History of the Rastafarian movement and marijuana

Get to know the most outstanding aspects of the relationship between the Rastafari movement and marijuana. For the rastafaris, the marijuana is a sacred plant with a sacramental function. They respect it, value it and use it on special occasions.

What is it to be a Rastafarian?

 

The Rastafari is a social-religious movement based on multiple doctrines and is in favor of the peace of the individual. Although it has received some criticism due to its homophobia and racism, it raises the search for good towards all beings.

The movement is highly related to music and could be considered religious. Moreover, it is said to be a syncretic movement because it embraces beliefs based on Jewish, Christian and Ethiopian texts.

Among the most important features is clothing. Because of their faith in the Old Testament, the Rastafarians leave the dreadlooks and beard, for that is how the Nazarenes were to dress. But this feature is not decisive.

Their beliefs are also strongly linked to music, reggae, which is an instrument of diffusion. But it is also a powerful vehicle for peaceful libertarian ideologies. Within the music there is also a strong syncretism, a mixture of rhythms and cultures.

In addition, another of its most outstanding aspects, is the use and consumption of the Marijuana, also known as Cannabis.

Marijuana in the Rastafari movement

Marijuana has been present in the Rastafarian movement since its inception, when it emerged in Jamaica. However, they were not the first ones in using it with religious or cultural motives.

Hinduism, a much older religion, is the first one that indicates in its writings the use of cannabis with cultural motives. Moreover, it is said that these were the ones who brought cannabis to Jamaica during the colonization period.

Upon entry, its name “ganja” was quickly popularized among its settlers, who adopted it to this day.

However, despite being a religious symbol for the entire Rastafarian culture, it is not widely legal in Jamaica, the main cradle of the movement. In this country there are multiple penalties for possession of marijuana, which have decreased over time.

Currently, the cannabis legalization map worldwide is much more expanded, both for medicinal and recreational use.

Why do Rastafarians use marijuana?

For the Rastafari, marijuana is a very important plant because it was found in the tomb of King Solomon. In addition, God put it in the world to facilitate the spiritual path and achieve greater introspection.

Within the Rastafarian movement, it is considered that God is within each one of us. This principle is manifested through the I & I. Its internalization is made easier through meditation and the consumption of ganja.

Because marijuana is a sacred plant, its use is purely religious-ritual for the Rastafari. Although there is also a medicinal and soothing use.

Rastafari is not only based on the bible, it is also based on Kebra Nagast, a chronicle of Ethiopian kings. But to support in a doctrinal way the use of marijuana they use some biblical verses.

In the 1st Letter to Timothy, it is mentioned that there will be sinners who prohibit food that God created for the benefit of his creation. While proverbs, psalms and genesis, mention cultivation and human food should be herbal.

 

Curiosities about the Rastafari Movement and marijuana

Get to know some curiosities about marijuana and the Rastafari movement.

 

Do all Rastafarians smoke marijuana?

This is a question that many are realized when seeing that the Marijuana is a representative symbol of the culture rastafari. Although it is used in rituals and meetings, cannabis is not strictly used by all rastas.

 

Misuse of marijuana in Rastafari

For the Rastafarian movement, marijuana is not a drug. This incredible plant does not create physical addiction and the earth produces it without man intervening decisively. But in spite of this, a playful use is something totally reprehensible. The Rastafari movement does not approve of its recreational application, since it is a vehicle for achieving a much more intense and profound meditation.