Was Jesus a stoner?

[paul108]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/comp/articleshow?artid=33582250

 

Jesus used cannabis to heal ailments: Study

 

ANI[ MONDAY, JANUARY 06, 2003 07:34:16 PM ]

WASHINGTON: A new study of scriptural texts has revealed that Jesus and his disciples used cannabis to heal sufferings of many during that time.

According to a report in The Guardian, the study suggests that the drug was used to cure problems like eye and skin diseases as referred to in the Gospels.

 

The anointing oil used by Jesus and his disciples contained an ingredient called kaneh-bosem which has since been identified as cannabis extract, says an article by Chris Bennett in the drugs magazine, High Times, entitled "Was Jesus a Stoner"?

 

The incense used by Jesus in ceremonies also contained a cannabis extract, suggests Bennett, who quotes scholars to back his claims, the report adds.

 

"There can be little doubt about a role for cannabis in Judaic religion," Carl Ruck, professor of classical mythology at Boston University stated.

 

Referring to the existence of cannabis in anointing oils used in ceremonies, he added: "Obviously the easy availability and long-established tradition of cannabis in early Judaism... would inevitably have included it in the [Christian] mixtures." Bennett suggests those anointed with the oils used by Jesus were "literally drenched in this 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". Quoting the New Testament, 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.

 

"If cannabis was one of the main ingredients of the ancient anointing oil... 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," Bennett concludes.