Herbology 101: Witches and Weed

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The history of witches and the use of cannabis is shrouded in mystery and folklore. And though our only conception of witches is found in horror movies or Harry Potter, these figures in history primarily used herbs for the sake of medicine. And there are several indications that suggest that witches may have used cannabis in their practices.

The use of psychoactive plants in religious and spiritual practices is not a new concept. Many cultures throughout history have used various plants for their mind-altering properties, especially including cannabis. In ancient times, cannabis was used in several cultures as a spiritual aid, and it is believed that witches may have used it in their rituals as well. Because of the enhancing properties of cannabis, it is not hard to believe that these groups of people utilized the plant to further themselves along in their spiritual journeys.

One of the most prominent connections between witches and cannabis is the use of the herb in “flying ointments”. These ointments were used by witches during the medieval period and contained various psychoactive plants including cannabis. It is believed that these ointments were used to induce a trance-like state, which would allow the witches to astral project and fly. And though this definitely falls in line with folklore, a long-lasting understanding of cannabis’ properties can be traced back further than we realize.

Another connection between witches and cannabis can be found in the history of the witch trials. During the witch trials, several women accused of witchcraft were found to have used a green ointment, which was believed to contain cannabis. This ointment was often used to ease pain and discomfort, and it is possible that some women used it to help them endure the torture that they were subjected to during the trials.

While there is no concrete evidence that witches used cannabis, it is clear that the plant has played a role in spiritual and religious practices throughout history. The use of psychoactive plants for spiritual purposes continues to this day, with some modern-day witches using cannabis in their rituals.

While the connection between witches and cannabis may be shrouded in mystery and folklore, it is clear that the plant has played a role in spiritual practices throughout history. While it is impossible to say for sure whether witches used cannabis in their practices, the plant’s psychoactive properties have been utilized by cultures around the world for centuries. As the use of cannabis continues to become more mainstream, it will be interesting to see how it is incorporated into spiritual and religious practices in the future.

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