Generally, ganja is either consumed as part of a tea or smoked. Through friend circles and by watching family members, most people become keenly aware of cannabis use and treat it as a part of social life and daily life. By comparison, middle-class and upper-class people are more likely to shun cannabis and look down on users. In his essay “ The Social Nexus of Ganja in Jamaica“, Anthropologist Lambros Comitas notes that working-class individuals, particularly, are involved with cannabis. In fact, researchers have noted the prevalence of cannabis use in two main groups: the working class and Rastafarians. However, cannabis use is indeed part of the daily lives of many groups. There are definitely people who look down upon it. One of the prevailing myths about the history and culture of ganja in Jamaica is the idea that smoking is widespread throughout the island and that there is close to no stigmatization.Įven as much as everyone thinks that everyone smokes herb in Jamaica, not everyone does. Ganja for the Masses? Photo by: Rock Staar Today, many terms that enjoy continued use in Jamaica surrounding cannabis have their origins from this over a hundred-year-old cultural exchange.
#BOB MARLEY GANJA GANJA LYRUC HOW TO#
Specifically, this cultural and product exchange goes back to approximately 1845 Workers brought their plants with them along with their knowledge of how to cultivate and use them. Indeed, many cite India as one of the oldest civilizations to dabble in doobies. Many people assume the word “ganja” originated in Jamaica - it actually comes from Indian indentured servants who were forcibly brought to Jamaica by the British to work in sugar plantations. In Jamaica, cannabis enjoys a reputation as a cultural phenomenon, religious sacrament and tourist attraction. Ganja is the preferred name for cannabis in this island nation of 3 million people. Indian Origins Image by: Edwin Binney 3rd Collection Hopefully, these factoids about the cannabis culture of Jamaica will help you have a clearer view of how things go down in this gorgeous island country. Stumbling into sensationalism and exoticization when talking about cannabis cultures worldwide is easy. Yet, most people still have a muddled view of the history and culture of ganja in Jamaica. Jamaica is known internationally for its associations with cannabis.