Dank Magic: The Spellbinding History of Cannabis and Witchcraft
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Miriam Espacio
Quick Answer: Cannabis has long been linked to witchcraft and spirituality—from ancient rituals in India and pagan Europe to modern wellness practices. Once used in sacred ceremonies and later feared during the witch trials, cannabis is now being reclaimed as a symbol of healing, intuition, and connection to nature—a “witch’s herb” with deep cultural roots.
Cannabis and witchcraft have shared a long, winding history: one that stretches from ancient spiritual rituals to medieval suspicion to modern curiosity.
For thousands of years, people across cultures have used cannabis as a way to heal, connect with nature, and explore the unknown.
But how did this peculiar plant became linked with magic, mysticism, and the witch’s craft?
Image credit: Content Pixie
Ancient Roots: Cannabis as a Sacred Plant
Long before the word “witch” existed, cannabis played a role in religious and spiritual life.
In ancient India, people used cannabis (known as bhang) in sacred rituals to honor the god Shiva and to connect with higher consciousness.
In Persia, priests in the Haoma cult used psychoactive plants—possibly including cannabis—to achieve spiritual visions.
Archaeologists have found burned cannabis on altars in ancient temples in the Middle East, suggesting it was used as incense in early worship.
In Norse and pagan cultures, cannabis was associated with Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, and used in celebrations tied to nature and harvest cycles.
To ancient peoples, cannabis wasn’t just a plant—it was a bridge between the natural and the divine.
Image credit: Edz Norton
Medieval Europe: Fear, Witchcraft, and “Forbidden Herbs”
As Christianity spread through Europe, many old herbal and pagan traditions were labeled dangerous or sinful.
Cannabis and other psychoactive plants became tied to accusations of witchcraft.
Medieval “flying ointments” were said to include herbs like belladonna, mandrake—and sometimes cannabis—used by healers or midwives to enter trance-like states.
The Church viewed such practices as sorcery, believing these herbs opened the door to dark forces.
During the witch trials of the 15th to 17th centuries, women who practiced herbal medicine were often accused of witchcraft simply for using plants that could heal—or alter the mind.
Even though cannabis wasn’t mentioned by name in most trial records, its reputation as a “witch’s herb” grew alongside fear of the unknown.
In this era, knowledge of healing plants became something to hide, not celebrate.
Image credit: Esteban López
Modern Witchcraft: Reclaiming the Green
In recent decades, cannabis has been rediscovered by modern witches, herbalists, and spiritual practitioners. Rather than being feared, it’s now seen as a symbol of connection—to the earth, to intuition, and to personal freedom.
Today, many view cannabis as a tool for mindfulness, creativity, and ritual reflection, not as a means of escape. It’s part of a larger movement to reclaim herbal traditions and recognize their role in wellness and culture.
Public perception has shifted dramatically—from demonization to acceptance. What was once a “forbidden herb” is now legal in much of the United States and celebrated for its therapeutic and spiritual potential.
Image credit: Lloyd Newman
How Did Cannabis Find Its Way Into Witchcraft?
From ancient temples to medieval folklore to modern self-care rituals, cannabis has always held a place in humanity’s search for meaning.
Its connection to witchcraft reflects more than superstition—it shows our ongoing fascination with plants that heal, inspire, and help us see the world in new ways.
At its heart, the story of cannabis and witchcraft isn’t about magic—it’s about the enduring human desire to connect with nature and the mysteries within ourselves.
Image credit: freestocks
Want to learn more?
Then check out our related posts here!
Need help picking out a product? Then ask our friendly budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.