In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores the Ayurvedic perspective on cannabis and the importance of using powerful substances with proper understanding and intention.
Cannabis is a plant that has been used by human beings for many thousands of years. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, where it is primarily used for chronic digestive problems and, for that purpose, can be very effective. Any substance, and for that matter any action, can have three possible effects on the body: it can be used as food, as medicine, or as a poison.
Most people do not use cannabis leaves as food, but theoretically, if there were nothing else available to eat, one could probably survive on them for some time. Technically speaking, cannabis is not a poison in the sense that it is not so immediately harmful that it will kill you. When properly used, it can be a useful medicine. When improperly used, however, its effects can become more like a slow poison, one that gradually and often unnoticed begins to weaken parts of yourself that you do not want weakened.
My colleague Dr. Claudia Welch describes the effects of excessive cannabis use as creating what she calls “dirty yin.” This refers to a condition in which a person’s energy is no longer being maintained in a way that allows the free flow of chi or prana. Much of the available energy becomes occupied with exploring different perspectives of reality, and there may not be enough attention remaining to maintain the proper circulation and order of energy in one’s environment and within oneself.
As a result, stagnation begins to accumulate. First it appears in the surroundings, and eventually it can affect the individual as a whole.
Intoxicants such as cannabis are traditionally understood to have specific purposes. They are meant to help a person see reality from different perspectives and then integrate those new perspectives meaningfully into life. Without that integration, simply experiencing altered states does not necessarily create spiritual development.
Cannabis is sacred to Lord Shiva, who is traditionally associated with consuming intoxicants. However, the important point is that Shiva is Shiva. He lives in the cremation grounds, is connected with transformation and death, and is represented as the Shiva Linga. He is not disturbed by what he consumes because he maintains complete mastery over his awareness. Whatever he takes in remains contained and does not disturb the rest of his being. This is why Shiva is called Nilakantha, the blue-throated one, because the poison is held at the throat and does not spread throughout him.
Vimalananda was very clear that, whenever possible, a person should have a teacher, guide, or Guru when entering the world of intoxicants. At the very least, intoxicants, and especially cannabis, should be treated as sacred substances. They should be offered to the Supreme Reality or to a particular form of that Reality, such as Shiva, Bhairava, Kali, Chhinnamasta, or other powerful forms that can direct the energy toward spiritual transformation.
Without this approach, even if someone believes they are moving in a spiritual direction, they may simply be reinforcing personal patterns that do not need to become stronger.
Cannabis, like many other intoxicants and many substances that can act as poisons, can have beneficial effects when used in the proper amount, at the proper time, and with the proper intention. When used carelessly or without understanding, it can contribute to a significant decline in one’s life.