Research:2026-06-30/Journal article/cannabis-sativa-religion-and-society-historical-medicinal-legal-and-sacramental-perspectives

ResearchJournal article30 June 2026

Cannabis Sativa, religion and society: Historical, medicinal, legal, and sacramental perspectives

Norman Nyazema, Jo Nel

Acta Theologica

Abstract

As South Africa and the global community confront the changing dynamics of cannabis decriminalization and legalization, this article examines the intricate nexus between Cannabis sativa and religion. With evolving societal perspectives and legal paradigms, the study probes into the historical underpinnings of cannabis, its chemical structure, criminalization, medicinal uses, industrial applications, and its connections to various religions. The article illuminates the ancient origins of Cannabis sativa, its cultural diffusion, and introduction to Southern Africa. It discusses the complexities in assessing THC effects due to legal constraints. The piece explores the plant's historical medicinal uses, from ancient China to contemporary health applications. It scrutinizes the criminalization of cannabis, questioning the constitutionality of existing legal frameworks. The article delves into the plant's role in selected religions. Finally, the authors suggest future research directions, particularly investigating the interplay of religious beliefs and attitudes toward cannabis through a comprehensive questionnaire.

The paper's abstract, reproduced as published.

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DOI10.38140/cq5s1148

Record created 8 August 2026maintained by landrace.wiki editorspage history

2026-06-30 2026-08-08 Cannabis Sativa, religion and society: Historical, medicinal, legal, and sacramental perspectives Journal article Culture Norman Nyazema, Jo Nel Acta Theologica 2026 10.38140/cq5s1148 https://doi.org/10.38140/cq5s1148 https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/download/8400/5832 Traces the origins and cultural diffusion of Cannabis sativa, its introduction to Southern Africa and its historical medicinal use, alongside the history of its criminalisation and its place in several religious traditions. The article takes sacramental and legal framings together and complements the Southern African historical records already in this corpus. As South Africa and the global community confront the changing dynamics of cannabis decriminalization and legalization, this article examines the intricate nexus between Cannabis sativa and religion. With evolving societal perspectives and legal paradigms, the study probes into the historical underpinnings of cannabis, its chemical structure, criminalization, medicinal uses, industrial applications, and its connections to various religions. The article illuminates the ancient origins of Cannabis sativa, its cultural diffusion, and introduction to Southern Africa. It discusses the complexities in assessing THC effects due to legal constraints. The piece explores the plant's historical medicinal uses, from ancient China to contemporary health applications. It scrutinizes the criminalization of cannabis, questioning the constitutionality of existing legal frameworks. The article delves into the plant's role in selected religions. Finally, the authors suggest future research directions, particularly investigating the interplay of religious beliefs and attitudes toward cannabis through a comprehensive questionnaire.