Is it a sin or sinful to smoke marijuana?

[isw49017]

I think the prohibition laws of the 20’s had less to do with the evils of drink as opposed to taxes.
Possession, sale of marijuana is a crime (misdemeanor) for a reason. It can and does in many cases lead to weakening of the senses and of the will. Basically, you are playing with fire (and the temple of the Holy Spriit). I suppose the degree of sin depends on the situation. The experimental and imature user is probably less culpable then the steady user whose lifestyle and senses are dulled by continued use.

 

[Tessin]

Originally Posted by warpspeedpetey forums.catholic-questions.org/images/buttons_cad/viewpost.gif
*, and i have never heard anyone uses it as a sexual aid.
*

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, my sex life with my husband was severely affected. For years attempts towards intimacy with my husband, resulted in flashbacks and suicidal thoughts. It was emotionally devastating for both of us. Years of prayer and therapy insued, and though I had many spiritual healings, my physical sexual problems remained.

One night I took a couple hits of marijuana and for the first time in many years was able to experience sexual pleasure with my husband. I cried with gratitude and thanked God for an answer to our prayers. Still, I had been so conditioned by society to think it was wrong, I continued to pray and question, even though I knew in my heart it was a tree that was bearing good fruit, because not only was my sex life resurrected, but my depression was significantly lessened and more managable. AND after years of struggling to stay a size 2, I have been hanging at a healthy size 6. It helps my appetite.

My heart was finally set to rest by an elderly parish priest whom I trust. He never hesitates to tell the truth. After hearing my story, much of it told through tears, he confirmed what I knew but was afraid to believe. You can tell a tree by it’s fruit. This tree was producing good fruit in my life and that of my family, and I thank God for it.

I don’t care what any reports say, I see how it has helped me and therefore my family, and I cannot deny THAT reality.

Thank you for sharing your story. addressing the OP, I do not believe that using marijuana is inherently sinful, but I do have personal issues relating to it due to witnessing loved ones abusing it. Because of this I tend to swing too far in the other direction and mistrust its use altogether, which often causes conflicts in my relationships with those loved ones who do use it. I am trying not to be so rigid, and to find some middle ground and learn to temper my emotional gut reaction to it, which I know intellectually is often not an accurate portrayal of the situation. It helps me to hear that marijuana has made great positive impacts in your life, and I’m very glad for you.

Despite my struggles regarding marijuana, or perhaps because of them, I do believe that it should be legal. If it were legal, it would be much easier for people dealing with abuse of the substance to talk openly about it and receive support. And those who use but do not abuse it would be spared the social stigma and legal consequences. It would also lessen some of the negative impacts of habitual use such as involvement in a questionable criminal trade, fear of legal ramifications for you and your family, and financial expense (you could grow your own to save money and to distance yourself from the negative aspects of the current trade).
I still struggle with how to be in relationship with people who abuse or have in the past abused marijuana. Is it necessary to desire their complete abstinence from the substance? Where is the line drawn? Is there a way to be detached from it and let them decide (who am I to try to draw those lines for them)? I am really trying to work on this, as it effects many dear relationships in my life. Your story, along with some of the other posts, reassures me that it is possible to think and feel beyond civil law and its implications to find reason and compassion rather than arbitrary prohibitions and fearful emotional control.
I’ve got on a bit of a rant - I just wanted to let you know your post was meaningful to me, and throw some ideas/questions out there.
God bless you and your family.

 

[Tessin]

If something is objectively wrong (as drug abuse is), it is wrong wherever it is performed.

I think it is important in this post to distinguish between drug use and drug abuse. I believe that most posts arguing for the acceptability of marijuana refer to moderate use rather than abuse of the substance. Just as one can use a legal drug without abusing it, one can use an illegal drug without abusing it. The consequences that most often prompt people to consider illicit drugs “wrong” are almost always traced to abusive and irresponsible use of the drugs, and are not inherent in the drugs themselves. Just as having a drink or two is not a problem in most cases, responsible use of marijuana not morally wrong.

 

[AHapka]

Despite my struggles regarding marijuana, or perhaps because of them, I do believe that it should be legal. If it were legal, it would be much easier for people dealing with abuse of the substance to talk openly about it and receive support. And those who use but do not abuse it would be spared the social stigma and legal consequences. It would also lessen some of the negative impacts of habitual use such as involvement in a questionable criminal trade, fear of legal ramifications for you and your family, and financial expense (you could grow your own to save money and to distance yourself from the negative aspects of the current trade).

Another advantage is that we could tax it and make a lot of money that could be put to budget deficits. I bet if it was legal, private industry could grow it much cheaper then the current method, and it could probably be taxed enough that it would be a really good cash cow.

When you hear reports of how much money is in the illegal drug trade, it makes one realize that we probably could balance the budget by government getting a slice of that pie.

Presuming it’s moral, that would be one big reason to legalize it.

 

[jkiernan56]

Another advantage is that we could tax it and make a lot of money that could be put to budget deficits. I bet if it was legal, private industry could grow it much cheaper then the current method, and it could probably be taxed enough that it would be a really good cash cow.

When you hear reports of how much money is in the illegal drug trade, it makes one realize that we probably could balance the budget by government getting a slice of that pie.

Presuming it’s moral, that would be one big reason to legalize it.

The legalization of marijuana will bring a whole new set of problems to society. Even though everything God created is good, because of human kind’s sinful nature, the misuse and abuse of it will cause alot of damage as well (just as alcohol has). Just as guns don’t kill people - people kill people with guns - so too legalization of marijuana will unleash more opportunities for people to cause harm. That does not make marijuana bad in my opinion. It is what people do with it that can make the wrongful use of it bad.

Personally I wouldn’t want to be on an airplane going somewhere knowing the pilot and co-pilot were lighting up in the cockpit. There is a proper time and place for everything.

 

[AHapka]

The legalization of marijuana will bring a whole new set of problems to society. Even though everything God created is good, because of human kind’s sinful nature, the misuse and abuse of it will cause alot of damage as well (just as alcohol has). Just as guns don’t kill people - people kill people with guns - so too legalization of marijuana will unleash more opportunities for people to cause harm. That does not make marijuana bad in my opinion. It is what people do with it that can make the wrongful use of it bad.

Personally I wouldn’t want to be on an airplane going somewhere knowing the pilot and co-pilot were lighting up in the cockpit. There is a proper time and place for everything.

Good points that I had not considered. Until sin no longer exists, I think we’ll have problems with people wrongfully using things, unfortunately. I guess society will need to weigh the benefits and costs before making a decision.

As far as the pilot and co-pilot go, I’m sure it’d just be like with alcohol that they can’t fly with any in their system. Even though it’s legal.

 

[FortyDays]

Jesus was fully human and the Jesus I know drank wine and even got a “buzz”.

This most interesting discussion has garnered some wide-ranging viewpoints, many quite hilarious, some not (just what i love best about living in a democratic society), but as with any substance – alcohol, food, 'erb, et al. – overindulgence (gluttony) is most definitely a sin.

And from my perspective? At the end of the day i find the moderate indulgence in a nourishing meal, a fine wine, a decent smoke, lively companions, etc., etc., etc., a totally good way to relax and enjoy one’s life 'midst the madness.

So, as my Main Man once said, “Wisdom is justified by her deeds. . . .”

In-deed!!

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

Another advantage is that we could tax it and make a lot of money that could be put to budget deficits. I bet if it was legal, private industry could grow it much cheaper then the current method, and it could probably be taxed enough that it would be a really good cash cow.

When you hear reports of how much money is in the illegal drug trade, it makes one realize that we probably could balance the budget by government getting a slice of that pie.

Presuming it’s moral, that would be one big reason to legalize it.

What about all the nuts that will abuse it and get away with it because its legal? and the roads would be worst then they are now and if that much is sold the value would decrease.thus making it more of a mennence than it’s already been.Look up and see how many deaths have been caused by the use of the plant. It would be like opening Pandoras Box! love you Nancy

 

[iamme]

What about all the nuts that will abuse it and get away with it because its legal? and the roads would be worst then they are now and if that much is sold the value would decrease.thus making it more of a mennence than it’s already been.Look up and see how many deaths have been caused by the use of the plant. It would be like opening Pandoras Box! love you Nancy

what about the amount of crime it would erase?
if its not illegal, then you wont have people beating and shooting each other to get it.
i get so tired of hearing “slippery slope” arguments, because theyre really quite ridiculous. if we legalize marijuana, then heroin wont be far behind (even tho opiates are a prevalent form of legal narcotic in america today) and it will be horrible! we cant let gays get married because whats next? siblings? animals? slippery slope!

were not talking about heroin, were talking about pot, which has actually never caused a single death, if memory serves, unless someone laughed so hard and so much that they suffocated. pots not lethal, and the effects it creates doesnt lead to frivolous behavior, at most, it leads to sleep, unlike most of the recreational intoxicants that are legal today.

 

[JBUCK]

hi all, very interested to see all the different views and opinions on the above topic, There is much I would like to say on this subject but for the time being I will limit myself to the following. GOD CREATED THE CANNABIS PLANT, he did not create the **** that is passed off as life saving drugs by multi nationals and governments interested only in the almighty dollar,there is plenty of info out there relating to prescribed drugs that have killed or maimed thousands of unwitting guinea pigs and were still freely availiable after this was highlighted,THALIDOMIDE is a prime example of this. Nowadays look at the side effects you may suffer from when you take ANY prescribed medication it varies from upset stomach to WAIT FOR IT DEATH. But back to the question in hand no it is not a sin to explore the many positive aspects of this plant but to illustrate my point and one of the reasons why GOD IN HIS MERCY CREATED such a wonderful plant please go to youtube and type run from the cure. Its all about a man called rick simpson who cured over 100 pple with all various types of illnesses inc cancer. with cannabis resin oil.

 

[fbl9]

if its not illegal, then you wont have people beating and shooting each other to get it.

were not talking about heroin, were talking about pot, which has actually never caused a single death, .

you kinda contradicted yourself with this one…most traffic accidents in which the driver was impared,most likely the driver was impared by more than one substance,so i don’t think there would be any clear cut evidence indicating that pot use was the sole fault of the accident.But there would most likely be some that are the sole fault of the driver’s use(abuse) of pot.

 

[Dannyd1]

The marijuana black market trade brings in revenue for the drug lords of in excess of billions of dollars per year. Pot is a staple for these drug dealers and that is why they grow so much of it in other countries and in ours.

I used to be involved in this trade and it took a lot to get out of it because of my connections and the money that they would lose due to my “getting out”. My life was on the line for many years and I had to look over my shoulder every time I just wanted to go to the store to get some groceries. The scariest time was when one of these dealers ended up knocking on my door at my home. I had to make it very clear that if he were to come back I would not be talking with him any longer but would have to resort to the next step which I did not want to go to.

If Mary Jane is legalized then we could certainly kill a large part of the deficit by regulating Mary Jane and the industry. We would put the same restrictions on it as we have with alcohol which is that anyone under the age of 21 would not be allowed to purchase it. If you are caught driving with on a date with Mary Jane then you would face the same consequences as you would with DUI.

We could also use Mary Jane for clothes production and the many other uses that come out of the cannabis plant. There is much evidence that Mary Jane is a good nurse and can cure a lot of ailments that affect our lives today. I know that it helps those with glaucoma, those who are going through chemo therapy as to their appetite, and it does help those with depressive disorders and much more.

The money that is generated could do to programs in our community that are desperate need for finances, so it would be a benefit in the social programs.

I could go on and on. The fact is that the drug trade can be dealt a serious blow. They do not want it to become legal because then they would lose a staple of their industry. The crime involved around it would start to diminish greatly and those who have need for it medicinally would finally be able to stop looking over their shoulders and could be at peace.

There are always negatives on this issue but most of them are unfounded and come from ridiculous fears. I remember sitting in Junior High School and watching a movie about Mary Jane and I could not believe the lies they were making about it. A lot of this hystaria come from the 60’s and even now I can see a lot of the falsehoods still being espoused as a reason to not legalize Mary Jane.

The real issue is, anything whether is it food, drink, physical fitness can be taken to the extreme. We will always have those who just abuse things because that is their character.

 

[jkiernan56]

The marijuana black market trade brings in revenue for the drug lords of in excess of billions of dollars per year. Pot is a staple for these drug dealers and that is why they grow so much of it in other countries and in ours.

I used to be involved in this trade and it took a lot to get out of it because of my connections and the money that they would lose due to my “getting out”. My life was on the line for many years and I had to look over my shoulder every time I just wanted to go to the store to get some groceries. The scariest time was when one of these dealers ended up knocking on my door at my home. I had to make it very clear that if he were to come back I would not be talking with him any longer but would have to resort to the next step which I did not want to go to.

If Mary Jane is legalized then we could certainly kill a large part of the deficit by regulating Mary Jane and the industry. We would put the same restrictions on it as we have with alcohol which is that anyone under the age of 21 would not be allowed to purchase it. If you are caught driving with on a date with Mary Jane then you would face the same consequences as you would with DUI.

We could also use Mary Jane for clothes production and the many other uses that come out of the cannabis plant. There is much evidence that Mary Jane is a good nurse and can cure a lot of ailments that affect our lives today. I know that it helps those with glaucoma, those who are going through chemo therapy as to their appetite, and it does help those with depressive disorders and much more.

The money that is generated could do to programs in our community that are desperate need for finances, so it would be a benefit in the social programs.

I could go on and on. The fact is that the drug trade can be dealt a serious blow. They do not want it to become legal because then they would lose a staple of their industry. The crime involved around it would start to diminish greatly and those who have need for it medicinally would finally be able to stop looking over their shoulders and could be at peace.

There are always negatives on this issue but most of them are unfounded and come from ridiculous fears. I remember sitting in Junior High School and watching a movie about Mary Jane and I could not believe the lies they were making about it. A lot of this hystaria come from the 60’s and even now I can see a lot of the falsehoods still being espoused as a reason to not legalize Mary Jane.

The real issue is, anything whether is it food, drink, physical fitness can be taken to the extreme. We will always have those who just abuse things because that is their character.

I think it can also help some people who only see BLACK and WHITE. They might actually start to see colors in the world and in other people.

I’m glad you were still able to get out of the trade with your life and most importantly with your faith in Christ still alive.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

I think it can also help some people who only see BLACK and WHITE. They might actually start to see colors in the world and in other people.

I’m glad you were still able to get out of the trade with your life and most importantly with your faith in Christ still alive.

I get High on Christ:yyeess: Love lifted me,Love lifted me HOSSANA in the highest HOSSANA in the highest,I’m going up and I’m never coming down.Well I know your not interested,in how I get high:yeah_me: And I do see colors,God gave me eyesight and insight Nancy

 

[jkiernan56]

I get High on Christ:yyeess: Love lifted me,Love lifted me HOSSANA in the highest HOSSANA in the highest,I’m going up and I’m never coming down.Well I know your not interested,in how I get high:yeah_me: And I do see colors,God gave me eyesight and insight Nancy

Yes, I am interested in you getting high on Christ. I honestly think that is wonderful !!! I am also happy to hear that you do see color in the world around you. I just happen to believe that for some people marijuana might help them to see color as well. By this I don’t mean hallucinating either or seeing color from an altered state of mind. I am speaking about a mindset and how a person looks at issues and people in the world while sober.

 

[iamme]

you kinda contradicted yourself with this one…most traffic accidents in which the driver was impared,most likely the driver was impared by more than one substance,so i don’t think there would be any clear cut evidence indicating that pot use was the sole fault of the accident.But there would most likely be some that are the sole fault of the driver’s use(abuse) of pot.

as someone whos driven after smoking, i can definitely say that while reactions times are decresed, youre in no way driving drunk, not even close. and while im not saying it cant be a factor, because of course it can, to say that “pot kills” is hyperbole at least…

 

[jkiernan56]

as someone whos driven after smoking, i can definitely say that while reactions times are decresed, youre in no way driving drunk, not even close. and while im not saying it cant be a factor, because of course it can, to say that “pot kills” is hyperbole at least…

I know from experience that if I smoked some really good weed and abused it by smoking too much of it, that I definitely could and would be a detriment to myself and others behind the wheel of a car. That would be irresponsible and sinful.

 

[iamme]

I know from experience that if I smoked some really good weed and abused it by smoking too much of it, that I definitely could and would be a detriment to myself and others behind the wheel of a car. That would be irresponsible and sinful.

true!
it also has nothing to do with what i was talking about.

 

[jkiernan56]

true!
it also has nothing to do with what i was talking about.

I apologize for the misunderstanding. Thank you for correcting me.

 

[Jon_S]

what about the amount of crime it would erase?
if its not illegal, then you wont have people beating and shooting each other to get it.
i get so tired of hearing “slippery slope” arguments, because theyre really quite ridiculous…

Actually, what is ridiculous is the notion that legalizing pot will reduce crime. Currently, Amsterdam is having to revisit their own laws because the legalization of it had the opposite effect of what they had expected…based on the same misguided notion.

And the idea that no one has ever died from pot is also misguided.

sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123104017.htm