Cannabis - A journey from India

Cannabis : A journey from India

The Rise of Cannabis Culture in San Francisco

When I moved to San Francisco eight years ago, I was intrigued by a rapidly growing trend—cannabis was becoming a mainstream commodity. Online sales and legalization were transforming marijuana into an emerging sensation. As cannabis consumption gained popularity, I became curious about its origins and cultural evolution. My research led me to a surprising discovery: cannabis has deep historical and spiritual roots in India.

Cannabis in Ancient India

Cannabis has been a part of Indian culture for centuries, often linked to religious and spiritual practices. The earliest references appear in the Vedas, sacred texts dating back to 1500–500 BCE.

In the Vedas, cannabis is referred to as "bhang", described as one of the five sacred plants alongside soma (a mysterious ritual plant), barley, darbha grass, and mudga (a type of bean). Bhang was revered for its psychoactive properties, believed to bring individuals closer to the divine.

One fascinating aspect of this history revolves around "jatadharis", ascetic holy men with long dreadlocks who carried cannabis, particularly in the form of bhaang (a cannabis-infused drink). These spiritual travelers spread cannabis use across regions, eventually reaching South America.

The British Era and Cannabis in South America

During British colonial rule, the global journey of cannabis took another significant turn. When slavery was abolished in the 19th century, the British sought laborers for sugarcane plantations in South America. Many workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India embarked on long voyages, seeking better wages and opportunities. Among them were the jatadharis, carrying their sacred cannabis traditions with them.

On the plantations, Indian laborers and Black communities lived in separate quarters, but their interactions led to cultural exchanges. The spiritual practices and cannabis use of the jatadharis caught the interest of local communities, influencing aspects of Rastafarianism—a movement that later embraced cannabis as a sacred herb and dreadlocks as a spiritual symbol.

From India to Bob Marley: Cannabis Goes Global

Centuries later, figures like Bob Marley helped popularize Rastafarian culture, dreadlocks, and cannabis use on the global stage. The influence of these ancient Indian traditions can still be felt in today’s cannabis movements.

Fast forward to modern times—cannabis culture thrives in places like San Francisco, where its legal status, medicinal benefits, and social acceptance have reshaped perspectives worldwide.

Conclusion: A Global Cannabis Legacy

The journey of cannabis from ancient Indian traditions to modern-day legalization is a testament to its lasting cultural and spiritual impact. From the jatadharis who carried it across continents to its role in shaping global subcultures, cannabis remains a symbol of tradition, identity, and transformation.

Sources 

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/focus/20210326/prathit-misra-rastafari-indian-connection

https://barbarycoastsf.com/blog/f/a-journey-through-the-history-of-cannabis-in-san-francisco