Should Christians Smoke Marijuana?

Though most Christians will answer the question straightforward, it is better and constructive to examine the reasoning process that allows us to determine how biblical principles can be applied to this issue.

It is known that some Christian directions also provide a loyal attitude to the use of cannabis: it is only necessary to remember that Rastafarianism as a religion arose on the basis of Christian teaching and biblical texts.

The therapeutic and psychoactive properties of cannabis have been known to humanity for thousands of years. The mechanism of action of active components of cannabis per person has not yet been fully understood. In ancient times people, did not understand precisely how marijuana affected them. The effect produced by the plant was attributed to mystical, supernatural forces. Not surprisingly, many of the major modern religions are somehow connected with it.

Why should they use marijuana?

In the process of studying the human body, it was found that in the brain and immune system, there are particular cannabinoid receptors. Most of these receptors are located in the brain particles responsible for the perception of pain. Therefore, marijuana is often used as an anesthetic.

Also, hemp is good at suppressing nausea and improving appetite in people who have cancer or AIDS. In the 21st century, scientists have found that marijuana can even cure these diseases at an early stage. Another, pharmacologically proven positive effect of cannabis is on eye disease associated with intraocular pressure. And what is especially important, an overdose of marijuana affects only the psyche of the patient, because in the vital parts of the brain these receptors are absent.

It has long been proven a property of hemp can improve appetite, which is also a significant factor. Therefore, medical marijuana is needed for patients with anorexia and other serious illnesses. Since cannabis helps regulate body weight, it is logical that it can control blood sugar levels, or possibly prevent diabetes mellitus.

Ways to consume marijuana

If you are afraid of the prejudice and contemptuous looks of relatives and co-religionists, the best way to consume marijuana is to vape it. A Cannabis vaporizer, check it out, is a very convenient device, and it has now become something familiar in our society. You can see e-cigarettes and vaporizers literally every day. And the best thing about them is that no one knows what is inside – the usual liquid for smoking or a marijuana concentrate. Therefore, you should no longer deal with pain or any other consequences of hard diseases that can be treated with marijuana. It is a huge plus – you do not even have to hide the fact that you smoke, because today there are a lot of people who vape.

So, the central question is whether Christians should sacrifice and risk their health in the name of the religion.

What does the Bible say about marijuana?

Just like abortion, nuclear weapons, and many other modern controversies, the Bible does not explicitly mention marijuana. However, some people who try to highlight the advantages of marijuana do appeal to the Bible—indeed, to the very first chapter—to make their case:

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. (Gen. 1:29)

Since marijuana is indeed a seed-bearing plant, we can absolutely consider whether God gave it to us for “food.” Before we do that, though, we should note how this claim undercuts the most popular form of recreational marijuana use, smoking. There are no other foods that we consume by smoking them. So this defense can only apply to use marijuana that can be constituted as food and destroyed in an edible.

Let’s be honest, that no one adds marijuana to cookies because it improves their flavor. The reason to add this particular plant while cooking is because of its euphoric effect rather than its taste. However, let’s assume that some people really enjoy and get some pleasure from eating marijuana leaves. Can we consider that as a sin?

“God is glorious beyond measure, and Christians seek to experience the reality of his glory, for the sake of his glory. Sin has distorted our vision and corrupted our world. Ever since sin first entered the world, all of us have been born spiritually dead, unable to discern the true glory of God ” (Ephesians 2:1–5; Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 4:4)

In other words: when Christians use any psychoactive substance, they should always be focused on looking to see things clearer. They have to think first that they do not want their vision of reality to be distorted.

What is worse: alcohol or marijuana

Based on the research every year, thousands of people die from drinking alcohol. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 37,000 people die from drinking alcohol. This number does not include the number of deaths from an accident. On the other hand, specialists from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not report deaths caused by the use of marijuana because they do not exist.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of serious injury. According to one study, 36 percent of the attacks that led to hospitalization are associated with alcohol use. On the other hand, studies in the UK have shown that the consumption of marijuana does not lead to dangerous behavior.

Regular alcohol use is harmful to the brain; marijuana does not have such an effect. In fact, the findings of numerous studies indicate that marijuana possesses a number of neuroprotective properties that improve the functions of the brain.

Cannabis in the sacred texts of the Jews

The holy books of the majority of religious movements, prevalent in the East and India, contain references to cannabis. In these regions, hashish and marijuana have become an integral part of the culture, and religion does not condemn (and in some cases, even encourages) the use of cannabis.

Cannabis generally has a vibrant history of use as a ritual incense. For example, even the Greek historian Herodotus mentioned the Scythian traditions providing for the inhalation of cannabis smoke. The Scythians were nomads, and in the 7th century pre-Christian era, they invaded Asia.

BIO:

Robert Mayers is a blogger from Atlanta. He has studied problems of quitting smoking for two years. Robert leads an active lifestyle. He loves cycling, running and to spend his spare time in a family circle.