Holy Smoke

Holy Smoke

Cannabis might still hold a sketchy reputation but pot has played an important role in the rites of ancient civilizations.

Recently, researchers found evidence that cannabis and frankincense were used in cult ritual ceremonies back in the eighth century BC in what is now Israel, Newsweek reported.

More than 50 years ago, archaeologists discovered a shrine at the Tel Arad archaeological site in Israel’s Beersheba Valley.

The ancient place of worship had two limestone altars at the entrance to the shrine’s “Holy of Holies” – the most sacred area.

Both altars contained heaps of black, solidified material but researchers then were unable to determine what it was.

In a recent study, researchers used chemical analysis to discover that the material had traces of cannabis and frankincense – an aromatic resin used in fragrances and perfumes.

They also noted that the cannabis was mixed with animal dung to facilitate heating, while animal fat was combined with frankincense to promote evaporation.

The finding sheds new light on the ritual practices in the ancient Kingdom of Judah. It also marks “the first time that cannabis has been identified in the Ancient Near East.”

“We can assume that the fragrance of the frankincense gave a special ambiance to the cult in the shrine, while the cannabis burning brought at least some of the priests and worshippers to a religious state of consciousness, or ecstasy,” wrote Eran Arie, co-author of the study. “We can assume that the religious altered state of consciousness in this shrine was an important part of the ceremonies that took place here.”

Plants have been used in religion for fragrance or psychoactive purposes in ancient Near Eastern and Aegean cultures since prehistory, the authors noted.