I need convincing in regards to marijuana...

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Thepeug:
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
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Hi marijuana exacerbates mental illness and can instigate it. Trust me. Give it up now. I used to do it. BIG mistake.
 
My question is … “how does the Church define drugs?” The Church has consistantly allowed for the use of alcohol in moderation, yet this is a drug. Tobacco is also allowed, yet this is a drug. Caffeine is a drug too. Goodbye coffee?

Marijuana does have health benefits, but can be abused such as alcohol. The sixteen yr olds sitting around getting stoned saying to eachother

“What do you wanna do”?
“I don’t know what do you wanna do?”
“Wanna (…)?”
“Naaaaaaah”
“Wanna (…)?”
“Naaaaaaah”

Is about as accurate as using a skid row bum to completely denounce alcohol.

Yeah, it can be demotivating when used in excess, so can food, alcohol, the telephone, computor (and yes even the forums). I sometimes wonder how some people that are so active on these boards manage to fulfill their duties when on the computor so much.

For the last three years I suffered from a near mental collapse. Depression coupled with memories of past sexual abuse dehabilitated me. Suicidal ideation was a constant companion and for almost a year, I was unable to have marital relations with my husband. Temptaions to self mutilation … flashbacks … voices. The rage and the desire to hurt my children was the worst.

It became impossible to even complete everyday tasks. I spent the majority of the day walking in circles, confused and unable to concentrate. I made use of doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists to no avail.

During this time of darkness, I leaned on Christ with all my strength. Much prayer, making use of the Sacraments, offering up my suffering, even deliverance counseling.

cont.
 
Although, I used to smoke pot in my younger days, I had quit many moons ago, because I felt it conflicted with my Catholic faith.\

Recently, I began to reevaluate my position on marijuana. I thought about it and prayed about it, for months! This is not a decision I made lightly.

My husband was a social smoker, and after many years of not smoking, I decided to smoke a joint with him. That night I was able for the first time in a long time to have relations with my husband. It was more than that though, I experienced a tangible healing deep in the core of my sexuality. Afterwards I was on my knees in tears thanking God, for His mercy. I felt His deep consolation and love for me. Everything changed after that.

My rage is gone. My confusion is gone. My depression is gone. Sucidal ideation is gone. I can function like a normal human being again. Little things that people take for granted. Being able to plan a menu, balance the checkbook. Leave the house. I can concentrate!!

Those who have witnessed my suffering and suffered with me ( mom, husband, friends, children) are AMAZED by the change in me. Not all know why, I am suddenly “better” after so much time of being afraid for me. But ALL can see the differance and they are rejoicing for me and for my family for the dramatic and instantaneous healing that has taken place.

So now I am in the position of “seeing” the change in me. being so grateful because my children and husband (and myself) have a better life. But “hearing” how I am going to Hell.

I was in Hell. Because of pot, I have my life back. But will I lose my soul?

God bless!
 
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Ana:
Although, I used to smoke pot in my younger days, I had quit many moons ago, because I felt it conflicted with my Catholic faith.\

Recently, I began to reevaluate my position on marijuana. I thought about it and prayed about it, for months! This is not a decision I made lightly.

My husband was a social smoker, and after many years of not smoking, I decided to smoke a joint with him. That night I was able for the first time in a long time to have relations with my husband. It was more than that though, I experienced a tangible healing deep in the core of my sexuality. Afterwards I was on my knees in tears thanking God, for His mercy. I felt His deep consolation and love for me. Everything changed after that.

My rage is gone. My confusion is gone. My depression is gone. Sucidal ideation is gone. I can function like a normal human being again. Little things that people take for granted. Being able to plan a menu, balance the checkbook. Leave the house. I can concentrate!!

Those who have witnessed my suffering and suffered with me ( mom, husband, friends, children) are AMAZED by the change in me. Not all know why, I am suddenly “better” after so much time of being afraid for me. But ALL can see the differance and they are rejoicing for me and for my family for the dramatic and instantaneous healing that has taken place.

So now I am in the position of “seeing” the change in me. being so grateful because my children and husband (and myself) have a better life. But “hearing” how I am going to Hell.

I was in Hell. Because of pot, I have my life back. But will I lose my soul?

God bless!
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The Way of the Cross is not easy. You can not do evil even for a good end. God loves you but you must renounce marijuana. Its use is objectively wrong. This life change can not be solely due to marijuana. btw I suffer from mental illness too.
 
you were sick why what was wrong mqybe you are better now try coming off Being close to your husband and all the love …the drug gets too much credit But it can help Tension and relax so it may have helped tip you together and then the love took over / by celibate unloved mam (free 2 marry in church)
 
I said this in my original post on this thread, but thinking about it again, I think it should be emphasized: the best reason to stop smoking pot is that it is God’s will. Following God’s will, and His plan for you, is the only thing that matters on earth.

Pete
 
John of Woking:
The Way of the Cross is not easy. You can not do evil even for a good end. God loves you but you must renounce marijuana. Its use is objectively wrong. This life change can not be solely due to marijuana. btw I suffer from mental illness too.
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No, it is not easy. But I have suffered and am willing to suffer more, IF I know that it is what God is calling me to do. It would be easy and a “safe” decision to write off pot as sinful, attribute all the blessings and graces I have received because of it to the devil and his wiles, and even if I am wrong, can count on God to keep in mind my good intentions and hold me accountable only for what I “know” (or think I know) about His Will for me. I want to make this clear. I am WILLING to not use marijuana if it is sinful ( I am not convinced at this point, but am willing to be)

But because so many people, namely my husband and especially my young children are DIRECTLY AFFECTED by my mental state, I need to really think and pray this through. The consequences either way have the potential to be SEVERE! My children have suffered tremendously in the past by me, as a result of my sufferings.

I cringe to think of the chaos and drama they had to endure, with a mother who is mentally unstable, explosive and unpredictable. I am supposed to trust God to bring my children’s souls safely through the shark infested waters of potential abuse, a suicidal mother who can at times not even leave the house. And my husband through the inner torment of wondering while he is at work if things are okay at home, if his children are safe, and if today will be the day, that he might come home to a dead wife. The heartache of loving someone so much who is unable (though wants to) express love. The fear that he and the children may be left alone, because I had to be “put away” for a while.

Can I trust God to bring my family through this sort of trial? YES! YES! YES! I can and He has!! We have been graced beyond measure as a family, and have overcome much. Our love for eachother is immeasurable and my husband and I have a beautiful marriage that has been cemented and made stronger through our trials.

We are to accept humbly what God has for us and if that means His sufferings, does that not also mean His blessings?

Yes, this life change has been brought through my use of marijuana.

When I stop smoking (for a long duration) the horror returns. No I do not spend my day stoned. When I smoke, it makes me feel normal. When I don’t smoke … it is a nightmare. It is the differance between being able to walk and being in a wheelchair.

For the love of God, would I WILLINGLY imprison myself back in my wheelchair, after having this last year of freedom? Only for Him, who gave His only Son for me.

His Church is my Herald of Truth. Not peoples interpretations of Church teaching. Please show me where the Church says MARIJUANA is sinful? I read the post above which pointed out the differances of soft drugs. But again what is the definition of drug? Caffeine is a mind altering substance. Ask anyone who needs that cup of coffee in the morning. But no one is arguing the morality of caffeine. Why? And yes, it is addictive. As a teen I knew quite a few kids addicted to No Doze. Ever hear of a caffeine headache?

cont.
 
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Thepeug:
Lately, however, my conscience has begun to convict me, and I can’t shake the notion that something needs to change.

Chris
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I think this is a very important sentence.
 
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Ursastar:
you were sick why what was wrong mqybe you are better now try coming off Being close to your husband and all the love …the drug gets too much credit But it can help Tension and relax so it may have helped tip you together and then the love took over / by celibate unloved mam (free 2 marry in church)
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You were able to see the pebble in the Ocean!!:clapping:

You are exactly right. But I am unable to do this without the drug. I don’t need to be “high”. It seems that if I just smoke a little periodically, I am normal. If I smoke too much, I am listless, and demotivated, IOW … high.

I give ALL credit for the blessings in my life to God and His love for me (especially through my husband). Not marijuana. He could have made me well in numerous other ways. And there were many avenues for Him to do so. Why would he choose to make me better through marijuana? Would he allow the devil to pull such a trick on one who loves Him so much?

If I have a headache I take a tylenol. The tylenol makes my headache go away, but it is God who gave us the means to have tylenol.

If it is sinful, I should quit immediately. If it is not, I would be a fool to refuse such a blessing.

If you can tell a tree by it’s fruits … well …

BTW … If you are called to the vocation of marriage, your husband will benefit from having a wife with such keen perception.😉
 
The reason why marijuana is wrong is because it debilitates the personalist aspect of transcendence. Alcohol is a social drug, it encourages togetherness. Whereas Marijuana turns oneself in on oneself, like other harder drugs, it prevents a true transcendence outside of ourselves. You should read Emmanuel Mounier’s “Personalism”. It goes into great depth Personalist philosophy, Pope John Paul II was a Personalist philosopher.
One of the great things that divides us from the animals is our ability to transcend out of ourselves. It would greatly benefit anybody to read this book.
 
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hgracet:
The reason why marijuana is wrong is because it debilitates the personalist aspect of transcendence. Alcohol is a social drug, it encourages togetherness. Whereas Marijuana turns oneself in on oneself, like other harder drugs, it prevents a true transcendence outside of ourselves. You should read Emmanuel Mounier’s “Personalism”. It goes into great depth Personalist philosophy, Pope John Paul II was a Personalist philosopher.
One of the great things that divides us from the animals is our ability to transcend out of ourselves. It would greatly benefit anybody to read this book.
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This is actually one of the major ways marijuana has helped me. It makes it possible for me to “connect” with my loved ones. Otherwise I am a million miles away, trying desperately to “get back.” Marijuana keeps me “here.”

My reason is therapeutic. Couldn’t it also be sinful to not use something, that makes it possible for me to fulfill the duties of my vocation, because I looked down on it?

I think marijuana CAN be sinful, but is not always. But I’m willing to be convinced otherwise.:o
 
Chris,

I think you should quit. Your reasons do not justify breaking the law, unless potential disciplinary action from the school, police force and potential job opportunities don’t matter to you. From what you have said, it seems imprudent to continue.
 
Hi Chris,
I truly appreciate your humility in asking about this. I think a lot of people are or have been in your situation.

The biggest thing that I see as making it wrong is that it is currently illegal. When you grow, purchase or smoke it without a doctors prescription, you are breaking the law. And it is not an unjust law so we are called to abide by it. I didn’t see anyone else touch on this and I think this is really the bigger problem with it.

God bless you in your journey,
  • clementine
P.S. I used to smoke as Ana said “many moons ago” and have been clean for about 10 years. Back when I did smoke, I considered myself a Christian (not a Catholic per se, I didn’t understand Truth back then) but didn’t think much about whether it was against God by engaging in it. The turning point for me was just realizing I wanted to get on with my life and that I didn’t need it to be a part of my future. Plus, the fact that it’s illegal always bothered me. I think your conscience may be the Holy Spirit prompting you…
 
The conflict you are feeling is the spiritual battle between what your Human Will desires and what the Divine Will desires.

You can’t serve two masters.

This may be a test. Perhaps God is flooding you with enough actual graces in order to show you that the act of smoking Pot is wrong and contrary to the Will of God. You have two choices: do something that is wrong and displease God, or do something that is right and please Him.

I would be willing to bet that if you choose to cooperate with the actual graces God is giving you right now, that you will be given even MORE graces, and that you will advance spiritually.

God Bless you, Sweetie!
 
Keep smokin!

sorry I just had to say that… actually, just be carefull. There are some people I know who used to be very violent but when they started smokin they calmed

if you can do without then quit.
 
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Thepeug:
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”.
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Well, you are not paying taxes as you would with alcohol and tobacco. Maybe you are feeling guilty about that.
 
I know many people who have used this “harmless” drug. Many have lasting effects, mostly problems with memory and personality changes. They simply aren’t the same people anymore.
I know someone who regretably realizes he can now most likely not get into medical school because he’s lost his mental edge and the drug use really affected his grades in college even though he is still super smart.
It’s such a lie when people say pot is harmless that’s why it shouldn’t be used or God forbid made legal.
Good luck to you and may God help you make your decision. We will be praying.
 
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Ana:
This is actually one of the major ways marijuana has helped me. It makes it possible for me to “connect” with my loved ones. Otherwise I am a million miles away, trying desperately to “get back.” Marijuana keeps me “here.”

My reason is therapeutic. Couldn’t it also be sinful to not use something, that makes it possible for me to fulfill the duties of my vocation, because I looked down on it?

I think marijuana CAN be sinful, but is not always. But I’m willing to be convinced otherwise.:o
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I am curious…how did you get "unconnected " in the first place?? Your justification, and that of many others here, for smoking marijuana, is laughable and makes no sense whatsoever.
~ Kathy ~
 
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Katie1723:
I am curious…how did you get "unconnected " in the first place?? Your justification, and that of many others here, for smoking marijuana, is laughable and makes no sense whatsoever.

~ Kathy ~
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Dissociation: An ongoing process in which certain information (such as feelings, memories, and physical sensations) is kept apart from other information with which it would normally be logically associated. Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism that also has psychobiological components. Generally, it is thought to originate in “…a normal process that is initially used defensively by an individual to handle traumatic experiences [that] EVOLVES OVER TIME INTO A MALADAPTIVE OR PATHOLOGICAL PROCESS…” (Putnam, 1989, p. 9). Have you ever driven down the highway and realized you don’t remember driving? A feeling of not having been aware? This is called highway hypnosis, and is within the normal range of dissociation.

However, there is an abnormal range of dissociation which brings us into the realm of Dissociative Disorders. BTW Dissociation is also a symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is talk of having this disorder included in the spectrum of Dissociative Disorders.

These include, depersonalization, derealization and some cases of amnesia.

Anyway, in my case, my dissociation was an automatic defense to ongoing childhood sexual abuse. It enabled me to be “not there”, happening to “someone else … not me.” Though at the time, it enabled me to survive. How else could I go to school the nextday as if nothing happened? And for me, it really did not happen, because I was “not there” and it happened to someone else “not me.” There was the “me” that was fine, but felt nothing … then there was the “not me” that contained all the horror, and self-loathing that was just too much for a little girl to cope with. But unfortunately, to be seperated from oneself in that way, by compartmentalizing all the negative emotions, one also becomes dissociated from the positive emotions, and becomes numb, or emotionless. "Dissociation is a subconscious self defense mechanism that allows children in horrific emotional circumstances to survive. Let me stress that this path of survival is not a choice, and though is a good thing during the trauma, becomes crippling as an adult.

There is plenty of information on the web about Dissociative Disorders if your interested.

I am not trying to justify, my marijuana use. I am sincerely seeking God’s Will in my life, and I stated that I am willing (though scared) to get back into my wheelchair and live my life as a cripple. But would you make such a choice, especially when close family members will be directly affected by this choice, without being absolutely certain it was God’s Will?

FYI, my husband and I have discussed and are continuing to discuss my marijuana use. He understands my conflict, but he feels that the “proof is in the pudding.” For the first time in three years, I can do things other woman take for granted. There was a time it was questionable whether I was competant to care for my children. It was terrifying, the thought of losing my children!! No, I will not put my family thorugh hell again to please some judgemental, finger pointing and high and mighty Christians who “think” that Marijuana is ALWAYS sinful.

I have a spiritual advisor, and two monks with whom I discuss these things. Even within these three men in Holy Orders, they do not agree on my situation. I have many fine upstanding Catholic friends, who also disagree. But the ones closest to me, that KNOW ME, agree that it is not sinful in my situation, citing the Catechism … “drug use is gravely immoral EXCEPT for therapuetic reasons.”

So there you have it. Same Church teaching, different interpretations, all by well meaning and SINCERE Catholics!

As to why you find my struggle and conflict laughable, I do not know. Though I am trying not to, my feelings are hurt. Perhaps you did not mean it as you wrote it?:confused: Did you read my previous posts? I looked and looked, but perhaps because it is my pain, I fail to see the humor?

It seems you are assuming that I am exaggerating or making things up. But you have no reason to be suspicious of me, and unless given reason otherwise should assume I am telling the truth.
 
You know what the Church states on this matter. I will not convince you, you’re a grown woman and make your own mind up on issues. You personally though, will answer for these in your next life, make the right choice. There is no need to discern this, you know what needs to be done. Your soul will thank you for it.
 
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