Why is Marijuana Said to Be Spiritual?

Many people, particularly those who are part of the New Age spiritual community, tend to attribute mystical or spiritual significance to the tingles and sensations experienced after using marijuana. However, the experience is often explained by the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is a natural system in the body responsible for regulating various processes.

It is not uncommon for individuals who have not experienced more potent mind-altering substances, such as psychedelics, to erroneously label marijuana as a spiritual remedy. However, it is crucial to recognize that the spiritual experiences attributed to marijuana are often due to the effects of the ECS rather than any inherent mystical properties of the plant.

One evening, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the potential for marijuana to enhance the spiritual journey. After smoking a joint with a few friends in a park near my home, I was able to truly appreciate the beauty of a stunning sunset. It felt like all my childhood memories were brought to life, and I experienced a profound and uplifting sensation.

Is Marijuana Really Spiritual?

It is not accurate to say that marijuana is spiritual. The term 'spiritual' usually denotes a profound connection or oneness with the universe, a transcendent state of consciousness. While marijuana has been used by many cultures for centuries, its primary functions are to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Claims of it being a spiritual tool are often exaggerated and stem from a lack of understanding of the actual mechanisms at play.

It is more accurate to say that when one is drug-free, they can more easily achieve a state of spirituality. Without the interference of external substances, individuals can experience a 'clean' and conscious connection with a higher power or the universe. Drugs, especially overuse of marijuana, can muddle the mind and prevent one from attaining a truly spiritual state of consciousness.

Attaining a True Spiritual Experience

A genuine spiritual experience can be achieved through the following steps, though it is important to note that these are general guidelines and the process may vary among individuals:

Let Your Guard Down: Lower your defenses and resist the urge to be cautious or protective. Trust in the experience and be open to letting go of any preconceived notions or judgments. Be Unguarded and Undefended: Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open. Trust in the natural flow of the experience and do not force or control it. Let It All Go: Release your identity as a separate entity. Let go of the sense of self-consciousness, and merge with the experience fully. Forget Your Own Identity: Allow yourself to come to terms with the idea of oneness with the universe or a higher consciousness. Share With the Universe: If you are comfortable, share your soul with the universe or another being. Expand your vision and see the interconnectedness of everything around you.

Marijuana, in my experience, had a similar effect, at least during the one and only time I had consumed it. It relaxed the muscles around my eyes, making it challenging to focus on just one thing, and it turned down my self-consciousness. This allowed me to experience a sense of oneness and interconnectedness, which is something that can be described as a spiritual experience.

Conclusion: While marijuana may enhance certain sensations and experiences, it is not inherently spiritual. True spirituality is often achieved when one is drug-free and able to attain a clean and conscious connection with a higher power or the universe. Understanding the mechanisms of the ECS and the effects of marijuana can provide a clearer perspective on what is truly spiritual.