Cannabis has a direct connection with Lord Shiva in Hindu Religious Books. It has been said Lord Shiva use to consume cannabis in order to meditate and even adopted this plant as one his favorites in diet thus, He is also known as “Lord of Bhaang” (Bhaang is Hindi Version for Cannabis, Usually in form of liquid or beverage prepared by the blend of Cannabis and other different Herbs and Spices).
It is said that long before at the time of creation of our universe there was an agreement between Devas (Gods) & Asuras (Monsters) whereas according to the agreement they were undergoing a process called Samudra Manthan (Ocean Mining) to get Amrita (elixir of life) for attaining immortality.
It is said that whatever place on the earth, Amrita’s got dropped or touched, Cannabis plants started growing.
In one of the myths, it has been told that Lord Shiva reinvigorated himself in the heat of the sun by consuming leaves of the cannabis plant.
One of the major reasons, in Hinduism people offer cannabis to Lord Shiva in temples especially at the time of Maha Shivaratri (a famous festival of Lord Shiva).
In now days Cannabis is still on lime light because of its various medicinal properties, various doctors and scientist has provided us with the information about cannabis being a multi disease killer. It has also been proven that consumption of Cannabis can even reduce/eliminate cancer cells in human body.
Even though in India it has been declared as a drug and government has banned its consumption or use within ordinary people, however Nagana (Naked) Sadhus & Aghori Sadhus who worships Lord Shiva are allowed to use it freely due to religious acceptance. It has been told that use of Marijuana or Cannabis in Sadhus is allowed because they use it for long meditation practices, according them it helps to meditate for longer hours.
Even for Normal public use or consumption of cannabis in India becomes completely legal during two major festivals Maha Shivaratri & Holi (Festival of Colors.)
Disclaimer: I am not here to promote Cannabis, Just trying to educate people about Hinduism Connection with Cannabis Plant.