Cannabis and hemp are the same plant species but have different chemical properties and uses. Hemp is the species of cannabis with little to no THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive in cannabis which provides the sensation of being high.
The Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, known as the Father of Chinese Medicine is known to have popularized the use of the hemp plant to treat illnesses as early as 2700 BCE.
But by 1000 BCE, ancient Hindus had begun to use cannabis in their religious practices.
The holy texts of Hinduism which identify cannabis as one of five sacred plants, are written in Sanskrit and in fact, in several regions of India, deities are offered cannabis as part of religious rites. The common word “ganja” is of Sanskrit origin.
The food and drink preparation of cannabis in India is called Bhang and was first used by Hindus. Cannabis is taken as a drink or mixed with nuts, spices and milk products.
In places where cannabis is revered, the Hindu deity Shiva, the destroyer of evil, is also considered the God of Cannabis, or Lord of Bhang. The festival Maha Shivaratri is held to honor Shiva every February.
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