Is it a sin or sinful to smoke marijuana?

[JDaniel]

One of the major problems with its use, if you ask a number of psychiatrists and mental health workers, is that so many users - even so-called moderate users - slide down-tone. By “down-tone” I mean, those people who might otherwise exist, in the world, on a higher level, e.g., enthusiastic, energetic, eager, travel downwards from there, to anger, fear, grief, and finally apathy.

I know a young girl who took a prison rap for her boyfriend because he already had a drug conviction and would have been sent to prison for a longer time. What a “man”! So, now, she has a record and has spent 18 months in the slammer. They’re no longer together.

Anyone who doesn’t think he told lies during the raid and after? Anyone think he did a good thing by bringing the substance to her house, after just purchasing it, where the law followed him? Anyone think he did her any favors? No sins commited here!

Another good friend’s home was raided (in another city) after a guest brought recently purchased pot to her party. Everyone in the house spent time in jail, were finger printed, the whole terrible scene. The two who brought the substance did not bother to let the hostess know they were bringing pot to her house. Ultimately, the not-guilty ones were released without charges, but, just to have to go through all of that violation of privacy! No sins commited here!

A recent newscast showed a parent allowing and encouraging her 2 - 2 1/2 year old child to smoke pot WHILE she recorded it - undoubtedly for posterity - on tape.

Alcohol is no better, except that on one side of a certain point of use it is legal, while, on the other side of that point, it is illegal - if you are in public. Science has recently said that two glasses of wine are NOT good for health, ONE is. “Moderation” in alcohol use then, is one glass - and, I don’t mean straight bourbon whiskey, nor do I mean one glass every 15 minutes!

For me, the jury is still out on the “medicinal use” question as well. Now, I recognize that the few incidents that I mentioned are anecdotal too. But, the newspapers and news broadcasts supply more than enough “proof” for the average person to draw conclusions from.

Merry Christmas and
God Bless,
JD

 

[warpspeedpetey]

It is impossible use an illegal substance resposibly.

why, what mechanism makes it impossible?

further the implication of the argument seems to be that alcohol could not be used responsibly during prohibition, yet now, it can be.

unless you can provide a mechanism by which this occurs we must assume it is bad reasoning.

To be responsible while breaking the law is an oxymoron

.

how so, that would assume that the ‘law’ defines responsible behavior, but we know that it doesnt, take abortion, jim crow, tort reform, etc. in no way does the law define responsible behavior at all.

So no, it is not like alcohol.

your right, people die from alcohol poisoning, they have to have an AA program to deal with its bad effects, people drive drunk and crash. they wake up with strangers, they fight etc.

your right marijuana is nothing like alcohol, its not nearly as bad.

Wrong answer, try again.

yes you gave the wrong answer, but please try again.

 

[fbl9]

i noticed in JD’s post that the those in possesion were followed to their desatinations,but weren’t touched enroute.why? ask the police as to why they would do it this way?
numbers they (police) need to make a big showing,to have busted the two before they got to the party would have not “scared” any one.and it wouldn’t have looked as good, police raid party vs police bust two people.
personally i have witnessed more violence due to alcohol than pot.

 

[CWBetts]

why, what mechanism makes it impossible?

further the implication of the argument seems to be that alcohol could not be used responsibly during prohibition, yet now, it can be.

unless you can provide a mechanism by which this occurs we must assume it is bad reasoning.

.

how so, that would assume that the ‘law’ defines responsible behavior, but we know that it doesnt, take abortion, jim crow, tort reform, etc. in no way does the law define responsible behavior at all.

your right, people die from alcohol poisoning, they have to have an AA program to deal with its bad effects, people drive drunk and crash. they wake up with strangers, they fight etc.

your right marijuana is nothing like alcohol, its not nearly as bad.

yes you gave the wrong answer, but please try again.

If something is being done illegally, it is not responsible. The two are mutually exclusive. And I beg to differ, marijana is worse. It is known to contain more carcinogens than tobacco, and people cannot chose to not be affected by second-hand smoke. Why don’t you just stop trying to rationalize behavior you know is wrong.

 

[jkiernan56]

One of the major problems with its use, if you ask a number of psychiatrists and mental health workers, is that so many users - even so-called moderate users - slide down-tone. By “down-tone” I mean, those people who might otherwise exist, in the world, on a higher level, e.g., enthusiastic, energetic, eager, travel downwards from there, to anger, fear, grief, and finally apathy.

I know a young girl who took a prison rap for her boyfriend because he already had a drug conviction and would have been sent to prison for a longer time. What a “man”! So, now, she has a record and has spent 18 months in the slammer. They’re no longer together.

Anyone who doesn’t think he told lies during the raid and after? Anyone think he did a good thing by bringing the substance to her house, after just purchasing it, where the law followed him? Anyone think he did her any favors? No sins commited here!

Another good friend’s home was raided (in another city) after a guest brought recently purchased pot to her party. Everyone in the house spent time in jail, were finger printed, the whole terrible scene. The two who brought the substance did not bother to let the hostess know they were bringing pot to her house. Ultimately, the not-guilty ones were released without charges, but, just to have to go through all of that violation of privacy! No sins commited here!

A recent newscast showed a parent allowing and encouraging her 2 - 2 1/2 year old child to smoke pot WHILE she recorded it - undoubtedly for posterity - on tape.

Alcohol is no better, except that on one side of a certain point of use it is legal, while, on the other side of that point, it is illegal - if you are in public. Science has recently said that two glasses of wine are NOT good for health, ONE is. “Moderation” in alcohol use then, is one glass - and, I don’t mean straight bourbon whiskey, nor do I mean one glass every 15 minutes!

For me, the jury is still out on the “medicinal use” question as well. Now, I recognize that the few incidents that I mentioned are anecdotal too. But, the newspapers and news broadcasts supply more than enough “proof” for the average person to draw conclusions from.

Merry Christmas and
God Bless,
JD

There are reasons we have laws with certain age restrictions. We don’t allow people to drive a car until they are of a certain age. Thats because there is a certain level of maturity required to operate a motor vehicle in a responsible manner. If someone under age drives a car and causes damage either to themselves or someone else, that doesn’t make the car bad. And taking this one step further, if a person who does have a license drives a car irresponsibly, the same logic applies. As I’ve said before, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle of two extremes. There is no clear cut black and white answer to the question of this thread. It requires a person to actually put their thinking cap on. And the answer that one person comes up with is not necessarily a one size shoe that fits all feet either. For me the truth lies in legal, responsible, and moderate use. The extremes of “no one should ever use” as compared to the opposite spectrum of “I should be able to use with no restrictions whatsoever” - those are opinions that carry no weight for me.

 

[JDaniel]

i noticed in JD’s post that the those in possesion were followed to their desatinations,but weren’t touched enroute.why? ask the police as to why they would do it this way?
numbers they (police) need to make a big showing,to have busted the two before they got to the party would have not “scared” any one.and it wouldn’t have looked as good, police raid party vs police bust two people.

Yes, I am well aware that police tend to like to make Grand Entrances! That does tend to export fear to the public.

personally i have witnessed more violence due to alcohol than pot.

But, do two wrongs make a right? The point I made was on point with the OP. Both my daughter’s best friend and her ex-boyfriend “lied”. She lied by protecting him; he lied by burying her, plus, he commited the sin of physical abuse to a tiny girl prior to and after the prison time, until they broke up. And, he almost made me commit another crime!

Merry Christmas and
God Bless,
JD

 

[JDaniel]

There are reasons we have laws with certain age restrictions. We don’t allow people to drive a car until they are of a certain age. Thats because there is a certain level of maturity required to operate a motor vehicle in a responsible manner. If someone under age drives a car and causes damage either to themselves or someone else, that doesn’t make the car bad.

Actually, from a legal and insurance POV, it is not “responsibility level” that is the primary impetus for age laws, it is “decisive reaction time.”

And taking this one step further, if a person who does have a license drives a car irresponsibly, the same logic applies. As I’ve said before, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle of two extremes. There is no clear cut black and white answer to the question of this thread. It requires a person to actually put their thinking cap on. And the answer that one person comes up with is not necessarily a one size shoe that fits all feet either. For me the truth lies in legal, responsible, and moderate use. The extremes of “no one should ever use” as compared to the opposite spectrum of “I should be able to use with no restrictions whatsoever” - those are opinions that carry no weight for me.

I agree with parts of your statement. But, for me, it’s simple - Until the law is changed, pot use is illegal for recreational use. That, in and of itself, makes its use a “sin”. I am sure the Church would agree.

Merry Christmas and
God Bless,
JD

 

[warpspeedpetey]

If something is being done illegally, it is not responsible. The two are mutually exclusive.

thats just a statement of your opinion its not an argument supporting the truth of your previous statement.

if they were mutually exclusive than the inference is still that one could not drink responsibly during prohibition, but one can drink responsibly now.

And I beg to differ, marijana is worse. It is known to contain more carcinogens than tobacco, and people cannot chose to not be affected by second-hand smoke.

than don’t smoke it, drink a ‘pot’ of tea, bake it in brownies, etc. then people wont be exposed to smoke at all. and if you do smoke it, no one is forcing anyone to stay in the room.

Why don’t you just stop trying to rationalize behavior you know is wrong.

because i know its not wrong, it is no more wrong then drinking.

you seem to have a personal opinion on the subject that cannot be supported with logical, defensible arguments, that is fine.

but it is not the truth

 

[MarcellusW]

Hooray for CWBetts!! Your rationality, not rationalization, is a breath of fresh air!

I cant believe all the craziness…

"Marijuana not as bad as ciggarettes…
“the soviets outlawed religion too”
‘smoking marijuana is not like getting drunk’
‘it only says not to get drunk in the bible, not high’

The worst… “the Catechism is fallible”. Yikes!!!

To be intoxicated for the sake of intoxication is wrong.
To become intoxicated knowing it is wrong, freely chosen, and for the intent of changing your mental state alone, IS A MORTAL SIN!!!

The point of smoking marijauna which is debated on the OP is to become intoxicated. Therefore to smoke marijuana with the above mentioned criteria is also a mortal sin.

Do not jeapordize your soul. Do not smoke marijauna or take any kind of intoxicating drug with the intent of intoxication. No, ‘relaxation’ is not medicinal use, it is intent of intoxication. Relax in prayer to God.

It does not matter if the state says it is wrong or says it is legal. It is wrong by God.

If in doubt, talk your priest or ask Father Vincent on these forums. Or at least quit rationalizing the quote from the catechism you were given!

Heaven is better than any drug in the Universe! Dont miss out and risk ending up in Hell for something that is not even better.

 

[jkiernan56]

Actually, from a legal and insurance POV, it is not “responsibility level” that is the primary impetus for age laws, it is “decisive reaction time.”

I agree with parts of your statement. But, for me, it’s simple - Until the law is changed, pot use is illegal for recreational use. That, in and of itself, makes its use a “sin”. I am sure the Church would agree.

Merry Christmas and
God Bless,
JD

But JD, the law has changed in some states and I expect that to continue. Why have some states changed their law? Because they have approved it for “medicinal” benefits. I guess you think that is a bunch of melarchy too.

The Catechism talks about how drugs should be taken for “therapeutic” reasons. I’ve got news for you, if you look up the word “recreational” you will find a component of medicinal health benefits.

I realize some people abuse and misuse various substances just like they do alcohol. But we don’t throw out the baby with the bath water.

 

[jkiernan56]

What is “moderate and responsible use” of an illegal substance? Just a thought.

Is is illegal everywhere in the world? Is it even illegal in all 50 states in the US? If not, then you might want to reconsider changing your question.

 

[Margarite]

Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s

Follow the laws of the land unless they contradict the laws of God.

Merry Christmas!

 

[CWBetts]

Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s

Follow the laws of the land unless they contradict the laws of God.

Merry Christmas!

That agument doesn’t work with these rationalizers.

 

[jkiernan56]

Hooray for CWBetts!! Your rationality, not rationalization, is a breath of fresh air!

I cant believe all the craziness…

"Marijuana not as bad as ciggarettes…
“the soviets outlawed religion too”
‘smoking marijuana is not like getting drunk’
‘it only says not to get drunk in the bible, not high’

The worst… “the Catechism is fallible”. Yikes!!!

To be intoxicated for the sake of intoxication is wrong.
To become intoxicated knowing it is wrong, freely chosen, and for the intent of changing your mental state alone, IS A MORTAL SIN!!!

The point of smoking marijauna which is debated on the OP is to become intoxicated. Therefore to smoke marijuana with the above mentioned criteria is also a mortal sin.

Do not jeapordize your soul. Do not smoke marijauna or take any kind of intoxicating drug with the intent of intoxication. No, ‘relaxation’ is not medicinal use, it is intent of intoxication. Relax in prayer to God.

It does not matter if the state says it is wrong or says it is legal. It is wrong by God.

If in doubt, talk your priest or ask Father Vincent on these forums. Or at least quit rationalizing the quote from the catechism you were given!

Heaven is better than any drug in the Universe! Dont miss out and risk ending up in Hell for something that is not even better.

An extreme opinion not shared. :slapfight:

 

[jkiernan56]

Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s

Follow the laws of the land unless they contradict the laws of God.

Merry Christmas!

I agree with your statement and in some states there is no contradiction because it is legal.

Now please don’t tell me you support laws that OK abortion on demand? No, I’m sure you are trying to change that law. Just because the law says something is OK does not make it OK. And just because the law says it is not OK, does not necessarily mean it is not OK.

 

[John7]

Just a quote

“Why do you smoke that stuff, so’s to escape from reality?..me, I don’t need that stuff…I am reality” (Sgt. Barnes ‘Platoon’)

 

[jkiernan56]

Just a quote

“Why do you smoke that stuff, so’s to escape from reality?..me, I don’t need that stuff…I am reality” (Sgt. Barnes ‘Platoon’)

Don’t let that person near any sharp objects, it might burst his head !!! He isn’t reality, only the God of Christianity is.

Some people smoke for the same reason they have a drink. For others like Ana (earlier posts), there are other reasons.

 

[CWBetts]

Don’t let that person near any sharp objects, it might burst his head !!! He isn’t reality, only the God of Christianity is.

Some people smoke for the same reason they have a drink. For others like Ana (earlier posts), there are other reasons.

No one is disputing medicinal or thereputic reasons…only “because I want to” reasons, which have no legal or moral defense.

 

[jkiernan56]

No one is disputing medicinal or thereputic reasons…only “because I want to” reasons, which have no legal or moral defense.

As I said earlier, the “because I want to” is another extreme.
We don’t have any dispute.

 

[John7]

Don’t let that person near any sharp objects, it might burst his head !!! He isn’t reality, only the God of Christianity is.

Yea. For some reason that strange line from Oliver Stone’s movie came to mind… One thing though, lots of pot smoked during war in Vietnam (as depicted in ‘Platoon’)

Some people smoke for the same reason they have a drink. For others like Ana (earlier posts), there are other reasons.

Yes, I agree