Marijuana

[stan1980]

I'm having a real issue posting the reply I have to FaithLikeARock. Hopefully, it comes through at some point, but if it doesn't I will try later. I even tried splitting it into two posts, and it still isn't showing up. I don't get it.

I was having problems too the other day. Did you try and post a picture?

 

[WatersMoon110]

I was having problems too the other day. Did you try and post a picture?

No, but I worry it might have had too many links, or have been too long.

If it tells me to wait for Mod approval, do you know if the post will eventually be posted? I thought that I'd read that the message I got was actually an error message, but I'm not sure.

I'll wait a bit, then try to post it in smaller sections, maybe.

 

[FaithLikeARock]

Thanks so much for typing that in! Also, that sounds like a much nicer and newer book than my friends got to use for a similar class! *big grin*

The first study in the paragraph in question (Cornelius) is about using cannabis during pregnancy, so not very helpful on this topic. The second reference (Julien) isn't a study, but this text book, which presumably sources some study about cannabis and cancer. Darn, I was hoping to get something better than that, sorry!
I agree with all of that! Mental addiction can be even harder to quit, because there isn't just the matter of getting over the physical withdrawal! There are even times when people become so set in a given activity that they can't quit even when there are multiple negative consequence for doing it. My heart goes out to anyone suffering with addiction who is trying to quit!
Agreed, those studies aren't very old at all. However, there are multiple studies that have found that cannabis doesn't cause cancer. There's the one I linked before, a slightly older one, and even some studies that have found that cannabinoids slow lung cancer growth and another with the same findings from FOX News, a source more expected to be biased against such studies.

Obviously, there are some older studies that have had other opposite results. However, all of the new, many larger, studies that I've found have agreed on this. Cannabis use doesn't seem to cause lung cancer.
I believe you on this matter, he doesn't seem to be biased in the section you so wonderfully quoted. I feel that he simply isn't completely up-to-date on this particular matter, since more recent findings have shown otherwise.
That's too bad! I rather liked the New Testament textbooks that I've used (especially the comparative passages one!), but there certainly are some bad ones out there.
If you see no reward in using cannabis, don't do it. However, just because you do not see a reward in a given activity, doesn't mean that others do not. Obviously, people use cannabis for many different reasons, but those who continue to use get a reward out of it (unless they are mentally addicted to it), or they would stop.
You are sadly misinformed about the effects of cannabis. I assure you that the feeling of daydreaming or of napping are not really all that similar to the feeling of using cannabis. Cannabinoids lock into the cannabinoid receptors in one's brain, used by the endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids have many purposes in the brain, but they are one of the chemicals released when one is feeling happy, and also control appetite (which is why cannabis causes "the munchies"), the observation of the passing of time, and many other things.

There are some activities that release chemicals causing emotions similar to the feeling of using cannabis. Since the effects of cannabis differ from person to person, so do the activities that create similar feelings. Strenuous, though enjoyable, exercise or sports can. So can listening to music, reading a good book, meditation, or hanging out with (sober) friends. I actually have advocated many times to people trying to quit to find activities that create similar feelings to those they miss from using cannabis (though obviously not one they did while using cannabis), and do some of those when they feel the urge to use.

However, I wouldn't describe "napping or daydreaming" as an activity that creates similar feelings for me. Maybe it might help some people though!

Also, people under the influence of cannabis can certainly control what they are thinking about, to the extent that anyone can. At least, I've never had any problem, and I've never heard of anyone who has. Though, of course, the effects are different for everyone (since everyone has cannabinoid receptors in slightly different parts of their brain, and in different numbers).
Perhaps I don't understand what you mean, but I think that doing enjoyable activities helps to fulfill one's need to feel happy.
Actually, the effects of religious activity and the effects of hallucinogens aren't incredibly different. Of course, hallucinogens add chemicals into the brain to get those effects, and spiritual activity uses the natural chemicals in the brain, but some of the effects are similar (from someone who has experienced much of both). In fact, many people report having religious experiences while using cannabis, and some old, and newer religions use cannabis as a sacred plant, as does a newer church (which states they worship the God of Abraham). Cannabis certainly can be utilized by many different people to help fulfill a spiritual desire.
Agreed! *smile*

Yes it is my favorite text book. It's unfortunate that my psych class for next term (I'm retaking it to improve my grade) is using an entirely different one.

As for the cancer, it isn't the cannabis that causes the cancer, but the smoke. Cigarettes are the same deal. It's the smoke that causes the lung irritation. Since smoking cannabis creates smoke, the smoke can cause lung cancer.

My main problem is mostly anecdotal though. Mostly because I have several friends who are the greatest people in the world but you can tell just by looking at them that they use pot. I have a friend who's practically addicted (his friend asked him to quit pot and smoke less and he decided he'd quit smoking and stop at that) so I get rather angry when people insist that you can't get addicted and even more angry when people insist it doesn't affect your everyday life, because it definitely affects his as well as several of my other friends. I don't think it's the most dangerous thing in the world, I don't think it will kill you if you use it, but I've seen far too many people say that it's harmless when it most certainly is not.

 

[lpxxfaintxx]

I understand that you would be skeptical. If you're looking for a more authoritative source, you can always Google "drug enforcement agency" and check out the DEA's information on each drug. You can be cynical about those trying to help (with good reason - many who have offered help in the past have betrayed) or you can say, "well, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt".

My ideal world is one without drugs. Drugs destroy the body and alter the mind. I don't see anything wrong with an agenda that tries to prevent such things. Do you?

Come on now, are you kidding me? The DEA?! The DEA is one of the most corrupt and dishonest government agency. The DEA decriminalized Marijuana using Racism, Fear, Protection of Corporate Profits, Yellow Journalism Ignorant, Incompetent, and/or Corrupt Legislators, Personal Career Advancement, and Greed. There were no real scientific studies. Harry J. Anslinger, who recognized the DEA as an amazing career opportunity, went to very low and dishonest ways of criminalizing marijuana. He's spread propaganda like no other, sayning things like,

"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."

"...the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races."

"Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death."

"Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men."

"Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing"

"You smoke a joint and you're likely to kill your brother."

"Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind."


Obviously, all of things he said above are absolutely false. So the question is, WHY is Marijuana illegal? Did the government really care about our wellbeing and safety, or were they interested in profits? Protecting business interests? Perhaps saving the drug industry, which produces terrible 'medicine' that can harm your body? Prescription drug reactions kill more than 100,000 a year!

Since Mary Jane wasn't a drug in Biblical times, I doubt it will be named specifically.

False. The earliest record of man's use of cannabis comes from the island of Taiwan located off the coast of mainland China. In this densely populated part of the world, archaeologists have unearthed an ancient village site dating back over 6,000 years.



I'm loving the discussion guys, keep it up!

 

[FaithLikeARock]

False. The earliest record of man's use of cannabis comes from the island of Taiwan located off the coast of mainland China. In this densely populated part of the world, archaeologists have unearthed an ancient village site dating back over 6,000 years.



I'm loving the discussion guys, keep it up!

But can you prove it was considered a drug? All the historical evidence I've seen doesn't deny that it existed, but it was regarded typically as a cultural herb which would put it under the same heading as "practicing Pagan/Gentile religion". Meaning it still wouldn't need to be mentioned. Besides, China is quite a ways away from the Middle East.

 

[WorldIsMine]

Of course, this is ONLY if new studies do not show negative long-term affects of Marijuana.

Someone may have made this comment, but even moderate uses of alcohol are far more likely to induce long term cognitive and organ problems than marijuana. Even if you're not getting drunk, many people's livers, heart and brains will react in a far more negative fashion than they would to marijuana.
Not being remotely Christian, I will not comment on the rest of it.

 

[lpxxfaintxx]

But can you prove it was considered a drug? All the historical evidence I've seen doesn't deny that it existed, but it was regarded typically as a cultural herb which would put it under the same heading as "practicing Pagan/Gentile religion". Meaning it still wouldn't need to be mentioned. Besides, China is quite a ways away from the Middle East.

I'm not sure what you are trying to get out of this. If God felt that the issue on marijuana would become so controversial, and needed to be addressed, surely he would've done so. After all, he is an all-knowing God. Using your logic, I can say that "the Bible doesn't say using the internet is a sin, and should be banned, simply because it wasn't invented in that time period. Had it been around in the Biblical times, internet would have been outlawed by Him!" And yet, we still use the internet.

God does give us guidelines to follow, such as taking care of your body, and to follow the law of our land. Well, marijuana when used in moderation does not harm your body. Although marijuana is outlawed in the United States, the reasons for the outlaw is absolutely ridiculous and unjust. Now the question is, if marijuana was made legal in the US, how would Christians feel on the use of marijuana? Would it be okay once in a while, like you would have a drink once in a while? Or would overzealous Christians protest and 'judge' users, and give us a worse name than we already have in our modern society?

 

[keith99]

Everything has a toxicity limit. Everything. Just because one can't reach that limit under normal means doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. If someone were to have pure THC in an IV drip, it is potentially possible they could overdose.

Yup. Been a couple of cases of death by ingesting water recently. At about 2 atmospheres preasure Oxygen is toxic.

There is a very old saying 'The dose makes the poison'. Pretty sure it goes way back, probably to the Greeks. Some day I want to look it up in the original languages just because it will sound so impressive.

 

[FaithLikeARock]

I'm not sure what you are trying to get out of this. If God felt that the issue on marijuana would become so controversial, and needed to be addressed, surely he would've done so. After all, he is an all-knowing God. Using your logic, I can say that "the Bible doesn't say using the internet is a sin, and should be banned, simply because it wasn't invented in that time period. Had it been around in the Biblical times, internet would have been outlawed by Him!" And yet, we still use the internet.

God does give us guidelines to follow, such as taking care of your body, and to follow the law of our land. Well, marijuana when used in moderation does not harm your body. Although marijuana is outlawed in the United States, the reasons for the outlaw is absolutely ridiculous and unjust. Now the question is, if marijuana was made legal in the US, how would Christians feel on the use of marijuana? Would it be okay once in a while, like you would have a drink once in a while? Or would overzealous Christians protest and 'judge' users, and give us a worse name than we already have in our modern society?

Well if God was going to tell us the future of all things why didn't he mention computers, cigarettes, cars, etc? And as I've stated, there are studies that say marijuana does affect your body (smoking it at least, which is how it's typically done).

That's your opinion isn't it? That's a word I've had thrown at me several times now. Fine, it is my opinion. And what your saying is your opinion.

 

[keith99]

I was thinking the same. If caffeine has indirectly caused caused any deaths, who is to say cannabis hasn't? Has anyone ever actually died directly from a caffeine overdose or bad reaction?

Of course they have. Look at the effects of caffeine. It is pretty clear that someone with the right cardiovascular problems could die from a large dose.

It would shock me if no one has ever died from canabis. I've met too many people with extreme Asthma, just the smoke as smoke could be fatal to some people I've known.

Never and always are words that are almost always wrong.

 

[mpok1519]

addiction is a bad thing.

People should not have to struggle with it.

sadly some of us do.

which is why we love those who still pray.

 

[WatersMoon110]

Yes it is my favorite text book. It's unfortunate that my psych class for next term (I'm retaking it to improve my grade) is using an entirely different one.

That's too bad. At least you can keep the first book.

As for the cancer, it isn't the cannabis that causes the cancer, but the smoke. Cigarettes are the same deal. It's the smoke that causes the lung irritation. Since smoking cannabis creates smoke, the smoke can cause lung cancer.

Well, yes, all smoke does contain carcinogens, from tobacco smoke to campfire smoke to cannabis smoke to candle smoke. Inhaling smoke is bad for lungs, no doubt.

However, tobacco seems to cause cancer, no matter what form it is used in. Something in that substance seems to be really bad for humans, over a lifetime of use especially. Cannabis certainly doesn't have this issue, as only smoking it has any physical health risks. However, even smoking cannabis doesn't seem to cause lung cancer, which surprises everyone. Not only do smokers of cannabis not seem to get lung cancer in any statistically significant amounts, but people who smoke both tobacco and cannabis get lung cancer far less than people who only smoke tobacco. The theory I heard is that THC might kill off aging cells, before they can turn cancerous.

There are multiple new studies, as I pointed out and linked to in my previous post, that have come to this conclusion independently of each other, in recent years. I think this shows that there is rather a lot of new evidence about this odd occurrence.

My main problem is mostly anecdotal though. Mostly because I have several friends who are the greatest people in the world but you can tell just by looking at them that they use pot. I have a friend who's practically addicted (his friend asked him to quit pot and smoke less and he decided he'd quit smoking and stop at that) so I get rather angry when people insist that you can't get addicted and even more angry when people insist it doesn't affect your everyday life, because it definitely affects his as well as several of my other friends. I don't think it's the most dangerous thing in the world, I don't think it will kill you if you use it, but I've seen far too many people say that it's harmless when it most certainly is not.

Well, nothing can be said to be fully "harmless" for everyone. But as far as drugs go, cannabis is one of the least harmful in that it can't be overdosed on under normal circumstances, and isn't physically addictive. There are certainly people, like your friends, who do have problems with using too often, and seem to be getting negative effects from their use in their lives.

However, you have to keep in mind that all users of cannabis are not like your friends. I know that it is human nature to project one's own experience onto all the rest of humanity, but everyone really is different.

If I were to assume that all users of cannabis were like my friends that use it, I would have to say that they were responsible, intelligent people, in college or recent graduates, who work and are responsible members of society. Obviously, this isn't the case for all cannabis users, and more than the situation that some of your friends are in is true for everyone.

 

[WatersMoon110]

It would shock me if no one has ever died from canabis. I've met too many people with extreme Asthma, just the smoke as smoke could be fatal to some people I've known.

I've heard that cannabis relaxes bronchial tubes, rather than constricting them like tobacco does. However, I don't really believe that (and do not know of any studies that back this up), and I don't have Asthma myself, so I don't know. I don't think that people with severe Asthma should smoke anything or spend much time around anyone who does.

However, I've never heard of anyone who died of an Asthma attack triggered by cannabis use. I would imagine that any case would be displayed on every anti-cannabis ad on television, just due to the straws that people creating such seem to grasp at.

 

[J0nDaFr3aK]

addiction is a bad thing.

People should not have to struggle with it.

sadly some of us do.

which is why we love those who still pray.

Agreed.. Whatever's called addiction or dipendency is not good in God's sight. Maybe smoking marijuana doesnt harm the body but it's an addiction. Paul said that he would not let anything master him. That is, I won't smoke so as to not let the uncontrollable need to smoke master me. We only have to depend on God.

I've found this article at http://web4health.info/en/answers/add-cannabis-mood.htm

Question(s):
Written by: Wendy Moelker, Psychologist in charge, tutor, Emergis center for mental health care, Goes, the Netherlands.
First version: 25 Nov 2006. Latest revision: 30 Nov 2007.
What are the effects of cannabis on your mood?


Answer:
The psychological effects of cannabis take place almost immediately after smoking it (2-10 minutes) with the highest peak between 30-60 minutes. After 2-4 hours the effects have mostly disappeared. After eating cannabis it takes about 1-2 hours before the effects show up, and they can last 3-10 hours. The most important effect of cannabis is an intensification of the emotional situation you are in, but can vary a lot from person to person. It depends on the quantity of cannabis taken, the personal condition (like your mood at the moment you use, and your accessibility to the effects of cannabis), the way to use cannabis (smoke or eat), and the experience of the user.
Despite the big individual differences there are also psychological effects that are typical for the use of cannabis. After using it, you get high or stoned. An euphoric feeling comes up and slowly changes into a satisfying feeling of calmness and relaxation. You get dopey and the feeling of time slows down so that it seems like minutes last for hours. Colors, shapes and smells become more intense and are seen differently. Other typical reactions are the desire to eat, especially sweet things (food kick) and an uncontrollable fit of laughter (laugh kick). Real hallucinations, i.e. seeing and hearing things that don't exist, never or hardly ever occur after using cannabis. There can also be negative effects. The changing perception can cause feelings of anxiety, panic and confusion, and people who don't feel well before they use can experience a deterioration and worsening of the negative mood.

Now, the article shows 2 short-term kinds of effect..

The 'positive' effect:
If you're in a good or positive mood before smoking cannabis your mood may get ampliphied or you may find yourself in a state of incredible calmness where time seems to nearly stop..

Ok, maybe there's nothing wrong with that, but the question raises: why would a christian need to smoke cannabis?
First - He/she doesn't find his/her satisfaction in God, so he/she needs to reach a higher emotional state to feel *better* for an hr or so. Doesn't the body get used to chemical substances? you'll need to increase the dose to feel the same sensation. Why don't you just find your delight in the Lord?

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Moreover, God's addiction makes you feel better not for just an hr or 2 but for eternity!

Romans 13:14, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Galatians 5:13,16-17, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

1 Cor 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Does smoking marijuana bring glory to God? Do you glorify God when you look for pleasure away from His light and blessing?

Second - People smoke cannabis just to look cool to their friends.

Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

We have to make the difference not to always find more and more excuses to do what the world does with a *clean* conscience.

1 John 5:19, "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."
All that comes from the world isn't godly!

The negative effect:
Smoking cannabis may also ampliphy your negative mood if you smoke when you're not feeling emotionally well.. so why torture yourself? should we not find our joy in the Lord? why smoke to feel worse?

Phil 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Eccl 11:10, "Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."

Rejoice in the Lord, he alone can give you real joy and make you feel really and truly better!

We have to make the difference and not taste what the world can offer *from a christian and godly viewpoint* which is a paradox cause

2 Cor 6:14-17, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

God calls us to be holy (separated - completely I'd add) as he is holy!

 

[Athene]

I saw this on a T-shirt yesterday.

'Grass - created by God, alcohol - created by man. Who are you going to trust?'

It made me laugh.

 

[WatersMoon110]

Agreed.. Whatever's called addiction or dipendency is not good in God's sight. Maybe smoking marijuana doesnt harm the body but it's an addiction. Paul said that he would not let anything master him. That is, I won't smoke so as to not let the uncontrollable need to smoke master me. We only have to depend on God.

An addiction is anything that someone cannot stop doing. Usually it also has negative impacts upon the life of the person who is struggling with it, and sometimes also on the lives of their family and friends.

Cannabis isn't physically addictive, which means (unlike cocaine, heroin, tobacco, and caffeine) no matter how much is used, a user's body will never crave the substance. However, it can be mentally, or emotionally addictive; that is, a person who uses it to try to "escape" from their problems, or who thinks of it as the "only way" to have fun, or otherwise treats it in an unhealthy way, can become mentally dependent on it to create the feelings they experience while on it. They crave the emotions (whatever they might be for that person) and look to the substance to get into that emotional state.

I agree that any addiction is unhealthy. But I disagree that all cannabis users are addicted or will become addicted. I certainly believe that many users are not, and never will be addicted to cannabis, because they can quit with no negative feelings or consequences (and often do). There are responsible users and people who abuse the substance, just like there are people who use the internet with no ill effects and there are people who are addicted to the internet.

I also disagree that using a substance allow it to become one's "master" (any more than using the internet allow it to "master" one). I think that there are certainly people who allow drugs, or the internet, or all sorts of things to take over their lives, but there are also people who can use the internet, or some substances, in a responsible way with no ill effects.

I've found this article at http://web4health.info/en/answers/add-cannabis-mood.htm

Now, the article shows 2 short-term kinds of effect..

The 'positive' effect:
If you're in a good or positive mood before smoking cannabis your mood may get ampliphied or you may find yourself in a state of incredible calmness where time seems to nearly stop..

Ok, maybe there's nothing wrong with that, but the question raises: why would a christian need to smoke cannabis?
First - He/she doesn't find his/her satisfaction in God, so he/she needs to reach a higher emotional state to feel *better* for an hr or so.

Ah, so Christians should never watch movies, listen to music, or hang out with friends, since they should be getting all of their enjoyment from God? That's pretty silly, don't you think?

Obviously, someone can do an enjoyable activity and still find "satisfaction in God" (an odd choice of words, I feel). In fact, it could be said that taking time out to enjoy one's life here on Earth, is one of many ways to find enjoyment from God.

Obviously, I am not talking about people who neglect their responsibilities to use cannabis, because neglecting one's duties is never a good thing. But, I feel, one can certainly relax after work is done or on a day off. And, if a few people choose to use some cannabis, or a bit of alcohol every now and then to do so, I see no harm in that.

Doesn't the body get used to chemical substances? you'll need to increase the dose to feel the same sensation.

Actually, some heavy cannabis users have reported a "reverse tolerance" effect, where they reach a point at which they need less and less of the substance to get the same sensations as before.

Why don't you just find your delight in the Lord?

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

There are, believe it or not, Christians who use cannabis as a religious herb, to better communicate with God. Many people, such as the OP of this thread, have expressed belief that cannabis is a gift from God; a belief that it is intended by Him to be used for enjoyment and better experiencing His Love.

1 Cor 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Does smoking marijuana bring glory to God? Do you glorify God when you look for pleasure away from His light and blessing?

Moreover, God's addiction makes you feel better not for just an hr or 2 but for eternity![/quote]I certainly wouldn't call Christianity an "addiction" but if that is what it is to you, who am I to disagree?

Romans 13:14, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Galatians 5:13,16-17, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Ah, so now you are going to call cannabis use a "lust of the flesh" are you? Seeing as how it isn't physically addictive, I wouldn't say that a body ever really "lusts" for it, personally.

However, Paul might even have backed you up on this. He certainly was against many things, including intoxication. But God, who gave all "seed bearing herbs" to humans, to be our food, might disagree with the both of you when it comes to cannabis (which is certainly a seed bearing and edible herb). Personally, I don't feel that occasionally using a mind altering substance is sinful, or giving in to the "lust of the flesh", but you are certainly free to refrain from ever using anything you don't feel comfortable doing.

Second - People smoke cannabis just to look cool to their friends.

Unfortunately, people do a lot of things in an attempt to "look cool". However, it is hardly a large percentage of the cannabis using population that uses only to "look cool to their friends" and certainly most of such people do not use for very long. When it comes to habitual cannabis users, I feel that the majority do it recreationally, responsibly, and occasionally.

Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

We have to make the difference not to always find more and more excuses to do what the world does with a *clean* conscience.

1 John 5:19, "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."
All that comes from the world isn't godly!

And yet Christians are allowed to eat food grown from the world, drink water from the world, and live in the world. Certainly, there are some things that are "worldly" and bad for Christians, but not everything that comes from the planet is so, you must agree (otherwise you would have starved to death long ago).

There is just as much clear evidence in the Bible (which is to say, none) that God feels that cannabis use is wrong as there is to say that He disapproves of it. Perhaps you should try to do your best to follow His will as you see it, and allows other Christians to best follow His will as they see it, when it comes to this matter?

The negative effect:
Smoking cannabis may also ampliphy your negative mood if you smoke when you're not feeling emotionally well.. so why torture yourself? should we not find our joy in the Lord? why smoke to feel worse?

Actually, for many people using cannabis can have anti-depressant effects. It is even prescribed as an anti-depressant in California where medical Cannabis is legal. So many people actually benefit from using cannabis when feeling emotionally unwell.

Maybe one shouldn't speculate based on one article on the internet, especially if one isn't too familiar with the subject matter and are coming to a discussion where others have researched the subject?

Phil 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Eccl 11:10, "Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."

Rejoice in the Lord, he alone can give you real joy and make you feel really and truly better!

We have to make the difference and not taste what the world can offer *from a christian and godly viewpoint* which is a paradox cause

2 Cor 6:14-17, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

God calls us to be holy (separated - completely I'd add) as he is holy!

Neither of those verses even have the slightest bit to do with cannabis use. Obviously, if cannabis actually makes people feel joyful when they are suffering from the chemical imbalance of depression, it can help people to "rejoice in the Lord". And certainly cannabis doesn't cause Christian to marry non-Christians and become "unequally yoked", at least no more so than any other social activity potentially could.

 

[lpxxfaintxx]

I've heard that cannabis relaxes bronchial tubes, rather than constricting them like tobacco does. However, I don't really believe that (and do not know of any studies that back this up), and I don't have Asthma myself, so I don't know. I don't think that people with severe Asthma should smoke anything or spend much time around anyone who does.

However, I've never heard of anyone who died of an Asthma attack triggered by cannabis use. I would imagine that any case would be displayed on every anti-cannabis ad on television, just due to the straws that people creating such seem to grasp at.

Actually, Marijuana can help asthma! (can't post urls yet)

ingentaconnect [dot] com/content/ben/ctmc/2006/00000006/00000013/art00008

cannabis-med [dot] org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=44

medicalnewstoday [dot] com/articles/22937.php

cannabis-med [dot] org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=57

ukcia [dot] org/research/SmokedAndOralInAsthmatic.php

 

[WatersMoon110]

Actually, Marijuana can help asthma!
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/ctmc/2006/00000006/00000013/art00008
http://cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=44
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/22937.php
http://cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=57
http://ukcia.org/research/SmokedAndOralInAsthmatic.php

Those are all very interesting studies. Though, I must admit, I still don't think I would smoke cannabis if I had Asthma.

 

[J0nDaFr3aK]

WatersMoon110, let's say that I still stand my ground, but it would take too long to reply to all you said.. but I just wanna point out a couple of things...

No, hanging out with friends, listening to music and stuff like that is good but i still see a difference between these and taking substances to feel better, either addictive or not. it's just not... natural, it seems self-inducted and forced, not real. unlike hanging out with your friends, which is real! the fact that smoking marijuana makes you feel better by deceiving your body is not real!

Taking drugs to feel closer to God i dont think can be defined 'christian' nor biblical. I mean, there's one way to go to the Father, Jesus. No other way can bring us closer to God. Ok, music helps us to get closer to Him, but I've often heard that if music is just meant to make people feel emotional and there's no real change in one's life while worshipping God, it serves nothing. So, if marijuana builds you up faster, demonstrate it, but i highly doubt it so yeah I dont need it.

 

[WatersMoon110]

WatersMoon110, let's say that I still stand my ground, but it would take too long to reply to all you said.. but I just wanna point out a couple of things...

Taking the "lazy" way out. *wink* Just joking, of course.

I tend to type out as much as I feel I need to properly explain myself, and so tend to be a bit lengthy in my replies, but I certainly don't expect everyone to do the same! Of course, feel free to only respond to the bits of my posts you feel need responses!

No, hanging out with friends, listening to music and stuff like that is good but i still see a difference between these and taking substances to feel better, either addictive or not. it's just not... natural, it seems self-inducted and forced, not real. unlike hanging out with your friends, which is real! the fact that smoking marijuana makes you feel better by deceiving your body is not real!

I disagree, obviously. I see the use of small doses of mind altering substances, like cannabis, alcohol, and caffeine, on occasion; to be just as "natural" as hanging out with friends.

Also, I'd hope you don't feel that any substance that replaces a natural chemical in the human body is "bad". Certainly a lot of people on insulin, antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, or who have been given anti-venom would disagree with you!

Taking drugs to feel closer to God i dont think can be defined 'christian' nor biblical. I mean, there's one way to go to the Father, Jesus. No other way can bring us closer to God. Ok, music helps us to get closer to Him, but I've often heard that if music is just meant to make people feel emotional and there's no real change in one's life while worshipping God, it serves nothing. So, if marijuana builds you up faster, demonstrate it, but i highly doubt it so yeah I dont need it.

Personally, I don't use cannabis as a religious herb, so I can't really speak for people who do. Certainly, you don't, and that is your choice.

However, I would imagine that, much like music, cannabis is only used as a way to "better travel the path to God" for lack of a better way to explain it. Obviously, it is only through Jesus the Christ that Christians find God (which is why they are called Christians, after all), and I would imagine this is true whether or not those followers of Christ use cannabis, music, prayer, or anything else to experience God and God's Love.