View source for Research:1977-07-01/Journal article/tantric-cannabis-use-in-india

{{ResearchItem
|date=1977-07-01
|title=Tantric Cannabis Use in India
|type=Journal article
|authors=Michael R. Aldrich
|venue=Journal of Psychedelic Drugs
|year=1977
|doi=10.1080/02791072.1977.10472053
|source=http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ujpd20
|pdf=https://blog.umamaya.com/wp-content/gold/Academic/Tantric_Cannabis_Use_in_India_Aldrich.pdf
|summary=Primary ethnographic and textual analysis tracing ceremonial cannabis use in Indian Tantrism to three converging Vedic traditions: magical use of bhang (Atharva Veda, second millennium BC), divine poison-drinking mythology (Churning of the Milk Ocean), and drug yoga (oshadhi/siddhi). Provides the most detailed English-language description of the vijaya (cannabis milkshake) consecration ritual from the Mahanirvana Tantra (c. 11th century AD), including full sequence of mantras, mudras and meditative stages. Notes approximately 90-minute interval between ingestion and ritual climax corresponds to pharmacological onset of oral cannabis. Argues vijaya functions as essential "sense-heightener" not merely a disinhibitor. Reports Tantric practice peaked in medieval Bengal and Himalayan kingdoms; in Bengal cannabis called siddhi (pun on "occult powers"). Personal communication from Prof. Agehananda Bharati that as of mid-1960s no one performed full traditional ceremonies. Author affiliated with Fitz Hugh Ludlow Memorial Library, San Francisco.
|country=India
|growing_region=Western Himalayas
|record_created=2026-03-17
}}