I need convincing in regards to marijuana...

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As a 21-year-old college student, I’m facing a moral dilemna concerning marijuana. I’ve been smoking it for about two years, thinking that I could reconcile smoking with my life as a Christian. Lately, however, my conscience has begun to convict me, and I can’t shake the notion that something needs to change. Here are two trains of thought: on the one hand, I really enjoy smoking. When I’ve got nothing else to do, it’s a great way to relax, listen to music, and laugh with friends. I’m in a fraternity where nearly everyone smokes pot, and I worry that I’d miss out on fun opportunities if I quit. In the past, I’ve assured myself that if I only smoke pot in moderation, it’s not different than having a glass of wine or a beer.

On the other, smoking pot clearly presents a few problems. My primary concern is my Christian witness to others. Even if I can personally reconcile my Christian beliefs with smoking, how well am I representing the faith to an “un-churched” person if I’m getting stoned? Secondly, I’m wondering whether or not an altered state of consciousness is inherently sinful. Lastly is the fact that smoking pot is obviously illegal, and the catechism itself condemns the use of illicit drugs as “gravely contrary to the moral law”.

I’ve prayed about this matter a lot, but I’m still confused. My dad smoked pot in college, both of my brothers smoke a lot, and nearly all of my friends smoke, so I have to develop a firm conviction eithe one way or the other. Can anyone offer any advice or encouragement? I’d especially like to hear from former or current marijuana or other drug users; if you quit, why did you do it? If you’re still smoking, how do you reconcile pot or other drugs with your faith? It’s easier to see where I’m coming from if you’ve been there. Thank you so much for the help!

God bless,

Chris
 
Pontifical Council for the Family
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Code: 
  Should 'soft' drugs be legalized? 

  January 17, 1997


 4 The difference between drug addiction and alcoholism was emphasized in these terms by the Holy Father John Paul 11: "It is true that there is a distinct difference between the use of drugs and the use of alcohol: while a moderate use of the latter as a drink does not offend moral principles, only its abuse can be condemned; instead, the use of drugs is always unlawful because it implies an unjustified and unreasonable renunciation of thinking, desiring and acting as a free person" *(Dolentium Hominum,  *19, Vll, 1992, n. 1).


 [cin.org/vatcong/softdrug.html](http://www.cin.org/vatcong/softdrug.html)
 
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Thepeug:
Lastly is the fact that smoking pot is obviously illegal, and the catechism itself condemns the use of illicit drugs as “gravely contrary to the moral law”
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Thepeug :tiphat:

You answered your own question. We cannot serve two masters. We as Christians cannot straddle the fence. When we purposely follow grave sin, we reject Christ and put our souls at risk for eternal consequences. You know the answer.

It is hard to repent and follow Him. I am still learning the hard way.

I shall pray for you.

May God richly :blessyou:
 
I see you’re from Chapel Hill. Being an NC State grad, I don’t always have a lot of love for UNC… 😉

I have never been there, so my (name removed by moderator)ut is pretty moot. I always wonder why people would put their schooling, their career, their family, etc… at risk by using an illegal substance even if they can morally justify the use and its effect on their consciousness.

Please see my private message for more info about your local.
 
I graduated from college a little over a year ago and I remember a lot of the pressures present, with that said…
A few things to think about:
  • You have a soul. Time on earth is like a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Will missing out on a few hanging out times or whatever really make that much of a difference compared to spending eternity in hell for a grave sin?
  • Your example could help others that need that extra push to stop using drugs. You may never know the huge effects you had on others. You can also think of it the other way, your lack of good example may be that extra push someone needed to succumb to temptation or to avoid giving it up. Do you really want to be responsible for that?
  • You are hurting your body even if you don’t realize it, but worst of all, you are hurting God, who Loves you more than you could imagine. Try to start talking to God like a Buddy, visit Him at Church, it helps.
  • You are responsible for what you do under the influence.
  • I’ll type more later 🙂
 
Thank you all for the (name removed by moderator)ut and kind words. I’ll continue praying for discernment on this issue. If you have any more advice or personal experience to share, feel free. Thanks again.

God bless,

Chris
 
Use of the weed is a sin against the body and a sin against the greatest gift God has given us, our free will.

About the body - There is now considerable research on the affects of marijuana on the body. The active compound is stored in the fat tissues. There have been cases of people in later life tripping out because they have lost weight and the chemicals re-enter the blood stream.

Psychiatrically - Usage is now linked to clinical depression and Schizophrenia.

Psychologically - Usage is linked to poor motivation and Paranoia.

The days of arguing the health benefits of this drug are over. You may wish to research the medical and psychological affects yourself or, you may already be aware of them. A Phenominologically loaded arguement that you know people who use/have used, and they are okay does not cut with medical research, THE FACTS.

I pray you can overcome your addiction. You sound like you have a thoughtful heart and see the benefit of ending your addiction as a way to give good example to your friends that you are Christian - wonderful!

Luke
 
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Thepeug:
Thank you all for the (name removed by moderator)ut and kind words. I’ll continue praying for discernment on this issue. If you have any more advice or personal experience to share, feel free. Thanks again.

God bless,

Chris
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At this point, “praying for discernment” is simply delaying the obvious. You have been given a very great grace in even being able to ask the question.

The answer is clear.

Who ya gonna follow?
 
Chris, I see where you come from on this. Back in college, I smoked a little, (but for the official record, I didn’t inhale 😉 ) I agree, it is hard to understand why casual use of pot is considered by society any differently than casual use of alcohol. And only people who have used both pot and alcohol would feel this way. Those that have never touched pot tend to put pot in the same category as heroin and cocaine, which is nuts. I think that alcohol is actually more destructive than pot, because alcohol is perfectly legal… there is no societal stigma attached to having a couple drinks.

But none of this matters, and it sounds like you know it. You have the reasons to stop right in your original post. It should be enough for you to know that the Church is against it. God doesn’t want you to use pot at all. That’s it. Wouldn’t matter if every friend you have in the world uses it, or if your entire social life is based on it.

It’s your cross… you need to get pot out of your life completely and show your friends that you’re still the same fun guy without pot. On that topic…I think that you would be surprised at how completely useless drugs and alcohol are when it comes to socializing. You can truly have just as much fun (more, actually) without them.

Pete
 
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Thepeug:
When I’ve got nothing else to do, it’s a great way to relax, listen to music, and laugh with friends.
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Why do you have nothing else to do? I know you are in college, but man I’m telling you, life is short. Idle time is the devil’s workshop. Come up with something to do. The problem is, you may get addicted to this idle time too, and that can affect the rest of your life after college.
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Thepeug:
I’m in a fraternity where nearly everyone smokes pot, and I worry that I’d miss out on fun opportunities if I quit.
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Your friends already know you’ve smoked pot, right? Okay, so you’ve established you’re cool enough. Having tried it a few times myself, I just told my friends (and this was the truth too) “No thanks…I like it too much…I have a pretty addictive personality…I can’t just smoke recreationally…for me, I know it’ll be a problem”. You’ll still be invited to the get-togethers.

It feels better to be a leader, Chris. Do you know why “nearly everyone…smokes pot”? Because nearly everyone feels just like you. You can help others say “no” by you saying “hey, thanks anyway, but no”.

Plus, then you can have the peace of mind of knowing you are not contradicting your own beliefs.

Peace,
Chris W
 
this is a mind altering drug cqn be detected 6 months after use with blood tests and accumulates in body and you wont know . the accumulative effects are mind destroying and perception changing delusions deluded . Right Judgement goes aswell. Instead pray the rosary, confession and Jesus in mass, communion. Make Him your drug and at 44 i have been there and done it and seen the long term effects for myself on all the eejits around me. God bless em all,
 
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Ursastar:
this is a mind altering drug cqn be detected 6 months after use with blood tests and accumulates in body and you wont know . the accumulative effects are mind destroying and perception changing delusions deluded . Right Judgement goes aswell. Instead pray the rosary, confession and Jesus in mass, communion. Make Him your drug and at 44 i have been there and done it and seen the long term effects for myself on all the eejits around me. God bless em all,
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I have seen these results in family members. Of course, they do not see it in themselves and would deny that the drug had any long term effects on them at all. I can’t say. But one of my relatives had an IQ of about 165 at age 15 – now at age 58 (after years of constant pot smoking), she dresses as if it were still 1968. Can’t make a decision. Can’t add a column of figures. Can’t carry a thought from point A to point B. Thinks the world is out to get her. Sees “things.”
 
Everything everyone here said is true, especially the lasting effects on people after prolonged use. But, when it came to the moral question as to whether or not to use it, I think the thing that did it for me was knowing that every time you buy some, light up, and “relax” for yourself, you are also, at that very same moment, contributing to the whole scheme of criminal activity that brings this “high” to you. This includes the growing, packaging, illegal importation and distribution to “dealers”, the cheating, lying, brutality and yes, even killing, that happens because this is an illegal activity which necessarily involves thugs and murderers. All this dreadful, sinful behavior, which is inherent in all illegal trade, happens in order to deliver it to careless people who are only interested in their own “satisfaction”. Look at yourself, your friends and all drug users as easy marks: self indulgent, heedless, disconnected from the truth, and you will see why we have not been able to dissuade our young from the ruins of the drug trade.

Sorry…you did ask…good luck meditating
 
I think it’s important to consider potential long-term consequences from breaking the law (not that the law is the best way to decide what is or is not moral). You are in college paying good money and probably working hard for an education - don’t hamstring your future job hunting efforts by getting caught doing something silly.

If you aren’t comfortable with the activity, find something else to do. Once you start working, time becomes very precious - don’t waste the time while you have it.

Good luck!
 
Okay we are all not supposed to “cast the stone” of judgement. So I do not judge - but you do ask for opinions/help so here goes.

I have never smoked it or tried it. I do know people though who have done so in the past or continue to do it. Some are fine, healthy and responsible citizens- some however are not. Each situation differs . . . . except in two ways. These two things affect every person. (in my opinion)
  1. No matter what, or how strong your “will” is – you put yourself at risk of addiction. Whether you already are or still consider yourself only a social smoker. An addiction once formed does not let go!!! I know. Run away now while you still can. If not you may open the door leading to other addictions. And remember that even alcohol becomes sinful when not used in moderation, the same would definitely apply to recreational drugs -even more so at times.
  2. The use of pot is sinful when you realize that it is an illicit, illegal substance. Smoking it is against the law. Maybe it is not worse than alcohol, but until it becomes legal you will not win that argument. So unless you are an AIDS or cancer victim with a prescription it could be considered a sin since it is unlawful. We are not only bound to the laws of God and Church - but to our country as well.
I think you know the answer in your heart, but just are not ready to give up that activity which you still perceive to be cool and fun. But I assure you - other things to occupy your time when bored or seeking adventure can be found outside of a joint. Think of how you would feel to smoke pot in front of your priest. Would you feel comfy doing that or is there that little voice of conscience saying “no way I would ever do that in front of my priest/grandma/children/little siblings/mother/etc” . . . If you would not do it in front of them why would you do it in front of God or Jesus?

Tough decision to face. You are a smart cookie, and you should do what is best for you. Take care, God Bless, and best wishes on dealing with this cross you bear. Let us know how you progress and especially if you feel in need of support if you decide to quit. 🙂
 
I never did see the point in smoking pot. You can relax with a good book too you know. Sorry, but your “reasons” for smoking just don’t cut it with me. You ever see a newborn baby go through marijuana withdrawal? It’s not pretty.
~ Kathy ~
 
If you’re conscience is bothering you–then stop smoking pot. Maybe that’s oversimplifying things, but you’ll either smoke it or you won’t. Make your decision and stick with it.
 
You’ll be better off if you just stop. I used to smoke pot with my friends as well, back a few years ago, before I came home to the church…anyway, they’re aware that I’ve made this decision based on my religious convictions… and that it’s not healthy, anyway. It can become a too-often habit. My friends still smoke around me, when I hang out with the old group. I just ignored it and soon they learned not to pass it to me. shrug I missed it the first couple times it passed me by, but then I realized that it really didn’t matter. There’s better things to with your time. Ultimately the decision is yours but I really encourage you to stop. The catechism does too. Like somebody else mentioned, I think you answered a lot of your own questions in your post. Good luck. 🙂
 
Well, besides everything else everyone has said…dear Chris…I use to be a pot smoker too. I really enjoyed it just to be honest. Then, I just seemed to “grow up” one day. I was married, my husband and I were thinking about children, all that grown up stuff and just saw absolutely no reason to smoke pot. So, maybe you just need to tell yourself…hey, there’s absolutely no REAL reason for me to smoke pot, find something else to do and also, find another circle of friends…that helps!
 
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iserve:
…every time you buy some, light up, and “relax” for yourself, you are also, at that very same moment, contributing to the whole scheme of criminal activity that brings this “high” to you. This includes the growing, packaging, illegal importation and distribution to “dealers”, the cheating, lying, brutality and yes, even killing, that happens because this is an illegal activity which necessarily involves thugs and murderers. All this dreadful, sinful behavior, which is inherent in all illegal trade, happens in order to deliver it to careless people who are only interested in their own “satisfaction”.
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So true.

To take it one step further, Father John Corapi, in his conversion story, tells of his experience with drugs. Before he came back to the Church and became a priest, John was a very successful and wealthy realtor in the Hollywood/LA area. He ran with celebrities and did drugs heavily. He personally witnessed dealers placing satanic curses on the drugs so that more people would become addicted and “need” the drug, thus making them richer.

Really wants to make you light up, doesn’t it??!!
 
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