Is Smoking Weed A Sin?

Some would say that marijuana or weed is a plant and therefore should be approved by God since He said that He gave us every plant for food. And some people maintain that smoking the illegal plant will send you straight to Hell. Is smoking weed a sin? What does the Bible say about marijuana?

As mentioned above Genesis 1:29-30 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. 

And again He blessed man (this time Noah) with every plant in Genesis 9:3 Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

However these two events have a major common ground. Genesis 1 was before sin had entered the world and Genesis 9 was directly after God had cleansed the world of sin by flooding the surface of the entire earth.

Throughout this post we will explore both what God’s Word says and what the world says about this particular seed-bearing plant.

As Christians, we believe that smoking weed goes against God’s will for us. The Bible clearly states in Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” This verse can also be applied to the use of drugs, including marijuana. 

Additionally, smoking weed can lead to addiction and harm to our bodies, which goes against the Biblical command to take care of our bodies as they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Furthermore, there are also concerns about supporting the illegal drug industry and potentially contributing to social injustice, as the ones profiting from the legalization of marijuana are the big Pharma companies.

What are some specific Bible verses about drugs?

Galatians 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. NKJV

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. NIV

As is seen here different translations use different wording to express the same thing. These words are the ones commonly used in their time period. The NIV put adultery and fornication into the same category and the NKJV made sure that sex before marriage and sex with anyone other than a spouse were both very clearly shown to be sinful.

Notice that many of these sinful acts of the flesh are sexual in nature.

Impurity or uncleanness is translated from the Greek word akatharsia, this word means impurity, a state of moral filthiness, especially in relation to sexual sin-uncleanness. (Strong’s Concordance)

Adultery, of course is the act of having sex with someone other than your spouse. And fornication is having sexual relations before marriage. 

Debauchery is excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. (Google dictionary) Lewdness is indecency or obscenity; vulgar sexual character or behavior: 

Witchcraft, potions, and ancient “healing” magic

Witchcraft is from the Greek word pharmakeia and means: witchcraft, magic, the use of spells and potions of magic, often involving drugs:- sorceries, witchcraft (Strong’s Concordance ), and is relevant to describe a witch doctor. 

Someone who would use magic spells and potions to “heal” someone.  Saint Paul wrote this to the church of Galatia to warn them of the use of such potions and seeking out the help of men that would try all sorts of things to heal. 

Using ‘drugs’ today to relieve stress or pain either emotional or physical, that is called self-medicating and not considered by Christians as pure or acceptable action. But, what does God think of such actions?

 A witch doctor is a person who practices traditional healing and witchcraft, often using potions and spells. They are believed to have a special connection with spirits and the supernatural world, allowing them to cure illnesses and handle problems using mystical means.

 While witch doctors have a long history in various cultures, they still exist today in many parts of the world, particularly in more remote or indigenous communities. In some cases, witch doctors may also be consulted for their divination abilities or for assistance with personal or spiritual issues.

 

However, it is important to note that not all witch doctors operate in the same manner – beliefs and practices can vary greatly among individuals and cultures. It is also worth mentioning that they do not consult God in their practices but some will summon demonic false gods.

 

Witch doctors often use plants for their potions and spells, such as belladonna for a sleeping potion or datura for a truth-telling spell. These plants have naturally occurring chemicals that can create powerful effects when used in the right combination and dosage. 

Contemporary uses for “natural” potions:

A person who smokes marijuana may be attempting to calm themselves or simply using it for recreational purposes. Some use it for medicinal purposes, to calm mental illness. Our Heavenly Father desires for us to have a sober mind.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Drug use including marijuana usage does not allow a person to be sober or clear minded. Therefore this says that it is against God’s ways. 

However, it’s important to remember that marijuana can be a helpful tool in managing certain medical conditions such as chronic pain. It’s ultimately up to each individual and their healthcare team to weigh the potential benefits and risks and make an informed decision about using marijuana for medical purposes. Don’t forget to always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Despite marijuana being commonly used for medical purposes, it is still not widely accepted by the medical community. This is primarily because marijuana, like any drug, can have negative side effects and may interact with other medications. Additionally, marijuana has not undergone the rigorous testing and approval process that other medications go through before being prescribed to patients.

Many studies have shown marijuana to be a beneficial treatment for cancer patients. It can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. In some cases, marijuana has even been shown to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells. 

Regular marijuana use for medical reasons can also cause side effects that are not worth the benefits. Medical cannabis or the use of drugs of any kind needs to be discussed with a medical professional as to not have adverse effects.

When it comes to marijuana and its effects on mental illness, results of recent studies are mixed.  However, some studies have shown that marijuana can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.  On the other hand, marijuana has also been found to help with symptoms of PTSD and bipolar disorder.  It’s important to note that marijuana can also interact with certain medications used to treat mental illness.  

People have been taught for years that “mary jane” is a gateway drug to long term drug abuse. But, casual marijuana use has been legalized in some parts of the world. Does that mean that it is okay to smoking weed?

While the answer to this question ultimately comes down to personal beliefs and values, it is important to consider the effects of marijuana legalization on both individuals and society. 

What about the legalization of marijuana?

Several places in the United States have now legalized marijuana for it’s medicinal properties and some have even legalized recreational marijuana use. The governing authorities have made this a state law issue rather than a federal law. 

But, will weed be legalized in Europe? 

Many of the European states are in favor of medical marijuana. Some have even made it a non-criminal act to possess or use it. This is definitely a contemporary issue.

How Do Alcohol and Marijuana Correspond?

The consumption of alcohol and marijuana can both have significant effects on a person’s behavior and emotions.  While alcohol is known to often increase feelings of aggression and anger, marijuana has been shown to have the opposite effect and can potentially lessen these intense emotions. 

 However, it’s important to note that individual reactions to each substance can vary greatly and alcohol use disorder is much more common and potentially damaging than marijuana use disorder. There are risks associated with alcohol and marijuana use.

Many American adults feel there is nothing wrong with moderate use of alcohol but frown at any cannabis use. They believe that an addiction to strong drink is better than a drug addiction. Truth be told, both are devastating to relationships with family and God.

What Bible Verse Talks about Marijuana?

The verses above do not specifically mention marijuana but they do tell us that we need to be aware of our spiritual life and prioritize it above our physical health and  temporary pleasures of any kind.  Eternity is at stake with decisions we make even as young people.

Romans 12:1-2 says: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Perverse things and works of the flesh put us in opposition to the Lord God. Genesis 1:30 states that “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

And when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we become a new person. We begin to desire the glory of God and as we study the word of God, God’s laws are written on our hearts.

Becoming a regular user of the name of the Lord Jesus exposes the mercies of God which become new every morning. As a Christian the use of any psychoactive substance becomes a non-issue. As God’s servant such things lose their luster.

Recreational marijuana use has no more joy when compared to the intense high of being filled with the living God and His Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God is filled with strange things, wonderful things. The New Testament Christian churches were known for the power of signs and wonders and miracles. See the book of Acts for more information.

Raising a new generation with Christian ethics plays a major role in the way they will see the use of marijuana or alcohol. We have the understanding of the tree of knowledge and can lead others into a powerful eye-opening way of life following God’s ways.

Steer them away from fancy religious leaders and medicinal use of any plant or a glass of wine, any of which are tricks of that old ‘roaring lion’, the devil, to make us think we feel better. When in reality those things always make us feel worse in time.

P.S. (Plain and Simple)

Our lives should not be about the ‘proper use of this God-given substance’ or whether we can stay just close enough to sin to enjoy it but far enough away to keep us out of Hell. It should not even be to ask if such things are sinful.

Our lives should be filled with such wander in God’s ways that we naturally stay as far away from anything that would take us away from His presence.

Resources:
Biblegateway.com NKJV, NIV
Google Dictionary
The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance