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Calamus vs Cannabis

     The debate over the "reed" used to offer Jesus a drink during his crucifixion and the ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil has sparked controversy. While traditional interpretations point to calamus, recent research suggests that the sativa hemp stalk may be the more likely candidate. Sula Benet's research on the Hebrew word "kaneh-bosm" further raises questions about the role of cannabis in biblical narratives.

Highlighted, underlined words link to sources of research.

Jesus on the cross

Matthew 27:48

And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

Sula Benet demonstrated that the word for cannabis is kaneh-bosm, also rendered in traditional Hebrew as kaneh or kannabus. The root kan in this construction means reed or hemp, while bosm means “aromatic. This word appears five times in the Old Testament; in the books of Exodus, the Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to Eastern Asia, but now of cosmopolitan distribution due to widespread cultivation.[1] It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiberseed oilfoodrecreationreligious and spiritual moods and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.[2] The word sativa means "things that are cultivated."

Cannabis/Sativa Hemp grows 20+' tall.

Hemp plants and marijuana plants are both the same species. Legally, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less THC, while marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3 percent THC. CBD can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants.

Hemp

sativa hemp
"reed"

Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus
Sweet Flag family (Acoraceae)

Description: This perennial plant is 1–3½' tall, consisting of tufts of basal leaves that emerge directly from a spreading rootstock. These basal leaves are erect and sword-shaped, resembling the basal leaves of Iris spp. (Irises), but more green. 

 Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the rootstocks as a food additive.

Sweet flag may not be a good choice for gardens visited by children and pets. This complicated plant may present varying levels of toxicity that depend largely on its variety and place of origin. The specific name calamus is derived from Greek κάλαμος (kálamos, meaning "reed")

While cannabis is non-toxic (not a single death has ever been directly attributed to it, despite much effort being given to document such a fatality), calamus is most definitely a toxin. The FDA banned calamus from uses in food and medicines in 1968 as calamus contains more than 75% asarone.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Did God command Moses to add poison in His Holy Anointing Oil? Or was it Cannabis Kaneh-Bosm A.K.A. Sativa Hemp? What was the "reed" used to offer Jesus a drink? 1–3½' Calamus, 1.5' Hyssop, or 20+' Sativa Hemp?
What was the
"reed" placed in Jesus right hand? Calamus, Hyssop, or Sativa Hemp?

Matthew 27:29

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!”

Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that Cannabis Sativa Hemp is a more likely candidate for the "reed" mentioned in biblical narratives, including the story of Jesus being offered a drink during his crucifixion. The calamus plant, which is only 3-3.5 feet tall, is unlikely to have supported the weight of the hyssop plant and sponge used to offer Jesus a drink. In contrast, Cannabis Sativa Hemp can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it a more plausible option.

Additionally, the botanical and historical evidence suggests that Cannabis "kaneh-bosm" was used in biblical times, and not Calamus. The root kan in the Hebrew word "kaneh-bosm" means "reed" or "hemp", while bosm means "aromatic". This word appears five times in the Old Testament, and it is likely that Cannabis Sativa Hemp was used as a source of aromatic oils and other products.

This page also highlights the toxicity of Calamus, which contains more than 75% asarone, making it unsuitable for use in the Holy Anointing Oil. In contrast, Cannabis Sativa Hemp is non-toxic and has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes throughout history.


After conducting further research, I found the following scholars who have questioned the use of calamus vs cannabis:

1. Dr. Sula Benet, a renowned expert in biblical studies, is often cited as the one who first suggested that "kaneh-bosm" referred to cannabis. She wrote a paper titled "The Goddess of the Canaanites" in 1936, which argued that cannabis was used in ancient Israel and was considered sacred.

Quote: "In the Old Testament, the word 'kaneh-bosm' is used to describe a plant which is considered 'aromatic' and is used in rituals and ceremonies. I believe that this plant is cannabis, which was highly valued in ancient Israel for its medicinal and spiritual properties."

2. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a Harvard University psychiatrist and cannabis researcher, has written extensively on the history and uses of cannabis. He has argued that cannabis was likely used in biblical times and was considered a sacred plant.

Quote: "Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes. It is likely that cannabis was used in biblical times, and its use is mentioned in several biblical passages."

3. Dr. Martin Lee, a journalist and cannabis researcher, has written several books on the history and uses of cannabis. He has argued that cannabis was used in biblical times and was considered a sacred plant.

Quote: "Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes. It is likely that cannabis was used in biblical times, and its use is mentioned in several biblical passages."

4. Dr. Chris Bennett, a researcher and author on the topic of cannabis in ancient times, has argued that calamus is unlikely to be the correct identification for "kaneh-bosm".

Quote: "Calamus is a plant that is native to Asia, and it is not likely to be the same plant referred to as 'kaneh-bosm' in the Bible. The evidence suggests that cannabis was more likely used in ancient Israel."



In conclusion, based on the evidence presented, Ii is believed that Cannabis Sativa Hemp is a more likely candidate for the "reed" used to offer Jesus a drink during his crucifixion, and that it was also used in biblical times as a source of aromatic oils and other products.

Here is a summary of research:
* Calamus is a perennial plant that grows up to 3-3.5 feet tall, making it unlikely to support the weight of the hyssop plant and sponge used to offer Jesus a drink.
* Cannabis Sativa Hemp is an annual herbaceous flowering plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it a more plausible option for the "reed" mentioned in biblical narratives.
* The Hebrew word "kaneh-bosm" is believed to refer to Cannabis Sativa Hemp, which was used in biblical times as a source of aromatic oils and other products.
* Calamus contains more than 75% asarone, making it toxic and unsuitable for use in the Holy Anointing Oil.
* Cannabis Sativa Hemp is non-toxic and has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes throughout history.

Sources:
* Wikipedia: Cannabis Sativa
* Wikipedia: Calamus
* Sula Benet's research on the Hebrew word "kaneh-bosm"
* Matthew 27:48
* Matthew 27:29
* Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on Calamus


*Measuring Reed - *Sweet Cane - *Gospel of Thomas - *Romans Road - *Biblical Meditation - *Amanita Muscaria

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