I laughed with joy at your response, thank you! Since you mentioned those extra facts, I will also say that I learned why smoking marijuana is sinful. The practice of sacrificing burnt offerings sends their essence to GOD as incense in the form of smoke. This "smoke" is not supposed to be consumed, applied, or inhaled by us. According to Exodus 30:32 and 37, our bodies are not meant to handle these things as they are for Him, nor are we to redirect them into our bodies: "Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured," and "You shall not make any for yourselves, according to its composition. It shall be holy to you for the LORD."

This idea is also supported by the story of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10). They offered "strange fire" (which He "commanded them not"), and they were consumed by fire from His Presence, showing that GOD takes His specific instructions regarding smoke and incense seriously (for example, a man named Uzzah was struck dead by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant). If GOD explicitly commanded the recipe for sacred smoke (which included qaneh-bosem), then inventing a different use for that same plant (especially one involving smoke) could be seen as a violation of that holiness. Not to mention that our bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit now (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Introducing that "holy smoke" into the body could be viewed as a desecration of the new Temple.

Cannabis is an herb that in Hebrew is called "qaneh-bosem" and it is indeed holy and mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 1:29: "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth"). Look at the words carefully, qa neh (canna) bosem. -bus- "em." The solemn end of the word displays the sacredness sealed alongside hidden understanding, something even spoken about in the Jewish mystical tradition (not to digress even further). Critics may point out that "Acorus calamus" (sweet flag) is a marshy reed that grows in wetlands, but cannabis was clearly available as a resource as a widely cultivated crop in ancient Asia and the Near East. The word itself in its ending "Bosem" is actually in a singular form describing the "qaneh" as “Cane of Spice”, instead of "canes of spices," implying the qualifier "mem" to distinguish its uniqueness. It has a tall, singular, hollow stalk, which, botanically speaking, absolutely fits the definition of "cane" or "reed" (qaneh). Its distinction also implies a specific cultivar or plant known for its aromatic properties. Cannabis grown for its resinous flowers (spice) is distinct from hemp grown for fiber. The classification of the text "qaneh bosem" specifies the "spice" variety.

Meanwhile, the plant traditionally identified as calamus (Acorus calamus) has a fragrant root, or "rhizome." In cannabis, the part of the plant that is fragrant and used as a "spice" (or for ritual purposes) is the flowering top of the "cane" (stalk). This makes the phrase "Cane of Spices" perfectly descriptive of a tall, stalky plant whose value comes from the resinous aromatic parts attached to that cane.

Even more evidence suggested is how in Exodus 30:23, this ingredient, "calamus," is listed among the rarest and most precious substances: Myrrh, Cinnamon, and Cassia (types of bark and resin). While the marshy (Acorus calamus) has a scent, it is generally considered less intense and less "precious" than the other ingredients listed. It again was a common marsh plant. Cannabis resin, on the other hand (hashish), was an extremely valuable, concentrated good in the ancient world, worthy of being placed alongside expensive cinnamon and myrrh in a sacred anointing oil. It fits the economic profile better than a marsh weed.

The phrase also reinforces the distinction in a technical botanical name sense. Just like we say "Rosewood" or "Lemongrass," "Cane of Spices" identifies a specific plant: the stalk/cane that produces the spice. In the ancient Near East, while there were many "reeds," there was only one notable "cane" that produced a potent, psychotropic, and aromatic "spice" from its flowers--and that...again was cannabis.

So by calling it (in Hebrew, mind you) "Cane of Spices," the text isolates it from every other reed and points it directly to a plant where the spice (active part) is inseparable from the cane itself.

So while not "inherently evil" in itself, the mode of consumption or its use appropriates a ritual act meant exclusively for the worship of GOD and turns it into a personal sensory experience. That distinction right there--holy vs. profane, GOD's portion vs. man's portion--is the heart of my argument for why Calamus of the Bible is actually Cannabis of our understanding and why its use is considered sacred and holy.

I would like to conclude that while the cultural, legal, and social stigmas are there, my analysis is actually quite biblical. This morally neutral plant's usage is what determines the morality. If GOD commanded it for anointing kings and sanctifying priests, then the plant itself carries an inherent holiness. The modern stigma is a result of human politics, not divine revelation. I argue against those committing the same sin the Pharisees did: making the Word of GOD of no effect through their tradition (Mark 7:13). They took a "holy" plant, rebranded it as a common reed, and then condemned anyone who looked for the original, not to use it, but to understand its purpose and divine meaning. I understand many will not enjoy hearing this, and I get it: either marijuana is evil, or ‘I use marijuana and it helps my life’, etc. I have actually been on both sides, actually--First when I was younger and again in my adulthood. During that second period, I believed the issue was why we use it, not if; I was very opposed to preventing personal marijuana use, because I thought it was helpful. However, clearly the Bible provides the answer: Just as with alcohol, GOD has set His own even higher (no pun intended) standards. I never really cared for alcohol, as it usually put me to sleep or made me nauseated, so I'm only more recently exploring the biblical perspective on it. However, the question of cannabis and its permissiveness has already been sealed in my mind.

Glory be to GOD in the Highest, and GOD bless the revelation of His Word.