Cannabis and Cultural Heritage: How Different Cultures Celebrate with Cannabis

Cannabis is more than just a plant—it’s a part of human history and culture that has been shared across continents, evolving within different communities in unique ways. Throughout my travels, I've had the opportunity to see how different cultures have embraced cannabis, making it part of their celebrations, rituals, and daily life. From Canada to the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and across the United States, the way people honor cannabis speaks volumes about the role it plays in connecting us to each other and to our roots.

Disclaimer: This is a personal exploration of how cannabis is celebrated in different cultures based on my travels and experiences. Consumption of cannabis should always be in accordance with local laws and customs.

1. Rastafarian Ceremonies in the Caribbean

One of the most memorable experiences I've had was witnessing a Rastafarian gathering in the Caribbean, specifically in the US Virgin Islands. Rastafarian culture sees cannabis—often called the "holy herb"—as a sacrament, a bridge to higher consciousness, and a tool for spiritual connection. I remember being welcomed as we smoked on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, listening to the waves come ashore. It wasn't just about the cannabis; it was about embracing the moment, connecting with nature, and acknowledging that we are all living beings sharing this world together. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and acceptance, a reminder that we are all connected and that cannabis can be a means to break down barriers and build bonds.

2. Bhang Celebrations in India

While I haven’t personally been to India yet, I remember celebrating Holi with some friends from the Indian community when I lived in New York. They brought bhang—an edible cannabis drink traditionally used during the festival of Holi—and we enjoyed it as part of the festivities. Bhang has been used in India for centuries as part of both religious rituals and cultural celebrations. That day was full of laughter, vibrant colors, and an overwhelming sense of joy. The cannabis-infused drink was mild but helped to enhance the feeling of camaraderie and fun, and it gave me a glimpse into how ancient traditions are kept alive even thousands of miles away from their origin.

3. Hashish in Moroccan Traditions

During a visit to Toronto, I had the pleasure of joining a friend for a traditional tea ceremony that included hashish. Though he wasn't from Morocco, he had a great connection with some Moroccan hashish and had spent a month there on vacation, learning about the traditions firsthand. Hashish has a long history in Morocco, where it’s often used socially, in relaxed settings, paired with mint tea. As we sat in his apartment, sharing mint tea and small puffs of hashish, I felt the warmth of those traditions. The hashish brought a gentle calm that made our conversations flow effortlessly, turning an ordinary afternoon into something much more meaningful.

4. Cannabis in Indigenous American Practices

While living in Oklahoma, I learned about some of the Indigenous American perspectives on cannabis. For some tribes, cannabis has been used for generations in rituals aimed at healing and connection. Though I never attended any ceremonies, I was fascinated by the culture and how it remains an important part of our history. The reverence that some tribes have for the plant reminded me that cannabis is, at its heart, a natural gift—a reminder of our bond with the land and with each other. The reverence they had for the plant reminded me that cannabis is, at its heart, a natural gift—a reminder of our bond with the land and with each other.

5. Modern Celebrations in Canada

Having lived in Canada for a time, I witnessed firsthand the shift in cultural perception that came with legalization. Canada has taken strides in normalizing cannabis use, and it’s fascinating to see how it has become part of the social fabric, especially during public holidays. One Canada Day, I remember joining a group of friends at Niagara Falls in Ontario, just after legalization had passed, where cannabis was openly shared and enjoyed. They had some of the best-tasting weed—my friends all grew their own, and I couldn't believe how beautiful, tasty, and potent it was. The experience was eye-opening; it showed me what true care and craftsmanship could bring to cultivating cannabis. It wasn’t about rebellion—it was about community, about being able to enjoy the plant freely and responsibly. The legalization didn’t just change the laws; it changed the culture, making cannabis an accepted and even celebrated part of life.

6. 420 Celebrations Across the U.S.

From Pennsylvania to Buffalo, New York, Oklahoma, and even to places like Arizona and Las Vegas, I’ve experienced my fair share of 420 celebrations. Each location had its own unique vibe—New York’s 420 gatherings were always bustling with energy, full of music, street vendors, and a mix of people from all walks of life, while Pennsylvania’s celebrations felt a bit more grassroots, often focused on advocacy, education, and featured music festivals that brought people together. In Arizona, the desert backdrop made the gatherings feel almost serene, while Vegas was all about extravagance and spectacle. In all these places, 420 wasn’t just a day to light up; it was a statement of solidarity, a reminder of the journey toward normalization and the progress still to be made. It was about coming together to celebrate the plant that had, in many ways, brought us all there.

Cannabis has found its way into cultural traditions around the world, and each of these experiences has shown me a different side of the plant. Whether it’s a spiritual sacrament, a part of festive celebrations, or simply a way to bring people together, cannabis is woven into the cultural heritage of so many communities. My travels have taught me that cannabis is more than just a substance—it’s a connector, a symbol of community, resilience, and shared joy. As we continue to push for greater acceptance, it’s important to honor these diverse traditions and the ways in which cannabis has been, and continues to be, a part of our collective story.