do rastafarians really get to smoke pot in their religious ceremonies?

Answer 1

YES but let's put it in context before we all become rastafarians:

This from http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/rast.html

Ganja (marijuana): Contrary to popular belief, pious Rastas do not smoke marijuana recreationally, and some do not use it at all. Most Rastafarian teachers, though, have advocated the controlled ritual smoking of "wisdomweed" for religious reasons or to aid in meditation.The use of this herb is very extensive among the Rastas, not only for spiritual reasons as in their Nyabingi celebration, but also for medicinal purposes. The following are a few of the Biblical texts that Rastas embrace as reasons Jah gave for use of the herb:

"... thou shalt eat the herb of the field." (Genesis 3:18)
"... eat every herb of the land." (Exodus 10:12)
"Better is a dinner of herb where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred there with." (Proverbs 15:17)
"He causeth the grass for the cattle, and herb for the service of man." (Psalms 104:14)

and this from http://www.swagga.com/ganga.html:

Ganja (Marijuana) is considered the "wisdom weed" by Rastafarians, as its use helps one to gain wisdom. Rastafarians use it as a part of a religious rite and as a means of getting closer to their inner spiritual self, Jah (God) and Creation.

Ganja is also seen by Rastafarians as the herb of life mentioned in the Bible. Rastafarians use of ganja is justified by the following Psalms 104:14 that says, "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth." Rastafarians also say it was found growing at the grave of King Solomon in the Bible.

Rastafarian consume it through smoking and eating (not recomended). The smoking of Ganja is a part of a religious ritual. When there is a large "reasoning" gathering of Rastafarians, a Chalice, which is a large smoking pipe, may be passed around and smoked. This is similar to the passing around of a communion cup by some Christian denominations. These gatherings are also called Nyahbinghi (also the name of a Rastafarian sect: Theocratic Priesthood and Livity Order of Nyahbinghi).

True Rastafarians do not smoke cigarettes as it is seen as un-natural and dangerous to one's health. Marijuana is not the only plant or herb used by Rastafarians. They use a wide variety of herbs, plants for medicinal and dietary purposes, however, ganja is the most popular.

I don't think a paraphrase is needed for this. Peace!

Answer 2

yes man

Answer 3

YES!