The use of hemp and cannabis is well documented in ancient China and has been found as far back as 12,000 years ago, as evidenced by analysis of archaeological remains (Santiago, 2023, Brugnatelli, 2017). The first recorded instance that we know of dates back to 2737 BC in the ‘Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing’ (Divine Farmer’s Herb-Root Classic) (Santiago, 2023). A book written by emperor Shen-Nung around 2500 BC also mention cannabis as a way to balance the yin and yang forces within a person (Rozenberg, 2019). So fond was the emperor of cannabis that he experimented with it himself and concluded that it was a superior herb in the treatment of various ailments such as rheumatism, malaria, constipation, and menstrual problems (Rozenberg, 2019).
In ancient China, hemp was used for paper, bowstrings, medicine, food, fishing nets, rope, and so forth (e.g., Rozenberg, 2019, Gumblner, 2011, Brand and Zhao 2017). While the evidence is not entirely clear like Brand and Zhao 2017 point out, there appears to be no doubt that the Chinese became aware of the psychoactive properties of the plant at some point and began using it for recreation, medicine, and spiritual practices such as divination and communion with metaphysical forces (Rozenberg, 2019,Sumpter, 2023). An analysis of the archeological remains of a 2700 year-old shaman from an autonomous region in China, for instance, Russo et al., 2008 found that the dude's stash of weed was indeed psychoactive and likely used for shamanic purposes. Thus providing evidence that at least 2700 years ago, humans were dancing tango with Maria Juana.
Taoism is a body of religious beliefs and practices that developed in ancient China in the 4th century before the common era. The concepts of yin and yang stem from this complex system of doctrines, philosophies, and practices that center around the idea of an eternal “flow of events” called the Tao. This is an intricate "religion" with many sides to it. Suffice it to say that a “long life and eternal vision” was one of its chiefs aims (Kohn, 1993) and cannabis played a role in that quest.
The Taoists went to great (and sometimes dangerous) lengths to achieve eternal life, physical and spiritual. They experimented with herbs and potions to attain the body and mind of an immortal, someone who had fulfilled his (or her) own potential. Once he became immortal, according to Taoist writers, a practitioner could remain on Earth among the mortals, entertaining them with their superior powers and odd personalities or helping them administer their affairs, given the vastness of their wisdom. Eventually, the immortal is granted access to heaven, where they join the ranks of the heavenly host and get jobs in a bureaucracy administering the affairs of heaven and earth. According to the Taoist tales, for all their hard work, the immortals enjoy feasts and engage in all kinds of pleasurable pursuits with food, drink, and other delights. Stories about these immortals, and their fascinating lives, abound in Taoist literature.
What does this got to do with weed?
It is known that Taoists made use of different herbs and minerals to achieve their aims. Cannabis was among these herbs. There is in fact an immortal lady that seems to pay homage to this important plant. Her name is Magu- the Hemp Lady. While her association with cannabis is not a tight one, I’m going to assume that the lady's name sounds like it was indeed homage to the loco weed (among other circumstantial evidence). After all, the practice of altering consciousness with a variety of elixirs and compounds (like THC) was a key aspect of Taoist rituals (Wikipedia on Cannabis and Religion, Kohn, 1993, and Joseph Needham's work).
I used Stable Diffusion to create some art based on the description of the Hemp Lady Magu, as found in the The Shenxian Zhuan Daoist hagiography of Wang Yuan
She appeared to be a handsome woman of eighteen or nineteen; her hair was done up (in a topknot), and several loose strands hung down to her waist. Her gown had a pattern of colors, but it was not woven; it shimmered, dazzling the eyes, and was indescribable – it was not of this world (as quoted in Magu Wikipedia page)
The deer is apparently her companion. She's often described as having hands like the claws of a bird, but the art pieces I've seen do not show this. They do show her with a branch or long stick on which she carries flowers and fruits (and perhaps some hemp?)
Immortals in Taoist stories are known for their “unshakable equanimity” (Kohn, 1993). In other words, they’re very chilled about things. Nothing rattles them. Calm, cool, and collected they use their superpowers to help others by healing the sick, exorcising demons, moving mountains, stopping or causing rain, speaking with animals, shape-shifting, turning invisible, communicating with the spirit world for guidance, killing or reviving someone, relocating buildings, and a lot of other weird tricks (Kohn, 1993). The Hemp Lady does like to play pranks on people, but generally she's cool and helpful. I hope you enjoyed the art and learning stuff.
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