Cannabis, Sacred and Profane
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:19th Sep '24
Should be back in stock very soon
An analysis of religious and philosophical interpretations of cannabis during the modern period in the West, with a focus on recent developments.
Focussing on the ways in which cannabis has been demonized, sacralized and normalized, Christopher Partridge analyses the complex and often difficult relationship Western societies have had with the plant since the nineteenth century. After an introduction to cannabis and its uses, the book discusses how and why it was constructed as a profane influence and a marker of deviance. It then examines the emergence of medicinal cannabis, showing how this has contributed to its normalization and even its sacralization. Finally, there is a discussion of sacred cannabis, which looks at its use within modern occultism, Rastafari and several cannabis churches. Overall, the book provides a cultural history of cannabis in the modern world, which exposes the underlying reasons for the various and changing attitudes to this popular psychoactive substance.
Christopher Partridge masterfully navigates the complex and multifaceted relations between cannabis and society across the ages. With meticulous research and an intriguing narrative, Partridge unveils the historical, cultural and scientific dimensions of cannabis, transcending conventional tales and stereotypes. If you want a refreshing perspective that challenges your preconceptions about cannabis, consciousness, the holy and the unholy, read on. * Mitch Earleywine, Professor of Psychology, University of Albany, USA *
ISBN: 9781350115880
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
368 pages