Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – Members of the Rastafari religion and political movement have been persecuted and imprisoned for their ritualistic use of marijuana for decades. For Rastafarians, marijuana is more than just a recreational drug, it has a deep spiritual and cultural significance. The religion, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, is founded on the belief in a single God, the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, and a deep respect for nature. In this article, we explore why Rastafarians smoke marijuana for sacramental reasons and the faith’s other beliefs.
The sacramental use of marijuana in Rastafarianism is grounded in the belief that it brings them closer to God. For Rastafarians, smoking marijuana is a way to achieve a higher level of consciousness and connect with their inner selves. They believe that the herb aids in meditation and allows them to better focus on their prayers. It is considered a sacrament, similar to the use of wine and bread in the Christian faith.
Rastafarians also use marijuana as a form of medicine. They believe that the plant has healing properties and can be used to treat a range of ailments, including asthma, glaucoma, and anxiety. It is also used to treat spiritual ailments, such as depression and stress.
In addition to the sacramental use of marijuana, Rastafarians have other beliefs that are deeply rooted in their culture. They believe in the importance of Africa and its people. They believe that the African diaspora is the result of slavery and the colonization of the continent. As a result, they advocate for the repatriation of all Africans to Africa.
Rastafarians also reject the societal norms of the Western world, including its consumer culture and political systems. They believe in the importance of living sustainably and coexisting with nature. They advocate for the use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Despite the religious and cultural significance of marijuana to Rastafarians, its use remains illegal in many parts of the world. This has led to the persecution and imprisonment of many members of the Rastafarian community. As a result, many Rastafarians have been forced to choose between their faith and the law.
In conclusion, Rastafarians smoke marijuana for sacramental reasons because they believe it brings them closer to God. It is also used as a form of medicine and has healing properties. Rastafarians have other beliefs that are deeply rooted in their culture, including the importance of Africa and its people, living sustainably, and rejecting the societal norms of the Western world. Despite its significance to the community, the use of marijuana remains illegal in many parts of the world. This has led to the persecution and imprisonment of many Rastafarians, forcing them to choose between their faith and the law.
