By far, the most widely used psychedelic is THC in the form of
cannabis. Studies estimate between 200 and 250 million cannabis users
worldwide. The rising popularity and relaxation of cannabis laws has led to
some viable research and a plethora of methods of consumption. Cannabis and its
derivatives can now be smoked, eaten, and used as a topical application. It
comes in the form of dried flower, oil, resin, and extracts. The form of
consumption, concentration of active ingredients, and amount consumed are the variables
that most influence its effects. Detailing the different ways to consume
cannabis would take volumes. In general, cannabis inhaled has a more intense
and shorter effect, while cannabis ingested lasts longer and creates more of a
“whole-body” feel.
Cannabis is a proven treatment for epilepsy, and other chronic
diseases that produce essential tremors, such as Parkinson’s Disease. Cannabis
has long been used to treat glaucoma, and used as an appetite stimulant and
digestive aid. It can be particularly effective for those undergoing treatment
for cancer who have lost appetite due to side effects of that treatment. It
also makes an effective and non-addictive alternative for pain management. Many
recent studies report that cannabis has the ability to shrink cancer cells,
though more research needs to be performed to verify its usefulness and effective
dosage. Once again, whole volumes can be devoted to the medical uses of
cannabis.
In the context of Emergent Magick, cannabis has many uses. In most
people cannabis reduces social anxiety. A shared cannabis experience can be
used to strengthen tribal bonds and facilitate more open exchanges. Its pain
easing effects also help when performing ritual, allowing participants to
engage energetically for longer periods of time. Cannabis has mild psychedelic properties,
which makes it useful for maintaining cognitive function while still enjoying
its effects. This is not to say that individuals on cannabis have full use of
mental faculties. It can suppress short-term memory and judgement. If your
ritual work requires safety precautions, such as building and tending a large
fire, cannabis should not be consumed.
Cannabis produces almost imperceptible hallucinations, mostly sensitivity to light, noise, and a loss of the ability to sense time. Its usefulness
from a purely magical perspective comes from its tendency to remove the users
from context when exploring art. A cannabis user more easily perceives music,
color, and dimension, without over intellectualizing the experience. It makes
the user able to feel raw emotional experience from a given art form, stripping
away mental barriers that block holistic enjoyment. Since magick is an art, the
user may find themselves able to fully accept a magical experience and remove
their ego from the event.