Witchcraft and Weed

The Forgotten Magic of Cannabis in History

When you think of witches, you probably picture broomsticks, bubbling cauldrons, and mysterious herbs—maybe even a toad or two. But what if we told you that cannabis might have been one of those magical ingredients?

Welcome to the strange and smoky world of witchcraft and weed—a historical journey through spells, salves, and superstition.

Was Weed Part of Witchcraft?

For centuries, cannabis was used as a healing herb, spiritual aid, and folk remedy. From ancient Chinese medicine to medieval European herbalism, this plant had numerous uses long before it became a subject of controversy.

In Europe, cannabis may not have been as famous as mandrake or belladonna, but it was certainly part of the herbal toolkit of healers, midwives, and so-called “wise women”—the very people most likely to be accused of witchcraft.

These women were often herbalists who used natural remedies for everything from pain relief to childbirth. And in the age of superstition and religious fear, anything that altered the body—or the mind—could be seen as suspicious.

Flying Ointments and Hallucinogenic Herbs

One of the more curious tales from the witch trials involves witches "flying" to sabbaths. Some historians believe these stories were connected to psychoactive herbal salves, which were applied to the skin, often using a broomstick as an applicator.

These "flying ointments" were made with plants that could induce trance-like states, and cannabis might have been part of the mix. When absorbed through the skin, it could cause sensations of floating, euphoria, or out-of-body experiences.

Sound magical? In a time of fear and ignorance, such an experience could easily be misinterpreted as devilish sorcery.

From Folk Medicine to Forbidden Magic

During the height of the witch trials in Europe, between the 15th and 18th centuries, herbal knowledge became dangerous. The Catholic Church and local authorities began to equate traditional healing with heresy. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a bull denouncing witches and their use of "satanic herbs."

Although there are no trial records explicitly naming cannabis, herbs that produced altered states of consciousness were feared and banned, and those who used them were often tortured or executed.

It’s not hard to imagine cannabis being caught up in this net, especially as witchcraft and weed both represented natural, earthy traditions that challenged strict religious control.

Weed and Witchcraft in Modern Times

Today, cannabis is slowly being re-embraced around the world—not as a dangerous herb of dark magic, but as a tool for wellness, mindfulness, and creativity. And just like the herbalists of the past, modern cannabis users often turn to the plant for relief, connection, and even spiritual insight.

The historical link between witchcraft and weed shows how fear and misunderstanding shaped laws, culture, and public opinion. What was once seen as dangerous magic is now becoming recognised as ancient wisdom.

Discover the Magic at the Cannabis Museum Amsterdam

Want to learn more about the mystical, medicinal, and misunderstood history of cannabis? Visit the Cannabis Museum Amsterdam, where we explore the plant's role across cultures and centuries, from witchcraft to wellness.

This is more than just a plant—it's a story, and you're part of it.