Genesis 1:29

[anonymouswho]

Hello! I don’t see any good reason to use cannabis in any form. If I have understood correctly, cannabis is used for relaxing or something like that. I think that, and also all other mental things that people try to get with drugs can be achieved easily and more safely without drugs.

Cannabis is used for much more than relaxing. Now, I don't expect you to use cannabis, nor is it any concern of mine if anyone uses it, but I do believe it's as good a time as any to get rid of these misconceptions. Cannabis is a plant, it is not a drug. If cannabis is a drug, then so is coffee, chocolate, and anything with protein or carbohydrates...all food is "mind-altering substances". If you feel fatigued, you eat, and the nutrients in food alter your body, your mind, and your mood. Cannabis is a food, and cannabinoids are nutrients that supplement your endocannabinoid system. God made us this way, and He made food the way it is to provide for our bodies.

dujs.dartmouth.edu/2011/02/you-are-what-you-eat-how-food-affects-your-mood/#.WMClFHg8KaN

Cannabis is also used to treat and even cure so many different symptoms and diseases, almost every pharmaceutical company would be replaced...

Medical Marijuana: Clearing Away the Smoke

United States Patent: 6630507

Pair this with the fact that even the DEA's website says there has never been a reported death from a cannabis overdose. It is impossible to die from consuming cannabis. You can actually drink so much water that it will kill you, but if you tried to consume enough cannabis to kill yourself, you would fall asleep before you even made a dent.

So while relaxing might be nice, and I personally see nothing wrong with using a plant to relax, it is much deeper than this. People also use television and computers to relax, which overload our brains with dopamine, lust, envy, and all sorts of unrighteousness. The point is, the governments are lying, and they are forcing millions of people to suffer. Yeshua never had a good thing to say about the governments. God was also clear that when we allow men to dictate our lives, they will only bring destruction. God is our King, and the first words He said to us was that He made the plants for us.

I'm not asking that you try cannabis, because that is not my intentions with this. I believe that knowledge is good, and just as I didn't know an eternal torture chamber for burning flesh was nonsense before somebody explained it to me, it's my intention to explain something that others might not have known otherwise. I hope you understand that. God bless my friend.

 

[MonstersvsMartyrs]

You know what else is an herb? Poison hemlock.

 

[ub4me]

I think it is okay for medical use. (Healing) I believe there are some seed and fruit bearing things that can kill you...just saying. I know back in the day when I smoked, I did things under the influence that I would not otherwise have done. I understand it doesn't have the same effect on everyone.
I would say if you are not sick, you don't need the medicine. If it is illegal where you are, then for me...there is no question.

 

[anonymouswho]

You know what else is an herb? Poison hemlock.

Besides the fact that cannabis is in no way poisonous, and the DEA even says that there has never been a death from cannabis overdose, hemlock also has medicinal properties...

medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/Hemlock.html

All herbs do. Some need more care than others. But this argment is kind of silly. It's like saying we shouldn't drink green tea because poison ivy makes you itch. Apple seeds have cyanide, but that doesn't mean God made the apple for no purpose other than to poison us, so the governments should ravage the earth to destroy all apple trees.

 

[MonstersvsMartyrs]

Besides the fact that cannabis is in no way poisonous, and the DEA even says that there has never been a death from cannabis overdose, hemlock also has medicinal properties...

medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/Hemlock.html

All herbs do. Some need more care than others. But this argment is kind of silly. It's like saying we shouldn't drink green tea because poison ivy makes you itch. Apple seeds have cyanide, but that doesn't mean God made the apple for no purpose other than to poison us, so the governments should ravage the earth to destroy all apple trees.

Im just pointing out the absurdity of using Genesis as a verse to justify using marijuana. Just because its an herb doesnt mean its meant to be consumed.

And that is in no way true.
Study Claims to Find First Two Deaths Caused by Marijuana
There have been at least 2 confirmed deaths by marjuana use. While thats still a low number, it does put your knowledge of the subject into question.

Its not death that you have to worry about so much, its the other adverse side effects. Downplaying them and comparing it to green tea is really misguided. Yes, there might be some medicinal properties. But the side effects are real and can be very bad. If you dont know this, you dont know much about it. Arguing for marijuanas legalization has to be balanced out by also educating people about the possible risks.

There are many studies that prove that marijuana can be very bad for mental health. It can trigger bipolar episodes in some people (this happened to my brother after smoking weed, and it nearly ruined his life) and cause growths in the brain similar to schizophrenia. It can cause paranoia. Prolonged use can cause certain regions of the brain to shrink. There are more things it can do that Im not thinking of at the moment, and probably even more we dont know of yet. There are many things here to seriously consider. You should look up these studies if you are unfamiliar with them.

The Bible also tells us to be sober minded and warns against intoxication.

Ultimately I think that it should be up to the person to decide, but they cant be ignorant about such things. Personally I would legalize marijuana, but inform the public on all the research. Then let them decide for themselves.

Heres a list of long term side effects:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_effects_of_cannabis

 

[LutheranGuy123]

Im just pointing out the absurdity of using Genesis as a verse to justify using marijuana. Just because its an herb doesnt mean its meant to be consumed.

And that is in no way true.
Study Claims to Find First Two Deaths Caused by Marijuana
There have been at least 2 confirmed deaths by marjuana use. While thats still a low number, it does put your knowledge of the subject into question.

Its not death that you have to worry about so much, its the other adverse side effects. Downplaying them and comparing it to green tea is really misguided. Yes, there might be some medicinal properties. But the side effects are real and can be very bad. If you dont know this, you dont know much about it. Arguing for marijuanas legalization has to be balanced out by also educating people about the possible risks.

There are many studies that prove that marijuana can be very bad for mental health. It can trigger bipolar episodes in some people (this happened to my brother after smoking weed, and it nearly ruined his life) and cause growths in the brain similar to schizophrenia. It can cause paranoia. Prolonged use can cause certain regions of the brain to shrink. There are more things it can do that Im not thinking of at the moment, and probably even more we dont know of yet. There are many things here to seriously consider. You should look up these studies if you are unfamiliar with them.

The Bible also tells us to be sober minded and warns against intoxication.

Ultimately I think that it should be up to the person to decide, but they cant be ignorant about such things. Personally I would legalize marijuana, but inform the public on all the research. Then let them decide for themselves.

Heres a list of long term side effects:
Long-term effects of cannabis - Wikipedia

So they find a guy with an undiagnosed heart problem and a guy with a general drug and alcohol problem, and conclude that, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY ANOTHER CAUSE, it must be the wacky tobaccy? That's just... bad science.

And a lot of studies are finding very mild effects on those who begin after their teens. You can get lung cancer from any form of smoking (this includes charcoal grilling, btw), but edibles and maybe vaping tincture (THC and water) actually help cancer patients. A DEA official has even literally and in clear terms stated that they believed marijuana to be harmless when they banned it.

 

[anonymouswho]

Im just pointing out the absurdity of using Genesis as a verse to justify using marijuana. Just because its an herb doesnt mean its meant to be consumed.

And that is in no way true.
Study Claims to Find First Two Deaths Caused by Marijuana
There have been at least 2 confirmed deaths by marjuana use. While thats still a low number, it does put your knowledge of the subject into question.

Its not death that you have to worry about so much, its the other adverse side effects. Downplaying them and comparing it to green tea is really misguided. Yes, there might be some medicinal properties. But the side effects are real and can be very bad. If you dont know this, you dont know much about it. Arguing for marijuanas legalization has to be balanced out by also educating people about the possible risks.

There are many studies that prove that marijuana can be very bad for mental health. It can trigger bipolar episodes in some people (this happened to my brother after smoking weed, and it nearly ruined his life) and cause growths in the brain similar to schizophrenia. It can cause paranoia. Prolonged use can cause certain regions of the brain to shrink. There are more things it can do that Im not thinking of at the moment, and probably even more we dont know of yet. There are many things here to seriously consider. You should look up these studies if you are unfamiliar with them.

The Bible also tells us to be sober minded and warns against intoxication.

Ultimately I think that it should be up to the person to decide, but they cant be ignorant about such things. Personally I would legalize marijuana, but inform the public on all the research. Then let them decide for themselves.

Heres a list of long term side effects:
Long-term effects of cannabis - Wikipedia

Okay, through the thousands of years of documented cannabis use, we have two reported deaths. I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. There is a reason why the DEA still to this day says there has never been a reported overdose death. Two, maybe four men max, said two people died from cannabis. Meanwhile, there is an average of about 500 unexplained deaths per year in England alone. I don't mean to offend you, and I know that you did not determine these people's death, but that is nonsense.

Nope, Still No Such Thing as a Fatal Marijuana Overdose - VICE

As for the schizophrenia thing, a new study was published last year that suggests cannabis does not "cause" schizophrenia, nor does it heighten the chance of an episode. People who already have schizophrenia are simply more likely to try cannabis as a means of self-medicating. And it's not just cannabis that is used by schizophrenics. They are more likely to use any mind-altering substance. So if cannabis causes schizophrenia, then so does alcohol or anything that schizophrenics use. Cannabis high in CBD has also been shown to be an effective medicine for schizophrenia, with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs.

I'm not really sure what happened to your brother, but every study I've found says that cannabis treats bipolar disease better than conventional medication. I also know a lady who is bipolar, and she uses cannabis daily. In the 10+ years I've known her, she's had maybe four episodes.

Also, cannabis does not shrink your brain...

I've gotten paranoid before. Mostly because of the police or a drug test. I didn't develop paranoia until after I had to take a long break, bought a smartphone and had the internet. I've since learned that everything is in God's hand, and the world is exactly where it needs to be.

I agree that people should study this and be able to decide for themselves. However, they also need to see all the research. I think that about covers it. I'm going to eat this artery clogging burger and hope for the best.

 

[Saint Nod]

Hey anonymouswho,
You have certainly, at least thought thru your own defense of cannabis. In Australia we are thankfully several steps behind the States. I think, in reply that firstly, scriptures have been used to support both in the positive and negative to support ones own opinion.... and there perhaps lies the problem... too often we use them to establish our opinion.
I kind of wonder if Adam having the perfect genes would have had the same 'buzz' ...who knows, it effects each of us differently... and there again lies another problem...
Too often our opinion is based on what we would like to see happen, and not necessarily what is for the good of the whole population... and yes, I know it can assist people with uncontrollable fits... or at least some of them... I personally haven't exhaustively researched to see if every single person who has fits is benefitted...
Me personally? Well, I would rather be in control of my body, and I would rather get a buzz out of Jesus... which I do!... not that I am saying everybody does...

 

[MonstersvsMartyrs]

Okay, through the thousands of years of documented cannabis use, we have two reported deaths. I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. There is a reason why the DEA still to this day says there has never been a reported overdose death. Two, maybe four men max, said two people died from cannabis. Meanwhile, there is an average of about 500 unexplained deaths per year in England alone. I don't mean to offend you, and I know that you did not determine these people's death, but that is nonsense.

Nope, Still No Such Thing as a Fatal Marijuana Overdose - VICE

As for the schizophrenia thing, a new study was published last year that suggests cannabis does not "cause" schizophrenia, nor does it heighten the chance of an episode. People who already have schizophrenia are simply more likely to try cannabis as a means of self-medicating. And it's not just cannabis that is used by schizophrenics. They are more likely to use any mind-altering substance. So if cannabis causes schizophrenia, then so does alcohol or anything that schizophrenics use. Cannabis high in CBD has also been shown to be an effective medicine for schizophrenia, with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs.

I'm not really sure what happened to your brother, but every study I've found says that cannabis treats bipolar disease better than conventional medication. I also know a lady who is bipolar, and she uses cannabis daily. In the 10+ years I've known her, she's had maybe four episodes.

Also, cannabis does not shrink your brain...

I've gotten paranoid before. Mostly because of the police or a drug test. I didn't develop paranoia until after I had to take a long break, bought a smartphone and had the internet. I've since learned that everything is in God's hand, and the world is exactly where it needs to be.

I agree that people should study this and be able to decide for themselves. However, they also need to see all the research. I think that about covers it. I'm going to eat this artery clogging burger and hope for the best.

Maybe thats because every study youve read is from medicalmarijuana.com and other pro marijuana websites that deliberately cherry pick studies that support their case and gloss over any that are less flattering. I, on the other hand, have actually witnessed the effect of marijuana on a person with severe bipolar, and believe me, it is NOT good and you spewing misinformation is really not helpful to those people who may be predisposed to bipolar. It might not affect everybody the same way, and it might in the short term help with depression, but in the long term it causes serious instability of mood, which is very bad for bipolar. You need to seriously read up on this material and talk to real psychologists who have seen its effects for themselves, not take marijuana propagandists' word for it. I am sick and tired of this myth that its a miracle cure all. Its not. Its incredibly dangerous and irresponsible to suggest its completely harmless, worse, to say its good for a person with a susceptibility to psychosis.

Check that list of studies again and read some real research from a real peer reviewed science journal.

But since we are using Vice articles here, Ill point you to this one:
This Is How One Pot Smoker Learned That Weed Plays a Mysterious Role in Psychosis | VICE News
This is exactly what happened to my brother.

"The latest study on the subject — a meta-analysis of 24 studies consisting of more than 16,000 patients — found a strong association between continued cannabis use and relapses experienced by people who have been diagnosed with psychosis or similar symptoms. There was also a strong link between cannabis use and longer hospital stays in patients who used cannabis compared to those who either didn't or had stopped using it.

"What it essentially shows us is that if you continue to use cannabis, it's definitely bad for your psychosis because you continue to have relapses and get admitted to the hospital," said lead study author Dr. Sagnik Bhattacharyya of King's College in London, whose findings were published this month in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry. "If you stop using cannabis, then it's not as bad."

Bhattacharyya said that he hopes the large size of the meta-analysis will help convince patients that their doctors have a robust body of evidence supporting them when they say continued pot use isn't good for psychosis."

In your defense of your favorite drug, please do not circulate this myth that its good for bipolar when you dont know anything about the subject. You are not a psychologist. You have no personal experience in the matter. Thats incredibly reckless.

 

[anonymouswho]

Hey anonymouswho,
You have certainly, at least thought thru your own defense of cannabis. In Australia we are thankfully several steps behind the States. I think, in reply that firstly, scriptures have been used to support both in the positive and negative to support ones own opinion.... and there perhaps lies the problem... too often we use them to establish our opinion.
I kind of wonder if Adam having the perfect genes would have had the same 'buzz' ...who knows, it effects each of us differently... and there again lies another problem...
Too often our opinion is based on what we would like to see happen, and not necessarily what is for the good of the whole population... and yes, I know it can assist people with uncontrollable fits... or at least some of them... I personally haven't exhaustively researched to see if every single person who has fits is benefitted...
Me personally? Well, I would rather be in control of my body, and I would rather get a buzz out of Jesus... which I do!... not that I am saying everybody does...

Hello Saint Nod. We are all different, and that's what is so amazing about God. He has made billions of people, and each one is unique. For me personally, I became interested in cannabis before I ever read the Bible. So most of these arguments I've already heard for years. When I decided to give the Bible a try, I was intrigued the moment I read Genesis 1:29. I thought that it was really cool that God made cannabis, and that got me hooked enough to read the whole thing. So we all have different paths and experiences that lead us to believe what we believe.

 

[MonstersvsMartyrs]

I just want people to treat this issue with seriousness. The reality of marijuana-induced psychosis is not something to take lightly, and shouldnt be treated as if it didnt exist. All reliable evidence points to it. The majority of psychiatrists agree.

As long as you know the facts, your pot use is between you and God. God bless you. Have a good day.

 

[anonymouswho]

Maybe thats because every study youve read is from medicalmarijuana.com and other pro marijuana websites that deliberately cherry pick studies that support their case and gloss over any that are less flattering. I, on the other hand, have actually witnessed the effect of marijuana on a person with severe bipolar, and believe me, it is NOT good and you spewing misinformation is really not helpful to those people who may be predisposed to bipolar. It might not affect everybody the same way, and it might in the short term help with depression, but in the long term it causes serious instability of mood, which is very bad for bipolar. You need to seriously read up on this material and talk to real psychologists who have seen its effects for themselves, not take marijuana propagandists' word for it. I am sick and tired of this myth that its a miracle cure all. Its not. Its incredibly dangerous and irresponsible to suggest its completely harmless, worse, to say its good for a person with a susceptibility to psychosis.

Check that list of studies again and read some real research from a real peer reviewed science journal.

But since we are using Vice articles here, Ill point you to this one:
This Is How One Pot Smoker Learned That Weed Plays a Mysterious Role in Psychosis | VICE News
This is exactly what happened to my brother.

"The latest study on the subject — a meta-analysis of 24 studies consisting of more than 16,000 patients — found a strong association between continued cannabis use and relapses experienced by people who have been diagnosed with psychosis or similar symptoms. There was also a strong link between cannabis use and longer hospital stays in patients who used cannabis compared to those who either didn't or had stopped using it.

"What it essentially shows us is that if you continue to use cannabis, it's definitely bad for your psychosis because you continue to have relapses and get admitted to the hospital," said lead study author Dr. Sagnik Bhattacharyya of King's College in London, whose findings were published this month in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry. "If you stop using cannabis, then it's not as bad."

Bhattacharyya said that he hopes the large size of the meta-analysis will help convince patients that their doctors have a robust body of evidence supporting them when they say continued pot use isn't good for psychosis."

In your defense of your favorite drug, please do not circulate this myth that its good for bipolar when you dont know anything about the subject. You are not a psychologist. You have no personal experience in the matter. Thats incredibly reckless.

I'm sorry I posted a Vice article. I just thought they did a good job of explaining why nobody has ever died from cannabis use. I didn't think it would be a big deal considering this was easily disproved by common sense.

Oops, looks like I did provide a link from medicalmarijuana.com. I didn't realize that. However, the links I provided are articles about peer-reviewed studies. I don't ever visit Norml or any of those sites, and I didn't realize ProCon was medicalmarijuana.com. Here are the links...

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161219084641.htm

Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse

Marijuana Compound Treats Schizophrenia with Few Side Effects: Clinical Trial

Neuroscientists found 'no evidence' that smoking pot damages an important brain region

60 Peer-Reviewed Studies on Medical Marijuana - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org (this is the medicalmarijuana.com link, and here are the PubMed articles that it's referencing...

Cognitive and clinical outcomes associated with cannabis use in patients with bipolar I disorder

The use of cannabis as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder: anecdotal evidence and the need for clinical research. - PubMed - NCBI

I'm not trying to diagnose anyone. Those articles are from the National Institute of Health, and they say cannabis can help people that are bipolar.

Let's look at the Vice article you provided. This man smoked cannabis for a year without any psychotic episodes. When he turned 19, which is a very common age for schizophrenia symptoms to develop, he had a psychotic episode. He stopped and was put on medication. He didn't like the medication and began using cannabis again. Without having any other problems, he stopped using cannabis because he feared it would cause him to have another episode.

The man had a schizophrenic episode because he's schizophrenic. This in no way proves that cannabis had anything to do with that, and the two doctors that are quoted did not evaluate Fuentes.

Regardless of this debate, I am sorry that this has affected you on a personal level. I hope the best for you and your brother. God bless you as well.

 

[Colter]

Hello everyone. I'm curious to know how you feel about Cannabis use. I have written an essay that I'd like to share with you. Hope you enjoy!

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Genesis 1:29

Those are the very first words that God spoke to mankind. He told us that He Himself made every herb, and He has given us every single one of them.

Cannabis being legalized isn't just about the fact that the Controlled Substance Act is grossly unconstitutional, that mothers and fathers are going to prison and having their children ripped from their homes, that Congress abuses the Commerce Clause to tell us what we cannot have in our own homes and bodies, or the countless lives that have been destroyed because of the failed War on Drugs. Cannabis is a God given right.

The governments tell us God was wrong; that He made a mistake. Why should anyone, whether they support legalization or not, stand for such a thing? Cannabis laws have nothing to do with helping anyone, nor do they have to do with money. The government uses cannabis to invade the rights of everyone. The DEA has put GPS tracking devices on vehicles, they have intercepted millions of American's phone calls, they can open your mail, and they can search your home or car without a warrant by simply saying, "It smelled like marijuana".

The Commerce Clause of the Constitution says that Congress has the power "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes". From this single sentence, Congress created the Controlled Substance Act. This is how it works:

Congress has the authority to control "interstate commerce", or commerce between state lines. Commerce within state lines, or "intrastate commerce" is supposed to be regulated by the individual States. However, Congress says that it is not feasible for law enforcement to know whether cannabis is being sold or was obtained through interstate commerce, so they regulate the intrastate commerce as well.

In 2002, Angel Raich's home was invaded by DEA agents who destroyed her six medical cannabis plants. Raich took this to the Supreme Court, claiming that her plants were for personal use and obviously did not affect interstate commerce. The Court disagreed, stating that in Wickard vs. Filburn (1942), the Court had decided that growing wheat for one's personal use was within Congress's power to regulate. This essentially means that Congress has the authority to prohibit absolutely anything. If they wish to prohibit chairs, you cannot have a chair for personal use. They may also ban all materials used to "manufacture" chairs. This is not just about "drugs". This is about our rights and liberties as American citizens.

The Controlled Substance Act says cannabis, or "marihunana" as it's called in the Act, is a Scheduled 1 substance along with heroin and LSD, which means it has no acceptable medicinal value. However, Patent 6630507 is the U.S. Govenment's own patent on the various cannabinoids present in cannabis. The government is lying, and millions of people are forced to use prescription drugs which have rampaged Kentucky and the country.

Yet alcohol, which must be manufactured and has destroyed countless lives, is sold and celebrated all over the country. The Scriptures have plenty to say about alcohol and why it is wise to avoid it. When God made all the plants on the third day, before there was ever a man to till the ground, cannabis grew without any help. There is no need to "manufacture" cannabis. It's a plant!

Some will say "But it's against the law of the land!" Nonsense. The law of the land is that God made all plants and herbs, because the very first words that God said to man is "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed".

God made it, and He made it for you. He made it because He loves you. He made it to bring you health, wellbeing, and to supplement your endocannabinoid system, which He also made. Nobody has the right to tell you that you can't have that which God explicitly said is yours.

"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" Psalm 104:14

Thanks for reading.

Drugs aren't destructive and addictive because they are illegal, they are illegal because they are destructive and addictive. A regulation is actually a protection of the citizenry from evils that effect the whole group.

Where did God say we were supposed to set pot on fire and inhale it for selfish intoxication? He created opium as well and a number of other forms of intoxicating plants.

 

[anonymouswho]

Drugs aren't destructive and addictive because they are illegal, they are illegal because they are destructive and addictive. A regulation is actually a protection of the citizenry from evils that effect the whole group.

Where did God say we were supposed to set pot on fire and inhale it for selfish intoxication? He created opium as well and a number of other forms of intoxicating plants.

I never said drugs are destructive and addictive because they're illegal. I also never said cannabis is destructive and addictive because it's illegal. I also didn't say cannabis is destructive and addictive. Where is cannabis being "regulated" at? It's a "controlled" and "prohibited" substance. As far as I know, anyone can sell it. They sell it to kids without checking an ID, and there's no warning labels or anything. But if you want to believe the governments have the world's best interest in mind, then that's no concern of mine. Nazi Germany thought the same.

God never said we were "supposed" to. Where does God say we're supposed to plug a television or computer up and spend our time selfishly entertaining ourselves? Where does He say we're supposed to mix a bunch of chemicals together and ingest them if we have a headache?

Since most of you like to compare cannabis to Scripture about alcohol as though they are even relatively the same thing...

"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;

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." Psalm 104:14-15

"A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things." Ecclesiastes 10:19

I guess these guys were selfish. What are some of your selfish hobbies?

 

[Colter]

I never said drugs are destructive and addictive because they're illegal. I also never said cannabis is destructive and addictive because it's illegal. I also didn't say cannabis is destructive and addictive. Where is cannabis being "regulated" at? It's a "controlled" and "prohibited" substance. As far as I know, anyone can sell it. They sell it to kids without checking an ID, and there's no warning labels or anything. But if you want to believe the governments have the world's best interest in mind, then that's no concern of mine. Nazi Germany thought the same.

God never said we were "supposed" to. Where does God say we're supposed to plug a television or computer up and spend our time selfishly entertaining ourselves? Where does He say we're supposed to mix a bunch of chemicals together and ingest them if we have a headache?

Since most of you like to compare cannabis to Scripture about alcohol as though they are even relatively the same thing...

"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;

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." Psalm 104:14-15

"A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things." Ecclesiastes 10:19

I guess these guys were selfish. What are some of your selfish hobbies?

Pot is illegal because its destructive, its addictive. Young people become addicted and loose their way in life. Some continue in adulthood, it zaps their motivation and stunts emotional and spiritual maturity.

Laws don't destroy lives. people choosing to break laws damage themselves.

You are rationalizing drug use by exploiting a biblical reference to herbs.

 

[Big Drew]

Pot is illegal because its destructive, its addictive. Young people become addicted and loose their way in life. Some continue in adulthood, it zaps their motivation and stunts emotional and spiritual maturity.

Laws don't destroy lives. people choosing to break laws damage themselves.

You are rationalizing drug use by exploiting a biblical reference to herbs.

Since the thread is already full of anecdotal comments...my brother started smoking pot when he was 13...he's 45 now...still smokes...has been married for 20 years, raised two great kids, and he and his wife own a very successful chain of hair/nail salons...

My best friend, that I've been friends with since we were 12, started smoking pot when we were juniors in high school...he and his father own a successful auto repair shop...my friend has been voted the #1 mechanic in our town 5 years in a row, and the shop has been in the top 3 every year as well.

So, for every story that paints pot smokers in a negative light, I believe we can find just as many, if not more, that paints them positively.

It basically comes down to bias. 100 years ago the feds decided to outlaw booze and spent endless dollars to stop moonshiners...but today, we can go into any convenience store and pick up a six pack or bottle of wine...and bars are a plenty. Imagine the millions that would be saved each year that could go towards more important things...or, we could have tax cuts because of it...if the government would stop being the morality police in regards to what people put in their own bodies.

 

[Colter]

Since the thread is already full of anecdotal comments...my brother started smoking pot when he was 13...he's 45 now...still smokes...has been married for 20 years, raised two great kids, and he and his wife own a very successful chain of hair/nail salons...

My best friend, that I've been friends with since we were 12, started smoking pot when we were juniors in high school...he and his father own a successful auto repair shop...my friend has been voted the #1 mechanic in our town 5 years in a row, and the shop has been in the top 3 every year as well.

So, for every story that paints pot smokers in a negative light, I believe we can find just as many, if not more, that paints them positively.

It basically comes down to bias. 100 years ago the feds decided to outlaw booze and spent endless dollars to stop moonshiners...but today, we can go into any convenience store and pick up a six pack or bottle of wine...and bars are a plenty. Imagine the millions that would be saved each year that could go towards more important things...or, we could have tax cuts because of it...if the government would stop being the morality police in regards to what people put in their own bodies.

I began smoking pot when I was 15, I smoked it as often as I could get it. I literally stayed high for at least a year once because I never went a day that I didn't get high. At age 21 I entered a rehab for alcoholism and cocaine addiction. I've been clean and sober now for 31 years.

My daughter is now 21, she lives near a pot farm in southern California where her babies dad works. They grow for legal dispensaries in LA. From age 13 until she graduated from a long term treatment program, her life was an unbelievable hell of all kinds of trouble! She still chooses to use but she is an attentive mother to her 2 year old.

Every day in America on average 28 people die from drunk driving and 211 from alcoholism, those are the ones we know for sure. Alcohol abuse cost a staggering $240 billion annually! If one of those were Ebola we would know about it, but those deaths are accepted now as a byproduct of our so called freedoms so its not national news.

If people want to use worldly standards as an example of what constitutes "success" then staying high all of your life and owning a business, 2 cars in the garage etc. will do. The children whose lives will be irrevocably altered because we are now legitimizing weed will be the ones that truly lose this debate!!!

 

[1213]

Cannabis is used for much more than relaxing. Now, I don't expect you to use cannabis, nor is it any concern of mine if anyone uses it, but I do believe it's as good a time as any to get rid of these misconceptions. Cannabis is a plant, it is not a drug. ....

Ok, on my behalf it doesn’t really matter. In generally I think everything can be ok, if there is really good reason for it. I just don’t see any good reason for using cannabis. And I think critical thing in Biblical point of view is, what controls man. If cannabis doesn’t rule man, it is probably not bad in Biblical point of view. And same is with everything else that is from this world. I think disciples of Jesus (“Christians”), should go by these:

All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are profitable. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things build up."
1 Corinthians 10:23

 

[Saint Nod]

I began smoking pot when I was 15, I smoked it as often as I could get it. I literally stayed high for at least a year once because I never went a day that I didn't get high. At age 21 I entered a rehab for alcoholism and cocaine addiction. I've been clean and sober now for 31 years.

My daughter is now 21, she lives near a pot farm in southern California where her babies dad works. They grow for legal dispensaries in LA. From age 13 until she graduated from a long term treatment program, her life was an unbelievable hell of all kinds of trouble! She still chooses to use but she is an attentive mother to her 2 year old.

Every day in America on average 28 people die from drunk driving and 211 from alcoholism, those are the ones we know for sure. Alcohol abuse cost a staggering $240 billion annually! If one of those were Ebola we would know about it, but those deaths are accepted now as a byproduct of our so called freedoms so its not national news.

If people want to use worldly standards as an example of what constitutes "success" then staying high all of your life and owning a business, 2 cars in the garage etc. will do. The children whose lives will be irrevocably altered because we are now legitimizing weed will be the ones that truly lose this debate!!!

Colter, we must be similar in age... thanks for your honesty. 6 years of use has profoundly affected yourself and your family in a way that few will be able to relate to. It is a shame in your country how so many people have bought in to the medical-marijuana "let's make it legal for all"... I had a mate, I have since lost contact with, who has long term phychosis issues for having used it, like you, from a young age... but then there will be the folk who will say, "yeah, but I have beeen using it since I was a baby and it hasn't affected me..."

The long term consequences are exactly what you say: our kids will pay for it... and I reckon, in not so many years to come, the mental institutions? Will be overwhelmed by the long-term users who haven't had the benefit of the law limiting their usage.... I sure hope that the state governments in your country who are reaping from the taxes on cannabis sales are putting aside money for such treatment institutions in the future!

 

[Big Drew]

I began smoking pot when I was 15, I smoked it as often as I could get it. I literally stayed high for at least a year once because I never went a day that I didn't get high. At age 21 I entered a rehab for alcoholism and cocaine addiction. I've been clean and sober now for 31 years.

My daughter is now 21, she lives near a pot farm in southern California where her babies dad works. They grow for legal dispensaries in LA. From age 13 until she graduated from a long term treatment program, her life was an unbelievable hell of all kinds of trouble! She still chooses to use but she is an attentive mother to her 2 year old.

Every day in America on average 28 people die from drunk driving and 211 from alcoholism, those are the ones we know for sure. Alcohol abuse cost a staggering $240 billion annually! If one of those were Ebola we would know about it, but those deaths are accepted now as a byproduct of our so called freedoms so its not national news.

If people want to use worldly standards as an example of what constitutes "success" then staying high all of your life and owning a business, 2 cars in the garage etc. will do. The children whose lives will be irrevocably altered because we are now legitimizing weed will be the ones that truly lose this debate!!!

Absolutely outstanding that you have been sober for 31 years! So many try and don't succeed. I had a problem with pain pills when I was younger, so I understand the struggle...but for the grace of God...

I've never been one to enjoy the effects of smoking pot...and if it was legal in my state for recreational use, I wouldn't even consider partaking...just not my thing. And that's just personal choice, nothing to do with anything else...

There do seem to be many medical benefits though, and while it may not help everything...nothing does. We wouldn't expect an antibiotic to treat insomnia...or an antidepressant to cure cancer.

And in regards to side effects of marijuana use...have we never watched a commercial for a new prescription medication and then at the end heard a long list of, contact your doctor immediately if...........

Everything has side effects, for some people...my wife can't eat crab, my dad was lactose intolerant, one of my daughters has such sensitive skin that if we don't use a certain type of laundry detergent she breaks out...but none of these things affect me. And none of these things are bad.

My issue with the whole pot debate, in general, is our dependence on the government...people should be able to make up their own minds in regards to what they put in their own bodies...and, even if we approach it from a biblical standpoint, then we can say it's the Church's job to preach abstinence from mind altering substances...but, it's not the government's...we live in a democratic republic...not a theocracy.