About my Books on Cannabis History: Probably the Best way to support my Work is by buying my Books

I have never started a Patreon, and don’t turn on the paid subscription on Substack or anywhere else,  nor do I receive money for this blog on Cannabis Culture, as this is more about the spread of information in a time of confusion. A form of literary Activism. But for anyone who feels the call to support my work, one of the best ways is to buy my books. I’ve written 5 books on cannabis history, here is a bit about them, and where you can get them. And if you have read any of them, please leave a review on Amazon and other sites.

Although prohibited in most of the today’s world, cannabis and humanity have a shared history that extends far back into ancient times. Evidence of its role in the production of cloth and rope goes back more than ten thousand years. Its psychoactive properties have also long been known by humanity, and ancient man attributed a supernatural force behind such effects. Archaeological evidence of cannabis ritual use of cannabis dates back to 3500 BCE, and it became considerably widespread. Egyptians, Assyrian, Babylonian and Persians used cannabis in Temple rituals, and for medical purposes, as has long been acknowledged, . Although, it has generally been seen that the neighbours of these cultures, the ancient Hebrews, whose religious history was recorded in the Bible’s Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh, rejected these practices. However, in 1936, a little known Polish anthropologist and etymologist put forth the controversial hypothesis that the Hebrew words, kaneh and kaneh bosm, identified cannabis, and had been mistranslated as calamus. This linguistic suggestion drastically changes the story of the Bible in a number of ways, but it seemed destined to be an obscure linguistic hypothesis, until 2020, when evidence from a 2,800 year old temple site in tel Arad, Jerusalem confirmed the ritual use of cannabis Among the ancient Hebrews.

Reviews

“Chris Bennett’s latest book is an impressive, scholarly account of the little-known role of cannabis as a religious sacrament in the ancient Near East and Middle East.” —Martin A. Lee, author of Smoke Signals and Acid Dreams.

“Chris Bennett strikes again! In his latest tome, he examines the latest incontrovertible evidence of cannabis usage in the sacred Jewish rites at Arad and integrates those into his examination of this holy herb as foundational to various contemporary faiths. A provocative read, to be sure.” -Dr. Ethan Russo, author of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential

“Chris Bennett’s latest offering, Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World, is by far his most focused work to date. Building on the formidable research presented in his previous efforts, Cannabis goes even further in demonstrating that hashish, without a doubt, played an important role in the religious life of the ancient Hebrews. The final nail in the coffin of the Kaneh Bosm debate, Bennett’s scholarly book challenges everything we thought we knew about both Judaism and ancient cannabis use.” -P.D. Newman, author of Theurgy: Theory and Practice: The Mysteries of the Ascent to the Divine

“Chris Bennett’s Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World draws together scholarly and archaeological evidence for the use of cannabis in ancient magico-religious practices in a balanced, comprehensive and accessible manner. In particular Bennett explores the influence of cannabis, and cannabis occasioned altered states of consciousness, on the Judeo-Christian traditions, especially its role in facilitating a sense of communion with the divine. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the entheogenic roots of religions.” -Dr. Jack Hunter, author of Spirits, Gods and Magic: An Introduction to the Anthropology of the Supernatural

“Bennett gives us another tour de force of the deep history of Cannabis, spanning diverse societies of the Ancient Middle East. The scope of cannabis ritualization in the past elevates its current status as a perennial sacrament. Bennett totally revises the notion of what were the “Burning Times.” -Dr. Michael J. Winkelman, Editor of Advances in Psychedelic Medicine

“…One of the world’s leading cannabis scholars and historians, Chris Bennett continues to expand on this body of knowledge in this, his fifth, book. Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancients… a fascinating read and of great value to anyone who wants to know more about how intimately cannabis has travelled with and benefited humanity since time immeasurable.” -Stephen Gray, Editor/contributor, Cannabis and Spirituality: An Explorer’s Guide to an Ancient Plant Spirit Ally.

“Chris Bennett has been easily the most important scholar of cannabis…. [he]has done the research to confidently argue, and maybe even prove that yes Virginia, the original tree of Life and the true Haoma/Soma of the Vedas and the Zoroasterae was Cannabis Sativa specifically.” -Yoseph Leib Ibn Mardachya, Cannabis Chassidis: The Ancient and Emerging Torah of Drugs

“Chris Bennett’s latest book is an impressive, scholarly account of the little-known role of cannabis as a religious sacrament in the ancient Near East and Middle East. Marshaling an extensive array of archeological and literary sources, Bennett documents how the embrace of One Almighty God led to the displacement of cannabis, the polytheistic drug of choice, as a ceremonial substance in ancient Israel.” —Martin A. Lee, author of Smoke Signals and Acid Dreams

You can get it on Kindle, Paperback and Hardback on Amazon

I do have signed hardback copies available but I’m in Canada and it can increase shipping costs, pm me directly.

Although little known, cannabis and other psychoactive plants held a prominent and important role in the Occult arts of Alchemy and Magic, as well as being used in ritual initiations of certain secret societies. Find out about the important role cannabis played in helping to develop modern medicines through alchemical works. Cannabis played a pivotal role in spagyric alchemy, and appears in the works of alchemists such as Zosimos, Avicenna, Llull, Paracelsus, Cardano and Rabelais. Cannabis also played a pivotal role in medieval and renaissance magic and recipes with instructions for its use appear in a number of influential and important grimoires such as the Picatrix, Sepher Raxiel: Liber Salomonis, and The Book of Oberon. Could cannabis be the Holy Grail? With detailed historical references, the author explores the allegations the Templars were influenced by the hashish ingesting Assassins of medieval Islam, and that myths of the Grail are derived from the Persian traditions around the sacred beverage known as haoma, which was a preparation of cannabis,opium and other drugs. Many of the works discussed, have never been translated into English, or published in centuries. The unparalleled research in this volume makes it a potential perennial classic on the subjects of both medieval and renaissance history of cannabis, as well as the role of plants in the magical and occult traditions.

Reviews

The Holy Grail of historical cannabis books. A tremendous scholarly work, ridiculously well-researched and referenced, that entertains and delights, replete with amazing artwork and fresh ideas about the church versus ‘the devil’s weed,’ cannabis as a religious sacrament, the hashishin, witches, baptism by fire, and my favorite—the elixir of immortality.” —Julie Holland, MD, Editor The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis; Ecstasy : The Complete Guide : A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA

“The latest book to arrive on my desk this morning is Liber 420 by Chris Bennett. It is an Excellent book—very well researched. Even if you are not interested in cannabis, it is an excellent survey of the development of magic, alchemy, the Templars and Freemasonry from a fresh perspective. 777 pages of well written information with many B/W illustrations never seen before.” —Stephen Skinner, Author of Sacred Geometry: Deciphering the Code and Techniques of Solomonic Magic

“In his latest effort, Bennet has uncovered and amassed an overwhelming amount of evidence in support of his claim that cannabis played a central role in many of the Western esoteric traditions, including Alchemy, ceremonial magick—and yes, even factions of Freemasonry! Liber 420 is sure to cause a stir within the Masonic community!” —P.D. Newman, 32° Scottish Rites Freemason and author of Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry (2017)

“I highly recommend this grand treatise… Well researched, well written, well illustrated. Given the size of this book, the price is quite reasonable.” —David Allen Hulse, author of The Key of it All: The eastern mysteries and The Western Mysteries: An Encyclopedic Guide to the Sacred Languages & Magickal Systems of the World

“With legalization of cannabis a central theme in politics today, the timing could not be better for this information to reach the public. This book should be sold in every dispensary. The abundant proof from a wide variety of sources, and the internal consistency of the patterns revealed, leave little doubt that even the most illustrious among our spiritual ancestors knew not only the usefulness of hemp, and the healing qualities of cannabis, but also the entheogenic properties of THC.” —Ronnie Pontiac, Newtopia Magazine

“Bennett has done it again. Going right to the primary sources, he has produced an extraordinary volume outlining the history and occult secrets of cannabis. … Should you be interested in knowing how and why cannabis found employment in the occult arts throughout history, take heart in knowing that you hold in your hands the definitive work written by a brilliant historian.” —Tom Hatsis, author of The Witches’ Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic (2015)

“Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs & the Occult… is literally anything and everything you’d want to know about the occulted use of cannabis in religion, mystery traditions, magickal rituals, alchemy and much more” —Occulture

“He has followed the white rabbit through the Picatrix and the Solomonic texts, to the Rosicrucians, to the Masons and the occult lodges of the 19th Century, through alchemy, witchcraft, and much more. Cannabis and other mind-altering substances have been an underground and occluded fact of the Western Mystery Tradition all along.” —Aaron Leitch, author of Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires: The Classical Texts of Magick Deciphered (2005)

“Chris Bennett’s impeccably sourced and densely researched text unfolds in humorous, compulsively readable, richly lucid prose allowing the grateful reader to swing like a monkey through the jungle gym of the kabbalah, the Vedic mysteries and the pages of the Picatrix, through a smoky skein of myths and symbols, charting a history at once incredible and true. Liber 420 deserves pride of place in any occult library, essential reading for anyone with an interest in magic and human consciousness, regardless of whether or not they have smoked the Devil’s weed. A cornerstone work.” —Richard Stanley, Writer and Director, Color out of Space, Hardware, The Island of Dr Moreau

“Bennett explores some interesting themes in his latest book regarding the use of liquid concoctions in certain lost Masonic rites and occult orders.” —Dr. David Harrison, author of The Genesis of Freemasonry (2009) and The Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry (2017)

You can get this 777 page tome on Amazon on Kindle or Paperback.

Seeking to identify the plant origins of the early sacramental beverages Soma and Haoma, this study draws a connection between the psychoactive properties of these drinks and the widespread use of cannabis among Indo-Europeans during this time. Exploring the role of these libations as inspiration for the Indian Rig Veda and the Persian Avestan texts, this examination discusses the spread of cannabis use across Europe and Asia, the origins of the Soma and Haoma cults, and the shamanic origins of modern religion.

Reviews

“Every cannabis aficionado, patient, and advocate will find something of great value in Chris Bennett’s Cannabis and the Soma Solution. The great Jack Herer laid the foundation of our understanding of the foolishness of cannabis prohibition in its modern form: Chris Bennett has performed an invaluable service by proving once and for all that the oldest and greatest spiritual sacrament in human history is cannabis use.” —Treating Yourself (November 2011)

“It is a volume that must be read by every scholar who works in the field of biblical studies, world religions, psycho-spirituality, or the history of the paranormal as friend and familiar.” —J. Harold Ellens, PhD, Institute for Antiquity and Christianity of the Claremont Graduate School

“A treasure trove of up-to-date ancient information on cannabis. Highly recommended to round out your library on religious uses of psychoactive drugs.” —Julie Holland, M.D., editor, The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis

“I have read Mr. Bennett’s several books on this subject and am in general agreement with what he states, especially about the extent to which the Vedic hallucinogen Soma was probably made from cannabis. Indeed, his research has changed my own thinking about this ancient conundrum (heretofore, the majority of scholars have suggested that Soma was prepared from psychotropic mushrooms) . . . . In short, I heartily recommend Bennett’s book to anyone seeking a better understanding of this well-nigh universal, albeit all too often misunderstood hallucinogen and its crucial role in the history of human spirituality.” —C. Scott Littleton, Ph.D., Emeritus professor of Anthropology, Occidental College

“Chris Bennett assembles religious, historical, medical and poetic sources with immaculate ease, in order to construct what is sure to be an enduring examination of the global history of cannabis use by widely diverse human populations.” —Dr. David C.A. Hillman, author, The Chemical Muse: Drug Use and the Roots of Western Civilization

“I’ve enjoyed this book immensely—a masterful investigation of religious intoxication cults from ancient India, Persia, Asia Minor, Scythia, and Europe. Refuting R. Gordon Wasson’s theory that Soma of the Vedas was Amanita muscaria mushrooms, Bennett shows that Soma was probably a mixture of cannabis, ephedra and poppy (confirmed by Sarianidi’s archaeological discoveries in Bactria), and he traces the uses of cannabis as a sacrament through many ancient cultures. This is a must-read for everyone interested in the ancient history of drugs.” —Michael R. Aldrich Ph.D., author, Marijuana Myths and Folklore

“With no left turn un-stoned, this wonderful book – so full of detail, passion and thorough historical exploration – describes the fascinating journey the humble weed has woven through human civilization to bring us it’s enlightenment, color and culture.” —Dr. Ben Sessa, author, The Psychedelic Renaissance: Reassessing the Role of Psychedelic Drugs in 21st Century Psychiatry and Society and To Fathom Hell or Soar Angelic

“If you are interested in the history of the Indo-Europeans, the history and identification of soma / haoma, or the history of cannabis as a hallucinogen, you owe it to yourself to read Chris Bennett’s substantial tome.” —Victor H. Mair, Professor, Chinese Language and Literature, University of Pennsylvania

on Amazon on Kindle or Paperback.

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

(With Neil McQueen) The Holy Bible is by far the most influential book in the history of the Western World and its texts held to be the Gospel truth by over a billion believers around the globe. Even non-believers cannot help but be affected by its doctrine and adherents.

But what are the real origins of this vastly influential religious text? Like all people, the compilers of the Bible were strongly influenced by humanity’s basic struggle for survival, striving for fertility and search for meaning. Of the many influences that contributed to the theological development of the Bible — and religion in general in the ancient world — the most profound were without a doubt, Sex, Drugs, and Violence.

As humanity comprehended, sex ensured their continued propagation, the sex act became sacred, and was thought to magically affect all sorts of areas of life, even the actions of the gods themselves. The Old Testament is rife with references to such religio-erotic practices taking place, not only amongst foreign cults like the Canaanites, but even amongst the Israelites themselves. Erotic activities that later, according to the New Testament and other sources, filtered into early Christianity.

Second only to sex, do drugs – as in psychoactive substances – play a pivotal role in the development of religious thought and experience, and the Judaeo-Christian traditions are no exception. What will be surprising to most modern readers is the frequent use of intoxicants, like wine, strong-drink, and mandrake in the Bible. Perhaps even harder to accept will be the copious use of cannabis (Hebrew, Kaneh-bosm), by both the Hebrew Priests and Kings for shamanistic purposes… a tradition that was continued both by Jesus and his followers.

Moreoever, the history of the Bible and the history people who have preached its words are histories of violence. This fact should not at all be surprising when one considers the endless atrocities that fill the pages of the so-called “Good Book.” Indeed, if members of today’s moral majority ever took the time to analytically read the book which they continually point to as the pillar of morality, they would be horrified to find a book filled with Sex, Drugs, and Violence!

This one is harder to find, and can fetch a few hundred when it is on Amazon, I recovered a few boxes I had in storage for a decade, contact me directly to get a signed copy for a fracion of that price.

Green Gold the Tree of Life: Marijuana in Magic & Religion by Chris Bennett, Lynn Osburn, and Judy Osburn, published in 1995. A wide-ranging study exploring the historical, religious, and magical uses of cannabis across cultures and traditions, examining its role in ritual practice, mythology, and spiritual experience. The authors draw on historical sources, ethnobotany, and comparative religion to trace the plant’s symbolic and sacramental significance from ancient civilizations through modern esoteric movements. Long regarded as an influential work in the study of entheogens and religious practice.

Hard to find, expensive and outdated research. If you are not a collector, check my other books for more detailed and current research.