Culture, identity and the embodiment of illicit drug use in Nepal

Cannabis, Lord Shiva and Holy Men: Cannabis Use Among Sadhus in Nepal

“…However, despite its illegality, cannabis continues to grow wild, is also cultivated in the south of Nepal, remains easily accessible throughout the country, and its use is essentially tolerated without sanction during festivals such as Shivaratri. 3 While possibly benign enough for many, cannabis and its use appears to have some public health implications for Nepal, as in other countries. [12][13][14][15] Researchers and commentators have drawn attention to increasing cannabis use among young people in Nepal, and its health and social impacts.…”

“…2 Some believe it to be almost mandatory to use cannabis to receive the blessings of gods and goddesses, and its use in specific festivals is regarded as similar to the Christian use of alcohol in some religious ceremonies. [3][4][5][6][7][8] However, the association may not be as benign as suggested from a public health perspective, and differs from most Christian religious ceremonies where alcohol intoxication is not condoned. Other commentators share such a view: 'The [Hindu] scriptures have not encouraged recreational use, intoxication from, or abuse of the substance.…”

“…Historically, cannabis is believed to be the loved substance of Hindu God Shiva, and has been an integral part of Hindu practice and culture. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Every year, in religious celebrations such as Shivaratri -a celebration in reverence of Lord Shiva, many people smoke cannabis and drink bhang (drink made from ground leaves and flowers from the female cannabis plant, spices and milk). The association of cannabis and Shiva has been described as 'benign' as it affords devotees the 'means of honouring the deity while more fully celebrating the festivals' and, for sadhus, 'union with the divinity by facilitating arduous physical and mental spiritual practice'.…”