How was cannabis used in Native American Culture?

Sitting fireside with loved ones and friends at sunset. Smoking cannabis. Listening to and feeling the energy of thunderstorms rolling in from the West. Expressions of gratitude are felt through song and dance.

And, for what seems to be hours celebrating life with pure joy, everyone feels unique and at the same time equal. That is how I envision my Native American ancestors spending their time on any given night.

There is not a clear-cut answer as to how Native Americans used cannabis because research reveals that not all Native Americans consumed or utilized cannabis. And for the ones who did, this article might seem harsh given the fact that today, it is illegal to consume or possess (even medical) marijuana on many tribal lands. Yet, the time of rebirth is at hand and this reflection is in honor of the unspoken messages left by my Native American ancestors.

I can’t say how or if my (Native or European) ancestors used cannabis because it wasn’t something that my family talked about. But I am aware of the deep connection they had with The Great Spirit, and if they had access to cannabis, I imagine they used it to connect more deeply with their great spirit within, from time to time. I can also imagine it was easier for my ancestors to connect with higher powers and spirits because they did not have the distractions and negative influences that we have today.

Sure, we have technological conveniences that help us control our day with alarms and notifications, but do we take time to control our mind and well-being that serves our highest good?

For so many years I longed for the connection to spirit and nature that my ancestors had, yet I found it almost impossible to slow my thoughts down. I had grown accustomed to quickly recalling facts, finding solutions, and basically filling every minute of my day with some sort of task – that I didn’t realize my mind was racing until I tried to meditate. When I hit that wall of resistance, I decided to put meditation back on the shelf.

About four years ago, I experienced what it felt like to have a quiet mind after consuming cannabis. The quiet was so calming and at the same time so powerful, it seemed effortless to view the world with love and light. After several more similar experiences with cannabis, I decided to give meditation another try.

Of course, it took months before I could see the benefits of meditation (as it pertains to connecting to my spirit and nature) but having a point of reference really helped me stay focused. Not only was I able to do meditations without the use of cannabis, I desired other quiet times that didn’t necessarily require the consumption of anything. I started to go outside and just sit in the sunshine or the night sky, soaking up the rays without the need to entertain my mind.

Experiencing moments of being fully present, powerful, and happy.

As some Native Americans embraced cannabis into their spiritual culture, they also embraced every part of the cannabis plant. From making ropes and other textiles to exploring the many healing and relieving properties. Even though there are reports of some Native Americans utilizing cannabis to help relieve pain, inflammation, and other ailments, their full awareness of the plant may remain unspoken until cannabis becomes a federally legal option.

I’ll admit there is a feeling of disconnect when I attend my yearly health exam at the Indian clinic. Not because of my curly blonde hair, but because there is no discussion of my cannabis usage. Even though I credit cannabis for relieving pain which helps me recharge and helps me focus energy elsewhere– like exercising every day for an hour - there is absolutely no mention of cannabis during my doctor visit.

Maybe change is coming sooner than later.

President Biden recently gave the following statement (October 2022):

“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.” (whitehouse.gov)

The President was mainly speaking to the reform of incarcerations; however, history reveals…

One small step for cannabis, one giant leap for mankind.

I take it not only a day at a time, but a moment at a time, and keep it at that pace. If you can be happy right now, then you’ll always be happy, because it’s always in the now.

by Willie Nelson

I like to think my great, great ancestors are smiling along with me as I explore the benefits of cannabis – such as creating my own batch of cannabis-infused oil, applying it to my aching muscles, and feeling relief soon afterward. Their smiles are undoubtedly brighter still when they witness my connection with spirit and nature, with and without the use of cannabis.

“Walking, I am listening to a deeper way.

Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen.

You are the result of the love of thousands.”

by Linda Hogan

Sending you love and light as you connect with your higher self,

Alesha Anne Wilson

Leadership Native Oklahoma Graduate 2021