Cannabis

There are historical instances where cannabis was used in Islamic practices, particularly among certain Sufi orders. Here are some notable examples:

Islam strictly prohibits the consumption of intoxicants, as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah:

• Quranic Evidence:

  “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90)

  “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219)

• Hadith Evidence: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

  “Every intoxicant is khamr (intoxicant), and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim, 2003)

  “That which intoxicates in large quantities, even a small quantity of it is haram.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3681)

From these texts, it is clear that any substance that causes intoxication, regardless of the method of consumption (e.g., drinking, eating, or inhaling), is prohibited.

Cannabis and its derivatives have been discussed by classical Islamic scholars under the term hashish. The majority view is that hashish is impermissible because it has intoxicating properties.

• Consensus of Scholars (Ijma): The majority of Islamic scholars agree that substances like hashish or marijuana are intoxicating and thus fall under the same prohibition as alcohol (khamr).

  • Ibn Taymiyyah stated: “All intoxicants, regardless of their form, are haram, whether solid or liquid, smoked or consumed.”
  • Imam Al-Dhahabi in Kitab al-Kaba’ir (The Book of Major Sins): “Hashish affects the mind, and any substance that clouds the intellect is forbidden.”

Majoun, a sweet infused with cannabis, may seem different from smoking cannabis, but the principle remains the same: If it intoxicates, it is prohibited.

• Does Majoun Intoxicate?

  • If consuming majoun in small or large amounts intoxicates the mind or impairs judgment, it is haram.
  • Even if a person argues that they consume it for non-recreational reasons or in moderation, the hadith forbids even small quantities of intoxicants if they cause intoxication in larger amounts.

• Non-Intoxicating Use:

  • If the cannabis used in majoun is processed to remove intoxicating elements (e.g., THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis), and it serves a purely medicinal purpose without causing intoxication, some scholars may permit it under the guidelines of necessity (darurah).

Islam allows the use of otherwise prohibited substances for genuine medical treatment if:

1. There is a legitimate need.
2. No permissible alternative exists.
3. It is prescribed by a qualified and trustworthy medical professional.

For example, CBD (cannabidiol), a compound derived from cannabis that does not have intoxicating effects, is often used for medicinal purposes (e.g., pain relief, anxiety reduction). Scholars generally consider such non-intoxicating medicinal cannabis permissible if prescribed for legitimate health reasons.

To determine the permissibility of consuming majoun, the following questions must be addressed:

1. Does it cause intoxication?
   • If yes, it is haram.
2. Is it used for medicinal purposes?
   • If it is used for genuine medical reasons, prescribed by a trustworthy doctor, and does not cause intoxication, it may be permissible under the principle of darurah (necessity).
3. Is it consumed recreationally?
   • Recreational consumption for intoxication is unequivocally haram in Islam.

Even if cannabis-infused edibles like majoun are not intoxicating, Muslims must consider their use within the broader context of Islamic ethics:

• Avoiding Doubtful Matters: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

  “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2518)

• Protecting the Mind: Islam places great emphasis on the intellect (aql) as a gift from Allah. Any substance that compromises the clarity of mind or hinders one’s ability to fulfill religious obligations (e.g., prayer, fasting) is seen as detrimental.

1. If Majoun Intoxicates: It is haram for recreational use, just like alcohol or other intoxicants.
2. If Non-Intoxicating and Medicinal: It may be permissible under strict conditions of necessity and with medical supervision.
3. For Recreational Use (Regardless of Intoxication): Even non-intoxicating recreational use may be discouraged due to its association with intoxicants and potential misuse.