Cannabis and Sikhism

In Sikhism, some Sikhs particularly of the Nihang community use edible cannabis in a religious context.

It is used to make a drink called "Shaheedi Degh" which is meant to help Nihang Singhs become highly present in the moment.

Saki  Give me the cup full of green (liquid) ਕਿ ਮਾਰਾ ਬਕਾਰਸਤ ਜੰਗ ਅੰਦਰੂੰ ॥੨੦॥ ‘Which I need at the time of struggle(20) ਲਬਾਲਬ ਬਕੁਨ ਦਮ ਬਦਮ ਨੋਸ਼ ਕੁਨ ॥ ‘Fill it up to the brim  so that I can drink it with every breath ਗ਼ਮੇ ਹਰ ਦੁ ਆਲਮ ਫ਼ਰਾਮੋਸ਼ ਕੁਨ ॥੨੧॥੧੨॥ ‘And forget the afflictions of both the worlds(21)(12) (Dasam Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1428) In the modern day, cannabis consumption (but not smoking) is commonly associated with the Nihang Singhs, a sect who continue the orthodox Sikh warrior tradition, who consume drinks as sukha or sukhnidhaan, or more commonly known shaheedi degha.

At many Sikh temples, including Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji, the shaheedi degh is offered as a holy food.

[6] In 2001, Baba Santa Singh, the jathedar of Budha Dal, along with 20 Nihang jathadars (leaders), refused to accept the ban on the consumption of bhang by the SGPC.

Process of making Shaheedi degh in a Sikh village in Punjab, India . On the Sikh army training day called Hola Moholla it is a customary tradition. [ 1 ]
Mural of two Nihang Sikhs making Bhang or Sukh Nidhan.
Gouache by an Amritsar artist depicting the preparation and consumption of Indian hemp (bhang), circa 1870.