oil used in the early days of the Christian church contained a cannabis extract called kaneh-bosem.

 

They suggest the extract, which is absorbed into the body when placed on the skin, could have helped cure people with a variety of physical and mental problems.

 

The medical use of cannabis during that time is supported by archaeological records

 

The author of the article, published in the US drugs magazine High Times, says his findings are based on a study of scriptural texts.

 

Wide use

 

The article does not question the validity of the miracles reported in the Bible but rather examines whether the early Christian Church may have made use of substances with an active medical effect.

 

It does not rule out the role played by blind faith in Christ.

 

Chris Bennett said cannabis was widely used at the time to heal the sick.

 

"The medical use of cannabis during that time is supported by archaeological records."

 

He said the ancient anointing oil contained high levels of cannabis extract.

 

"The holy anointing oil, as described in the original Hebrew version of the recipe in Exodus, contained over six pounds of keneh-bosum - a substance identified by respected etymology, linguists anthropologists, botanists and other researchers as cannabis extracted into about six quarts of olive oil along with a variety of other fragrant herbs.

 

"The ancient annointed ones were literally drenched in this potent mixture."

 

Miracles

 

Mr Bennett suggested the drug may have played a role in some healing miracles carried out by Jesus and his disciples.

 

He wrote: "In the ancient world, diseases such as epilepsy were attributed to demonic possession.

 

"To cure somebody of such an illness, even with the aid of certain herbs was considered exorcism or miraculous healing.

 

Jesus often becomes the final hope for the pharmacologically impaired

 

JesusJournal.com

 

"Interestingly, cannabis has been shown to be effective in the treatment of not only epilepsy but many of the other ailments that Jesus and the disciples healed people of such as skin diseases, eye problems and menstrual problems."

 

Mr Bennett said the findings suggested that it was unchristian to persecute people who used cannabis.

 

"If cannabis was one of the main ingredients of the ancient Christian anointing oil, as history indicates, and receiving this oil is what made Jesus the Christ and his followers Christians, then persecuting those who use cannabis could be considered anti-Christ."

 

However, Christian groups in the United States have rejected Mr Bennett's claims.

 

They have insisted that the arguments made in the article are lame.

 

In a response to the article published on JesusJournal.com, critics said: "As many of us know firsthand, Jesus often becomes the final hope for the pharmacologically impaired."

 

John Cunyus, the author of a book on Christian healing, said: "Well, the Bible does say that St. Stephen was stoned... but perhaps not in that sense!"

[Doris]

anointing oil is fantastic, i know i have used it.

[blackheartedprofit]

how very interesting, it's a pity the bible is basically bullshit and has no basis in fact, wake up and smell the roses.

[thedarkestone]

The bible isn't bull-shit! It's very useful when rolling doobies. Hmmm..... what should I have today? Genesis it is - rip, roll, puff, puff. Ah yeh, no wonder Jesus is into this shit.

Edited September 26, 2008 by thedarkestone

[brick]

anointing oil is fantastic, i know i have used it.

 

 

Hey Doris you are not an ex nun by any chance are you?

[brick]

The bible isn't bull-shit! It's very useful when rolling doobies. Hmmm..... what should I have today? Genesis it is - rip, roll, puff, puff. Ah yeh, no wonder Jesus is into this shit.

 

Your gonna burn in hell darkstone. Gideons bible is the best, you get them for free in motels. Sometimes they even have phone numbers written on the back page if you want sex.

[thedarkestone]

Your gonna burn in hell darkstone. Gideons bible is the best, you get them for free in motels. Sometimes they even have phone numbers written on the back page if you want sex.

Well, that makes 2 of us. I guess I'll be seeing you there.

[blayzin4life]

very interesting, alot of the bible is still based on scientific evidence ie, the creation, mad post i liked it.

peace.

[brick]

Well, that makes 2 of us. I guess I'll be seeing you there.

 

We wont have to worry about looking for a match eh!!!!!!

[jabez]

Man, I've read the bible and worked out a few things, Jesus undoubtedly liked he's hallucinogens and the bible has nothing to do with the philosophy's of modern day Christians.

 

I've heard about that cannabis based ointment that Jesus used, I love bringing it up with Christians and when there faces go red and they look like there gonna jump over and strangle ya to death, you remind them that Jesus never said anything about drugs being wrong and that he was unaware of the US anti-drug policy.

 

Then you watch there whole point of being spin around in there brainwashed little heads.

[brick]

Man, I've read the bible and worked out a few things, Jesus undoubtedly liked he's hallucinogens and the bible has nothing to do with the philosophy's of modern day Christians.

 

I've heard about that cannabis based ointment that Jesus used, I love bringing it up with Christians and when there faces go red and they look like there gonna jump over and strangle ya to death, you remind them that Jesus never said anything about drugs being wrong and that he was unaware of the US anti-drug policy.

 

Then you watch there whole point of being spin around in there brainwashed little heads.

 

I would still like to know how he convinced all those hundreds of people that their bellies were full from two loaves of bread and five fish. Or was it five loaves and two fish? Must have been some mighty powerful water they were drinking.