Cannabis, Lord Shiva and Holy Men: Cannabis Use Among Sadhus in Nepal

Authors

  • S L Acharya Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal CCM
  • J Howard National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre UNSW Australia
  • S B Panta Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Tribuvan University Teaching Hospital and Saarathi OST Program
  • S S Mahatma Ram Mandir, Pashupathinath Temple Kathmandu
  • J Copeland National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, UNSW

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12379

Keywords:

Health Promotion, Mentally ill, Nepal

Abstract

Background:  Despite being illegal in Nepal, cannabis grows wild, is cultivated, readily available and often consumed during religious festivals, such as those in honour of the Hindu god Shiva. Holy men (sadhus) also consume cannabis to aid meditation, and many are believed to suggest that as a substance favoured by Lord Shiva, and, as such, should be used. However, there are concerns that all cannabis use in Nepal is not benign, and that there are negative health and social consequences from its use for some consumers.  

Objectives: This study sought the views of sadhus in Nepal.

Method: During the major Shiva festival at Pashupathinath temple complex in Kathmandu, Nepal, 200 sadhus were surveyed.

Results: Most used cannabis daily, a quarter believed cannabis and its use to be legal in Nepal, and a further ten percent were unsure, about one third believed cannabis should be used by Hindus, but only fourteen believed Lord Shiva promoted its use. Those less educated and from the Naga sect were more likely to hold such views, and provide cannabis to devotees.

Conclusions: Sadhus with evidence-based information about cannabis and its potential harms can play an important role in assisting to reduce harm and facilitate engagement in treatment. 

J Psychiatric Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.2, 2014, pp:9-14

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12379

 

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Published

2015-03-31

How to Cite

Acharya, S. L., Howard, J., Panta, S. B., Mahatma, S. S., & Copeland, J. (2015). Cannabis, Lord Shiva and Holy Men: Cannabis Use Among Sadhus in Nepal. Journal of Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal, 3(2), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12379

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Section

Original Articles