Religious Views On Smoking - Native Americans

Native Americans

See also: Calumet (pipe), Sun Dance, Yuwipi, and Sweat lodge

Communal smoking of a sacred tobacco pipe is a common ritual of many Native American tribes and is considered a sacred part of their religion. Sema, the Anishinaabe word for tobacco, was grown for ceremonial use and considered the ultimate sacred plant since its smoke was believed to carry prayers to the heavens. Smoking was chiefly done after the evening meal, in the sweat lodge, and before going to sleep. The tobacco used during these rituals varies widely in potency—the Nicotiana rustica species used in South America, for instance, has up to twice the nicotine content of the common North American N. tabacum. Many Native American tribes operate tobacco stores, including on the Internet, where they are usually exempt from state taxes and therefore can sell products more cheaply than non–Native American dealers.