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Elevate Your Fate: The Sacred Rastafarian Art of Steaming

In the Rastafarian lineage of ancient wisdom, stteaming is a sacred way to commune with the herb in its purest form.

The sesh is more than a ritual, it’s a communion with the earth, a bridge between the physical and the divine. In the Rastafarian tradition, the sacramental herb of Cannabis, or ganja, is honored as a vessel of healing and enlightenment. Rooted in a spiritual framework, ganja is revered as the “Tree of Life,” a sacred herb that offers healing, elevated insight and a pathway to divine connection. 

As a cherished gift from Jah, its use is not recreational but sacramental, integrated into rituals, meditations and communal gatherings known as “reasoning sessions.” In these spaces, the steam chalice serves as a focal point, its vapor facilitating clarity of mind, spiritual elevation and communal bonding. 

Embracing this tradition invites a shift from casual consumption to conscious communion. It calls for an open heart and mind, a willingness to engage with the herb in a manner that honors its sacredness and cultural heritage. To truly honor your sesh, one must approach it with intention, mindfulness and an understanding of the elements that shape the experience. Fire, air, water and earth all play a role in the alchemy of herbal medicine, transforming the plant’s essence into a pathway for healing. 

In the Rastafarian lineage of ancient wisdom, the steam chalice — or steam rolla — stands as a powerful and sacred way to commune with the herb in its purest form.

The Art of Steaming: A Holistic Approach to the Sesh


Unlike traditional combustion, steamrolling activates the medicinal properties of the plant without the burn. This process involves placing whole Cannabis flower and other herbs into a ceramic bowl, which is then heated indirectly with natural coconut shell charcoal. As the herbs warm slowly, they release a fragrant and potent vapor free from the harmful byproducts of direct combustion. This technique, deeply rooted in Rastafarian culture, preserves the integrity of the herb, offering a cleaner, smoother and more intentional experience. Through the gentle release of terpenes and cannabinoids, steaming allows the true spirit of the plant to unfold — expanding the mind, uplifting the soul and nurturing the body.

JahSteamaz, a collective dedicated to the art of herbal healing, embodies this ancestral knowledge through its line of products and educational offerings. Founder TaiJah Mills, a devoted plant medicine advocate and medicine woman, embraced her calling to craft these sacred tools and share the wisdom of steaming with the world following a journey back to her ancestral homeland of Jamaica.

JahSteamaz offers handcrafted steam chalices made in Jamaica. Crafted from natural materials like coconut shells, bamboo and clay, each piece is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the Rastafarian commitment to natural living. These chalices are not merely products but vessels of tradition designed to facilitate a conscious and intentional relationship with plant medicine. 

Beyond providing these sacred tools to the community, JahSteamaz offers personal and group steam chalice ceremonies, both virtually and in person. These immersive ceremonies guide participants through the mindful practice of steaming, fostering a deeper connection to the herbs and oneself. Under TaiJah’s guidance, individuals learn to cultivate a respectful and holistic relationship with Cannabis, viewing it not just as a substance but as a sacrament.

A Ritual of Healing and Connection

The steam chalice is not just a typical consumption device —  it is an intentional sacramental chalice. Before engaging in the ritual, take a moment to ground yourself. Set an intention for your sesh — whether it’s clarity, healing, creativity or a deeper spiritual connection. As you inhale the sacred steam, visualize the medicine permeating your being, filling you with light, wisdom and Jah’s eternal love. Positive vibrations such as music, chanting or even silent meditation can further enhance the experience. 

Elevate Your Sesh: Aligning with the Elements


To truly elevate your sesh, it’s essential to work in harmony with the elements. Fire represents transformation, the spark that awakens the spirit of the plant. Whether using a natural charcoal or an ember, approaching the flame with reverence ensures a respectful activation of the herb’s healing properties.

Air is the breath of life, carrying the essence of the herb into the lungs, where it merges with our own life force. Conscious breathing — deep, intentional inhales and slow, meditative exhales — enhances the absorption of its wisdom.

Water cools and purifies, filtering the vapor through the chalice’s natural reservoir. Like the sacred rivers that cleanse the soul, water in the steam chalice allows for a smoother and more hydrating intake of the medicine.

Earth is the foundation, the source from which the herb is born. Honoring the soil, respecting the cultivation process and choosing ethically grown, pesticide-free herbs ensures that we are in alignment with the highest vibrational plant medicine.

Sacrament, Not Recreation

In the eyes of true herbalists and spiritual seekers, Cannabis is not a recreational drug — it is a sacrament, a teacher, a bridge between worlds. JahSteamaz is keeping this ancient wisdom alive, reminding us that how we engage with the herb matters. The way we prepare it, the energy we bring to the sesh and the tools we use all contribute to the vibrational quality of the experience.

By adopting the practice of steaming with the chalice, individuals can experience the holistic benefits of Cannabis, accessing its therapeutic properties while aligning with a tradition that promotes mindfulness, respect and spiritual growth.

For those seeking to deepen their connection to plant medicine, steaming offers a path of purity, reverence and holistic healing. Whether new to the practice or already walking the path, JahSteamaz provides the tools and wisdom needed to elevate your sesh to a truly sacred experience. The next time you get ready to burn one down or light one up, remember OGs: This is more than a moment of relaxation — it is an act of devotion. Pause before your sesh, set an intention and give thanks to the four elements, Mama Ganja and the Ancestors who protected our sacred plant medicines. As the steam rises, let it carry your prayers of gratitude into the cosmos, to infinity and beyond. Until next time, One Love OGs!

jahsteamaz.com | @jahsteamaz

This article was originally published in the March 2025 issue of Northwest Leaf.

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