February's High Times magazine takes the search for the historical Jesus to a place some might not want to go: the use of cannabis-infused oil for anointing leaders and healing the sick. In an article titled "Was Jesus a Stoner?," author and Canadian television host Chris Bennett argues that Jesus and his followers used an oil made from a Hebrew recipe noted in Exodus 30: 22-33. That mixture contained kaneh-bosem, a substance some scientists identify as cannabis extracted into a mixture of olive oil and herbs. Bennett, an advocate for the legalization of marijuana for medical use, says Jesus used the holy oil not only to treat such ailments as epilepsy and skin diseases, but also to baptize his 12 apostles before sending them out to help others. "And they cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them," Mark the gospeler says in Chapter 6. Critics have accused Bennett of using Jesus to push his own agenda, but Carl Ruck, a professor of classics at Boston University, said Bennett makes a strong case. "Over the centuries, drugs have been used by virtually all religions," Ruck wrote in the Sunday Times of London. "Why not Christianity? Source: Washington Post (DC)

Published: Sunday, February 2, 2003; Page C11 Copyright: 2003 Washington Post Contact: letterstoed@washpost.com Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com

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