Did Jesus use Recreational Cannabis oil in the Bible and The New Testament?

Key Points on Cannabis and the Bible

• Research suggests the Bible does not explicitly mention cannabis or smoking it, leading to interpretations based on broader principles rather than direct commands.
• Principles emphasizing sobriety, self-control, and treating the body as a temple (e.g., avoiding intoxication) tend to discourage recreational use, though medical applications may be viewed differently.
• Evidence leans toward viewing cannabis use as potentially permissible in moderation if it doesn’t impair judgment or violate laws. However, some argue any mind-altering substance conflicts with biblical calls for alertness.
• Historical theories suggesting cannabis in biblical anointing oils are widely rejected by scholars, emphasizing the need for contextual interpretation.

Biblical Silence and Interpretive Approaches

The Bible, written across centuries and diverse ancient cultures, does not reference cannabis (marijuana) by name or describe its recreational use. Because of this silence, any conclusions rely on applying general biblical principles to modern contexts.

Scholars often compare cannabis to alcohol, which scripture addresses both positively in moderation (Psalm 104:15) and negatively when used excessively (Proverbs 20:1). Many argue that if cannabis affects the mind similarly, it could fall under the same cautionary teachings.

Principles Potentially Relevant to Cannabis Use

• Sobriety and Alertness: 1 Peter 5:8 calls believers to be “sober-minded” and watchful, often cited when considering substances that alter perception.
• Self-Control: Galatians 5:22–23 presents self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, while 1 Corinthians 6:12 warns against being “mastered by anything.”
• Body as Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 encourages honoring God with one’s body, raising concerns about potential health risks related to smoking.
• Obedience to Authority: Romans 13:1–2 teaches submission to governing authorities, suggesting cannabis use must align with local laws.
• Love and Influence: Romans 14:21 encourages avoiding behaviors that may cause others to stumble, relevant where cannabis use may offend or tempt fellow believers.

These principles lead many Christians to caution regarding recreational use while leaving space for medical applications where benefits outweigh risks.

Historical and Scholarly Context

Cannabis was known in the ancient Near East, and archaeological findings indicate it was used ritually in regions near ancient Israel around the 8th century BCE. However, no biblical text directly endorses or describes its use, and modern claims of its presence in scripture are debated.

Exploring Cannabis and Biblical Interpretation

Whether smoking cannabis aligns with biblical values is a complex topic blending scripture, ancient history, theology, and modern Christian perspectives. Since the Bible predates contemporary recreational drug culture, it offers no explicit guidance. Interpretations instead rely on broader themes such as stewardship, morality, and spiritual clarity.

This overview examines the lack of direct references, interpretive theories, relevant principles, scholarly viewpoints, health considerations, and denominational differences to provide a balanced, research-based understanding.

The Bible’s Silence on Cannabis

The Bible—composed between roughly 1200 BCE and 100 CE—never mentions cannabis, marijuana, or equivalent terms. While cannabis existed in the ancient world, it did not play a prominent role in the societies reflected in scripture. Thus, its absence from biblical food lists, medicinal references, or moral warnings is not unexpected.

For example, Genesis 1:29 describes God giving plants for food, sometimes used to argue that all plants (including cannabis) are permissible. Scholars counter that this passage concerns sustenance, not recreational alteration of consciousness, and must be balanced with warnings against intoxicating misuse of creation.

Similarly, Psalm 104:14–15 praises God for plants and wine, yet scriptures also caution against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), emphasizing moderation and responsibility.

The “Kaneh Bosm” Theory: Cannabis in the Holy Anointing Oil?

One popular claim is that cannabis appears in Exodus 30:23 as “kaneh bosm” (or “qaneh-bosem”), an ingredient in the holy anointing oil. Anthropologist Sula Benet argued in the 1960s that the term referred to cannabis, based on linguistic similarities to words like “kanbos” (hemp) in Semitic languages.

However, most scholars maintain the traditional translation—“calamus” or “sweet cane”—as more linguistically and culturally consistent with known ancient practices. As a result, the cannabis interpretation is widely considered speculative.