Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that the primary determinant of the use of marijuana being a sin would be if it were being used in a setting where its possession or the purpose or manner of its use were in violation of the law. I would say that it should not be used or possessed by any Christian in an illegal manner or for an illegal purpose.

Marijuana does apparently have legitimate medical uses (such as in the treatment of glaucoma), and its use has been legalized for those purposes here in Oklahoma where I live. (Even so, I believe that it still remains illegal (including in Oklahoma) from a Federal standpoint.)

Even if it is legal, it can still have adverse effects if used excessively, just as alcohol (which is generally legalized) can. So, in the same way that the Bible approves of the moderate use of alcohol in some settings, but condemns its irresponsible use to the point of drunkenness, I would say that the same criteria would apply to the use to marijuana (even if that use were legal) to the point of being "stoned".

Speaking from a personal standpoint, when I left Ohio for college in Southern California in the early 1970's, recreational marijuana use (even though illegal at the time) was rampant on campus. You couldn't walk through a dorm without encountering its characteristic odor. Although I have never used it, I would have had many opportunities to, if I had been so inclined. However, the visible adverse effects of long-term use that I observed with respect to the cognition and personalities of those who used it (including a brilliant high-school classmate of mine who was admitted to Cal Tech in nearby Pasadena) have been enough to keep me far away from it for close to fifty years now, whether or not it has been legal in the particular jurisdiction in which I was living.

February 24 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

Everything God created is good because God is good by nature. God gave everything he created to human beings to bless our lives. Marijuana can be used for good and Godly purposes, or it can be used for evil and wicked purposes; it all depends on the condition of our heart. 

When we have a new heart of flesh, that has been born again by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, God will lead us to use everything he has created for our good and Godly purposes, including our health and enjoyment (pleasure). The Holy Spirit will never lead us to do something that is against the law, unless that law is violating God's moral commandments.

When we have a heart of stone, where our sinful human nature is in control, all we want to do is gratify the sinful desires of our flesh. We covet pleasure all the time and, because these pleasures are fleeting, we consume more and more until addictions set in.

In generations past, before there were laws governing substance abuse, people had to use narcotics like marijuana, cocaine and heroine to relieve the pain of their sicknesses and diseases. The discovery of anaesthetics and pain killers is a relatively new medical advance (the last couple hundred years).

God knew that people would suffer horrible pain from their lifelong diseases and illnesses because of the ravaging corruption of sin in the world. For centuries Christians lived and died as drug addicts because it was the only way they could tolerate the pain and continue to live. 

God also knew the devastating effects of tragedy and suffering that humans would endure through loss of loved ones from war, starvation, poverty, famine, plagues, etc. God provided alcohol, such as beer, wine and spirits plus other drugs like marijuana to help us get through these times of suffering - to gladden the human heart. Of course, any use can become abuse when we are not being guided by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 104 beautifully describes all the ways in which God takes care of his creation, including us human beings, even by providing "wine that gladdens human hearts" (Psalm 104:15). Wine is offered as a drink offering, it is an aroma pleasing to the Lord (Numbers 15:7).

God has provided all things for our sustenance and enjoyment when our lives are dedicated to loving and serving him.

"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, NEW WINE and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied" (Deuteronomy 11:13-15).

Many countries that have banned marijuana use for recreational purposes, have permitted its use for medical purposes - to relieve pain and suffering - when it is prescribed by a doctor and formulated by a pharmacy.

March 03 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report