The Hindu spiritual scriptures, the Vedas, contain what is probably the oldest and most direct references to cannabis. Some sections of the Vedas (from vid, meaning to know) date to as early as 6000BC. Bhang is the name for both the cannabis plant and the milk/hemp drink. It is the liberator from sin and the channel for communication with Shiva (one face of the divine trinity, which represents enlightenment).
The origin of cannabis is related in the Vedic story 'The churning of the ocean.' The story tells how Indra, king of the gods, lost his energy due to a curse. He seeks help from Vishnu, the demon who resides beside the sea of milk. Vishnu commands that potent herbs be cast into the sea and be churned until the dew of life is formed which will give them immortality. Later the demons tried to gain control of the Amrita (cannabis) but the gods were triumphant and called the herb Vijaya (victory).
Other stories relate how Shiva sheltered under a hemp plant in the desert and becoming hungry, crushed and ate some of the seeds. He liked it so much it became his favourite food and Shiva would later become known as “lord of Bhang.”
In the Atharva Veda (2000-1400BC) cannabis is also mentioned as a medicinal plant in addition to its spiritual uses.
