Is using marijuana a sin?

[dies-l]

I'll clear up some misconceptions in this thread:

Witchcraft isn't smoking herbs. Witchcraft is calling upon the power of ungodly spirits.

Marijuana doesn't cause dependence. Unlike Alcohol, tobacco, or some illegal drugs, Marijuana causes no changes in body chemistry which cause dependency. Any "addiction" to marijuana is the same as an addiction to ice cream. You "crave" it because it is pleasurable.

Using a drug isn't idolatry. Igniting something and inhaling is not worship.

Marijuana is not just something you use if you are stressed as some sort of substitute for God. People use it because it feels good.


Make arguments for or against, but please don't argue out of ignorance.

I will avoid getting too far into the defintion of "addiction" because it runs the risk of drifting too far from the moral issues involved. Suffice it to say that the DSM-IV (the manual often used by medical professionals in diagnosing psychiatric disorders) identifies nine characteristics associated with addiction. Only three must be present to identify an addiction, and only two of them (physical withdrawal and use to avoid withdrawal) are inapplicable to marijuana use. I will also point out that many professionals who treat drug addiction and alcoholism make no distinction for marijuana addiction. So to say that it is not addicting is no more than a half-truth from a medical perspective. Lack of physical withdrawl does not mean no addictive potential.

But, it seems that you point to another potential addiction: Ice cream. Theoretically, ice cream is subject to the clinical definition of addiction, but to a much lesser extent. But, I'm not going to argue that ice cream addiction is not a sinful addiction to have. In fact, I am not really all that concerned with the clinical defintion. Instead, I look to a spiritual concept that connotes a very similar idea: idolatry.

Idolatry occurs when we substitute something that is not God for God, that is, we become so infatuated with something other than God that it interferes with our relationship with God. For the Israelites, it was often expressed in the form of little statues that could be worshipped in place of God. There was just something that appealed to them about being able to create their own gods instead of worshipping the true God. We don't so much struggle with that anymore. Instead, we turn to various "addictions" or compulsions that we use to substitute for God. We try to control the uncomfortableness of life through activities of our own choosing instead of turning to God. And ultimately, we lose control of these activities. For some of us, it is ice cream; for others, it is drugs (including marijuana) or alcohol; for some, it is self-injury; for some, it is sex or porn; for some, it is spending money. This is not an exhaustive list, but you see the point. The idols in our lives are the things we use to try to control our reality. And, we fool ourselves into thinking that we have control over that which only God can control. And, this, trying to control by turning to things to cope, instead of God to heal, drives us further and further away from God. And, what drives us away from God is sin.

And, because I know someone is likely to disagree with my take on idolatry, I will put it another way. According to Jesus, the whole of the law is twofold: Love God and Love others. In fact, the biggest law is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' Mt. 22:37. When we turn to anything, whether it be ice cream or marijuana, to cope with life, because we don't trust God to get us through, then we are sinning and driving ourselves away from God.

So you see, from a Christian perspective, it doesn't really matter whether marijuana is clinically addicting (though it arguably is). What matters is the effect that our behavior has on our relationship with God. And, if you live in a country in which marijuana is illegal, you are undeniably disobeying God when you smoke it, and in that respect it is negatively affecting your relationship with God. If you don't live in such a country, that is not to say that it is or is not a sin, only that one should be aware of its potential to pull us away from God and to be so informed when choosing whether or not to use it. Like alcohol, I see it as a matter of conscience, but it is worth considering that the dangers far exceed the benefits (spiritually speaking).

 

[MARK777]

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,
Gal 5:21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The underlined word sorcery is actually from the greek word pharmakia, from which Pharmacy is derived, when this word was originally used it meant the use of Drugs, particulary used to try and tune into the spiritual realm, and also translates witchcraft, this scripture was part of Pauls letter to the Galations, warning that the practice of these things will lead to serious conciquences.

The same word is also mentioned in;

Rev 9:21 and they repented not of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

and;

Rev 18:23 and the light of a lamp shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived.

and;

Rev 21:8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

and;

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15 Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star.

From reading these scriptures I think it is clearly evident that God does has a problem with such a thing, the use of certain drugs does take us out of the plan God has for our lives.

I myself used cannabis for a long time, nearly 9 years, when I discovered these principles in the word of God I decided to stop right away, its took me over a year to completely get it out of my life, anyone who says it is not addictive is very wrong, it has been very difficult for me to be completely released from this and I know it was only possible through Gods power.

When I started using it I was ok with it, thought I was smart, I was funny, chilled out, but it made me slack, I became a regular user and pretty soon I was very dependant on it, was my answer to every situation, Im not saying it will be the same for every person but I have seen many people around my area who have used for a long time and they have many problems in their life now, they cannot function correctly without it and it is sad to see, especially one person I used to be good freinds with doesnt even come out his house now, always looks ill and has total dependancy on it, it shattered all his dreams and has held him back from acheiving anything in life.

To me something that can have this much power in peoples lives is not going to be looked upon favourably by God, God wants us to be free not enslaved, and that is where everyone I have seen end up when using this drug for a long time, God wants us to be alert and ready to give an answer to the hope that is in us, not stoned and forgetful, and yes it does effect the users memory as well.

 

[SymphonicaX]

I'll clear up some misconceptions in this thread:

Witchcraft isn't smoking herbs. Witchcraft is calling upon the power of ungodly spirits.

Marijuana doesn't cause dependence. Unlike Alcohol, tobacco, or some illegal drugs, Marijuana causes no changes in body chemistry which cause dependency. Any "addiction" to marijuana is the same as an addiction to ice cream. You "crave" it because it is pleasurable.

Using a drug isn't idolatry. Igniting something and inhaling is not worship.

Marijuana is not just something you use if you are stressed as some sort of substitute for God. People use it because it feels good.


Make arguments for or against, but please don't argue out of ignorance.

I'm trying not to be ignorant, just being honest with what I've learned over the years. You are welcome to try to help me to understand, using scripture.

Actually if you look at the greek of witchcraft, it involves drugs. Witchcraft is earth worship. I think in the history of marijuana I heard somewhere that people have used it to connect with the spirit realm or something.

Now the medical advantages of marijuana might be the only exception...so that would be the same for morphine.

Now what do you have to say about all of my other points?

 

[neilius73]

In my opinion, I do not consider the use of pot as a sin.

Stoners are generally very friendly people, and there is a gross misconception that stoners are 'bad'. They are only bad because cannabis use was illegalised in the 1920's (along with a load of other drugs).
Before the drug laws were passed, it was possible to walk into a chemist (drug store) and buy; Heroin, Morphine, Cocaine, Laudanum, and a host of other nasties WITHOUT any prescription from a doctor, and guess what? No drug epidemic's.

 

[SymphonicaX]

In my opinion, I do not consider the use of pot as a sin.

Stoners are generally very friendly people, and there is a gross misconception that stoners are 'bad'. They are only bad because cannabis use was illegalised in the 1920's (along with a load of other drugs).
Before the drug laws were passed, it was possible to walk into a chemist (drug store) and buy; Heroin, Morphine, Cocaine, Laudanum, and a host of other nasties WITHOUT any prescription from a doctor, and guess what? No drug epidemic's.

besides the law, what about the biblical principles? I listed some on page 2.

There may be no drug epidemic, but same thing with masturbation along with lust, no epidemic harming anyone else, yet lusting is sin in God's eyes.

 

[JimfromOhio]

yet lusting is sin in God's eyes.

Is "lust" sin or lusting for the wrong reason is sin?

 

[neilius73]

besides the law, what about the biblical principles? I listed some on page 2.

There may be no drug epidemic, but same thing with masturbation along with lust, no epidemic harming anyone else, yet lusting is sin in God's eyes.

I read your post and disagree totally that cannabis has anything to do with witchcraft; I should know, Ive read quite a lot on witchcraft.
There are literaly thousands of natural herbs, plants and fungi that can alter one's perception of reality and are not listed in the laws about controlled substances, and who made them, and for what purpose. Remember Genesis 3.

I do agree with the point made in this thread that being intoxicated to excess is a sin, from any substance, but the biggest sin of all is the amount of people in jail's because of a little bit of pot; whereas the only drugs that are legal, Booze and Tobacco, are the biggest killers out of all the drugs.

 

[WalkingforHim]

Marijuana is a plant, it's an herb. It's not a drug or narcotic. If you want to interpret that verse to condemn "drugs" then you're a much greater sinner than a pothead when you use aspirin.

That is just a silly arguement.

 

[SymphonicaX]

Is "lust" sin or lusting for the wrong reason is sin?

the context I used was masturbation and/or sexuality, so that's why I presented Lust as sin.

I read your post and disagree totally that cannabis has anything to do with witchcraft; I should know, Ive read quite a lot on witchcraft.
There are literaly thousands of natural herbs, plants and fungi that can alter one's perception of reality and are not listed in the laws about controlled substances, and who made them, and for what purpose. Remember Genesis 3.

I do agree with the point made in this thread that being intoxicated to excess is a sin, from any substance, but the biggest sin of all is the amount of people in jail's because of a little bit of pot; whereas the only drugs that are legal, Booze and Tobacco, are the biggest killers out of all the drugs.

What do you define witchcraft as then? I heard that it was earth worship, a form of paganism.

Witchcraft aside, what about the other biblical principles? Such as drunkenness or intoxication, not excess? The medical purpose could be a big exception.

I agree about how terrible our prison system is, nobody should be sent to prison for smoking pot.

Marijuana is a plant, it's an herb. It's not a drug or narcotic. If you want to interpret that verse to condemn "drugs" then you're a much greater sinner than a pothead when you use aspirin.

That is just a silly arguement.

well it certainly is used as a drug and has been defined as an illicit drug for years.

Even if it's not defined as a drug as you and many others say so, then what about relating it to the other biblical principles I listed on page 2? Such as intoxication or how marijuana is often associated with darkness by the world?

I'm trying not to be biased, I'm just presenting what I've learned, and I definitely want to learn from all of you. So I hope none of you will be easily offended because of what I say. I'm not so knowledgeable on the subject so I'm open to hear your thoughts and conclusions based on biblical principles.

 

[JimfromOhio]

the context I used was masturbation and/or sexuality, so that's why I presented Lust as sin.



What do you define witchcraft as then? I heard that it was earth worship, a form of paganism.

Witchcraft aside, what about the other biblical principles? Such as drunkenness or intoxication, not excess? The medical purpose could be a big exception.

I agree about how terrible our prison system is, nobody should be sent to prison for smoking pot.



well it certainly is used as a drug and has been defined as an illicit drug for years.

Even if it's not defined as a drug as you and many others say so, then what about relating it to the other biblical principles I listed on page 2? Such as intoxication or how marijuana is often associated with darkness by the world?

I'm trying not to be biased, I'm just presenting what I've learned, and I definitely want to learn from all of you. So I hope none of you will be easily offended because of what I say. I'm not so knowledgeable on the subject so I'm open to hear your thoughts and conclusions based on biblical principles.

Yes... I understand the context. However, almost anything is sinful if used incorrectly. Almost anything is not sinful if used correctly.

Herb is a plant.

Let's look from another point of view with a different drug: Is Morphine sinful?

 

[Piedpiper123]

I don't think smoking pot is a sin in a country where it is lawful to use it but I don't think it is very wise though for several reasons. One is that breathing smoke into the lungs is harmful.

Eating high cholesterol food is probably more dangerous in the long term.

 

[NHB_MMA]

Stoners are generally very friendly people, and there is a gross misconception that stoners are 'bad'. They are only bad because cannabis use was illegalised in the 1920's (along with a load of other drugs).

It's not that they're necessarily "bad". In fact, many people mellow out on it. To me, that is the problem. They mellow out too much. I have a friend that smokes regularly and I used to smoke with him now and then when I would go to his house. I can be at his place and have a nice conversation about sports, politics, weather, or whatever else you name. However, when he starts smoking up he doesn't make a lick of sense and get confused to the point you cannot have a conversation with him. He just zones out and sits there watching TV or whatever. At a minimum, that lifestyle would be the sin of slothfulness. It's hard for me to believe that Christians are not called to be something more productive with their lives. We need a certain level of alertness to be responsible, helpful citizens.

Again, this is a fine line, IMO. I am not saying I think it is a big deal to try marijuana. As I said, I really cannot say I feel profound regret for it, because I never did it much and would certainly have curiosity about it had I never tried it. It's not like if my neice or nephew (I don't have any kids myself) confided in me that they had tried pot I would overreact and make it into something more than it is. I don't think occasional intoxication is even a catastrophy and personally feel that "drunkeness" in Biblical passages refers to habitual or addictive behavior. All I'm saying is I think the "stoner" lifestyle is incompatible with Christianity.

Before the drug laws were passed, it was possible to walk into a chemist (drug store) and buy; Heroin, Morphine, Cocaine, Laudanum, and a host of other nasties WITHOUT any prescription from a doctor, and guess what? No drug epidemic's.

I've heard the argument before, but you'll never convince me that those substances compare to what is sold today, just like they have learned to grow much more potent marijuana over the years. Certainly they did not know nearly as much about the effects of these substances back in that time. To suggest that heroine should be legalized is insanity. Even most legalization advocates say heroine is too dangerous. Marijuana is candy compared to cocaine and cocaine is candy compared to heroine. I don't know of anyone that has ever kicked heroine without going through living hell in their life. The success rate overcoming heroine addiction is awful and the OD rate is substantial. To suggest it should be legalized just because some form of heroine and other opiates were legal at one time is a terrible argument.

 

[Andyk1987]

Rastafarians smoke dope as part of there religion does that make them a "Sinful" religion?

 

[Maynard Keenan]

However, when he starts smoking up he doesn't make a lick of sense and get confused to the point you cannot have a conversation with him. He just zones out and sits there watching TV or whatever. At a minimum, that lifestyle would be the sin of slothfulness.

I've heard the argument before, but you'll never convince me that those substances compare to what is sold today, just like they have learned to grow much more potent marijuana over the years.

I have to comment on both of these things. First, smoking pot doesn't turn everyone into a zoned out zombie. I know more than one middle aged adult who uses marijuana regularly, holds a full-time job, raises kids, and maintains healthy relationships. It is all about how it affects you. If it is bad for you, don't use it. but it may not be bad for you.

Also, more potent marijuana means nothing. It means you have to smoke less of it. You smoke until you're sufficiently high. If you have cheap weed you smoke a lot. If you have really good potent weed you smoke a little bit and you're high. So it doesn't really matter.

 

[Piedpiper123]

In the US which states have legalised the production, sale and use of pot? I know that individual states have different laws.

 

[dies-l]

In the US which states have legalised the production, sale and use of pot? I know that individual states have different laws.

Marijuana is covered by the Controlled Substances Act, which is a Federal statute. It is therefore largely irrelevent what state laws may be (especially when discussing this from a moral perspective) As far as I know, there is no state which allows its use for recreational purposes. Some states have tried to allow its use for medicinal purposes, but these contravenes the Federal Law, and such laws are not recognized as valid under Federal law. The Supreme Court held in Gonzalez v. Raich, 545 U.S. 1 (2005) that the provisions of the CSA that contravened (and thereby essentially nullified) California's medical marijuana law did not violate the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. So, at this point, I think it is safe to say that marijuana use is still effectively illegal in all 50 states.

This is a pretty rough outline of the law right now. With a small amount of research, I can fill in some of the blanks if necessary.

 

[tapero]

I have to comment on both of these things. First, smoking pot doesn't turn everyone into a zoned out zombie. I know more than one middle aged adult who uses marijuana regularly, holds a full-time job, raises kids, and maintains healthy relationships. It is all about how it affects you. If it is bad for you, don't use it. but it may not be bad for you.

Also, more potent marijuana means nothing. It means you have to smoke less of it. You smoke until you're sufficiently high. If you have cheap weed you smoke a lot. If you have really good potent weed you smoke a little bit and you're high. So it doesn't really matter.

In regards to the portion highlighted in blue, I know alcoholics who use alcohol reguardly, and holds full time jobs. They suffer greatly, from it, and so to say that someone smokes pot and can hold a job etc. doesn't really speak to much. that man that you know that smokes pot is endangering my life when he drives high, if he does, if he has children who see him in an altered state he is hurting those children.

 

[Maynard Keenan]

No small children. And using marijuana doesn't equal driving high. I'm just saying that all these people who say "using marijuana destroys your life" are wrong when they speak in such general terms. It is perfectly possible (and common) to use marijuana frequently without negative effects on your life.

 

[Piedpiper123]

So, at this point, I think it is safe to say that marijuana use is still effectively illegal in all 50 states.

Thank you. That's interesting.

 

[SymphonicaX]

Yes... I understand the context. However, almost anything is sinful if used incorrectly. Almost anything is not sinful if used correctly.

Herb is a plant.

Let's look from another point of view with a different drug: Is Morphine sinful?

Like I said earlier, I think in medical cases these drugs herbs or whatever they are technically called, could be an exception. I'm unsure.

What about the darkness aspect of marijuana? How about how the world idolizes it? It seems that people among the college community live by it. It disgusts me when I hear people that say they come to school "high." It's like it is their way to living. God is our life, so how does marijuana work with having God first in our lives? God does ask us to be self-controlled so how is it possible we can be self-controlled if we are "high?"

I still don't understand how getting intoxicated is not sinful, unless you're in a medical state. Didn't the old religions use it for spiritual purposes?

to me if I see Christians participating in it, I see it as them participating with darkness, and not being separate from the world. Now this is just the way I grew up, so I could be wrong. We are called to be separate from the darkness though, and representing the light so that they can know that we belong to God.