Abstract
Background: Despite being illegal in Nepal, cannabis grows wild, is cultivated, readily available and often consumed during religious festivals, such as those in honour of the Hindu god Shiva. Holy men (sadhus) also consume cannabis to aid meditation, and many are believed to suggest that as a substance favoured by Lord Shiva, and, as such, should be used. However, there are concerns that all cannabis use in Nepal is not benign, and that there are negative health and social consequences from its use for some consumers. Objectives: This study sought the views of sadhus in Nepal.Method: During the major Shiva festival at Pashupathinath temple complex in Kathmandu, Nepal, 200 sadhus were surveyed. Results: Most used cannabis daily, a quarter believed cannabis and its use to be legal in Nepal, and a further ten percent were unsure, about one third believed cannabis should be used by Hindus, but only fourteen believed Lord Shiva promoted its use. Those less educated and from the Naga sect were more likely to hold such views, and provide cannabis to devotees. Conclusions: Sadhus with evidence-based information about cannabis and its potential harms can play an important role in assisting to reduce harm and facilitate engagement in treatment. J Psychiatric Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.2, 2014, pp:9-14DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12379
Highlights
Cannabis is found growing wild in most of Nepal
The aim of the study was to explore the use of cannabis among sadhus, as sadhus are popularly believed to suggest that Lord Shiva promoted the use of cannabis; a common rationalisation by clients of Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) programs and the general community
The survey instrument comprised 32 items covering basic demographics, education, initiation to cannabis use, perceived benefits of early and current use, difficulties encountered with use of cannabis, beliefs about Lord Shiva and cannabis, provision of cannabis to devotees, whether certain people should avoid use of cannabis and the legality of cannabis in Nepal
Summary
Cannabis is found growing wild in most of Nepal. 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). 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] 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. Conclusions: Sadhus with evidence-based information about cannabis and its potential harms can play an important role in assisting to reduce harm and facilitate engagement in treatment
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