B
Benedict108
Guest
My previous post is just a little food for thought for those of you who talk about the feeling of drugs or its induced state and how it brings you closer to God.
Pax.
Pax.
- Status
G
guanophore
Guest
The individual threads are not moderated,just the sections. Go to the top and click on Moral Theology and you should see some stickies and announcements there. You can also use the red triangle at the upper right of a post to send a private message to the moderator. That is used to report violations of the forum rules.
G
guanophore
Guest
Don’t take it personal. She gets like that a lot.
J
jkiernan56
Guest
Dear Benedict,
The central truth of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Christ. He is Alive!!! I know this truth in my own life WITHOUT the aid or use of any chemical/drug. Christ is risen from the dead and is ALIVE!!! Christ is ALIVE through the gift of His Holy Spirit in me, in you, in His Church. No one here is advocating trying to find “the truth” through paranormal, drug induced psychological changes. The Christ of the Gospels who reached out and touched the poor is not just a story written in the Bible 2000 years ago. It is a story that I have personally experienced in my own life. I know Jesus is risen from the dead and reached out to touch me.
While I admire your attempt to educate about the use of drugs, it does not change reality one bit for me nor does it deter one iota the subject of this thread. Very simply, I will say that EVERYTHING that can be said about drinking alcohol in moderation and responsibly can ALSO be said of the use of marijuana when it is obtained legally and used legally. It is NOT through the use of marijuana that people will find Christ. It is NOT through the use of alcohol that people will find Christ. The reality of Christ risen from the dead is a truth independent of ANY and ALL other realities one might try to “discover”.
Now please correct me if I am wrong, but since you quoted Saint Escriva earlier, I am going to assume (maybe incorrectly) that you are a member of Opus Dei. I almost joined the organization about 10 years ago in the Washington DC/Potomac area. Some of my friends are members of Opus Dei. Here is something I’d like you to consider as you continue your walk with Christ. Who were the people who mostly flocked to Christ? The rich? The well to do? The people who lived in mansions? Those wo were admired by society because of their socio-economic status?
When you look into the organization of Opus Dei, what type of people do you see? What type of people does the organization try to reach out to and proselytize to join its ranks? Now I say this with all due respect for St. Escriva and the holy life he lived. The Lord loves the rich and the well to do … but He has a VERY special love for the poor. I know - because I WAS ONE THEM (and still am in terms of socio-economics). For me, this is not the kind of organization I would like to be associated with Saint Escriva had a vision of holiness that is not necessarily the one that is being promulagated by its rank and file members. I do not doubt the sincerety of its members, just its vision.
Peace
The central truth of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Christ. He is Alive!!! I know this truth in my own life WITHOUT the aid or use of any chemical/drug. Christ is risen from the dead and is ALIVE!!! Christ is ALIVE through the gift of His Holy Spirit in me, in you, in His Church. No one here is advocating trying to find “the truth” through paranormal, drug induced psychological changes. The Christ of the Gospels who reached out and touched the poor is not just a story written in the Bible 2000 years ago. It is a story that I have personally experienced in my own life. I know Jesus is risen from the dead and reached out to touch me.
While I admire your attempt to educate about the use of drugs, it does not change reality one bit for me nor does it deter one iota the subject of this thread. Very simply, I will say that EVERYTHING that can be said about drinking alcohol in moderation and responsibly can ALSO be said of the use of marijuana when it is obtained legally and used legally. It is NOT through the use of marijuana that people will find Christ. It is NOT through the use of alcohol that people will find Christ. The reality of Christ risen from the dead is a truth independent of ANY and ALL other realities one might try to “discover”.
Now please correct me if I am wrong, but since you quoted Saint Escriva earlier, I am going to assume (maybe incorrectly) that you are a member of Opus Dei. I almost joined the organization about 10 years ago in the Washington DC/Potomac area. Some of my friends are members of Opus Dei. Here is something I’d like you to consider as you continue your walk with Christ. Who were the people who mostly flocked to Christ? The rich? The well to do? The people who lived in mansions? Those wo were admired by society because of their socio-economic status?
When you look into the organization of Opus Dei, what type of people do you see? What type of people does the organization try to reach out to and proselytize to join its ranks? Now I say this with all due respect for St. Escriva and the holy life he lived. The Lord loves the rich and the well to do … but He has a VERY special love for the poor. I know - because I WAS ONE THEM (and still am in terms of socio-economics). For me, this is not the kind of organization I would like to be associated with Saint Escriva had a vision of holiness that is not necessarily the one that is being promulagated by its rank and file members. I do not doubt the sincerety of its members, just its vision.
Peace
J
jkiernan56
Guest
Dear Benedict,
There is one more thing I would like to add to my previous posting. Back in 1975, I did have a “mystical” experience of God. At the time I was NOT using any illicit drug nor under the influence of anything … other than a deep desire and hunger for God. I have shared my story a few times in other threads and so I am not going to repeat it here in detail … but back in 1975 sitting in a car all by myself outside a Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the Lord reached out and heard my prayer. He allowed me to see and know Him as “I AM”. It was the exact same “I AM WHO AM” experience that Moses had recorded in the Old Testament. As Isaiah records when the Lord showed him His holiness, it was like a burning fire … you naturally come to the realization of your own utter unworthiness. I was completely overwhelmed with God’s love. I had direct and instantaneous understanding that “only God has to exist.” All of creation was a gfit of Grace. I was a gift of Grace. I did not deserve to exist. God did not have to create anything. He could have continued in BEING for all eternity without ever once thinking of us. The Psalmist cried “Ahhh, what is man that You should think of him?” … I could just stay on the Ahhhhhh and meditate on that … the Goodness of God … Now when I shared with you in my previous posting that I know the Gospel stories of the Lord reaching out to touch the poor, not just physically … but in the most utter core of their heart and minds … that is what the Lord did to me. He freed me from a deep seated self hatred and inability to give and receive love. I was dead and the Lord literally brought me back to life. So the poor will always have a very special place in my heart, and that is the only reason I brought up the subject of Opus Dei. Not to attack your organization, but hopefully to spur it to reach out more to the poor, to the broken hearted, not just those who are materially well off and can financially support the organization. I don’t think that is what Saint Escriva intended, although that is what appears to the casual observer.
So all this discussion about the morality of marijuana, I am enjoying it immensely because I see how legalistic some people can be, just like back in the days of Jesus. It is not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, it is what comes out of them that makes them unclean. It is what is already in our hearts and minds. Chemicals or drugs or even alcohol cannot change that reality. The Kingdom of God is in our hearts given to us by the Holy Spirit, WHO is the Love of the Father for the Son, and the Love of the Son for the Father. Christ did not leave us Orphans. He is Risen and Alive and lives in the Church and in our hearts though the Gift of His Spirit. Marijuana use will never change that REALITY!!!
There is one more thing I would like to add to my previous posting. Back in 1975, I did have a “mystical” experience of God. At the time I was NOT using any illicit drug nor under the influence of anything … other than a deep desire and hunger for God. I have shared my story a few times in other threads and so I am not going to repeat it here in detail … but back in 1975 sitting in a car all by myself outside a Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the Lord reached out and heard my prayer. He allowed me to see and know Him as “I AM”. It was the exact same “I AM WHO AM” experience that Moses had recorded in the Old Testament. As Isaiah records when the Lord showed him His holiness, it was like a burning fire … you naturally come to the realization of your own utter unworthiness. I was completely overwhelmed with God’s love. I had direct and instantaneous understanding that “only God has to exist.” All of creation was a gfit of Grace. I was a gift of Grace. I did not deserve to exist. God did not have to create anything. He could have continued in BEING for all eternity without ever once thinking of us. The Psalmist cried “Ahhh, what is man that You should think of him?” … I could just stay on the Ahhhhhh and meditate on that … the Goodness of God … Now when I shared with you in my previous posting that I know the Gospel stories of the Lord reaching out to touch the poor, not just physically … but in the most utter core of their heart and minds … that is what the Lord did to me. He freed me from a deep seated self hatred and inability to give and receive love. I was dead and the Lord literally brought me back to life. So the poor will always have a very special place in my heart, and that is the only reason I brought up the subject of Opus Dei. Not to attack your organization, but hopefully to spur it to reach out more to the poor, to the broken hearted, not just those who are materially well off and can financially support the organization. I don’t think that is what Saint Escriva intended, although that is what appears to the casual observer.
So all this discussion about the morality of marijuana, I am enjoying it immensely because I see how legalistic some people can be, just like back in the days of Jesus. It is not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, it is what comes out of them that makes them unclean. It is what is already in our hearts and minds. Chemicals or drugs or even alcohol cannot change that reality. The Kingdom of God is in our hearts given to us by the Holy Spirit, WHO is the Love of the Father for the Son, and the Love of the Son for the Father. Christ did not leave us Orphans. He is Risen and Alive and lives in the Church and in our hearts though the Gift of His Spirit. Marijuana use will never change that REALITY!!!
A
adelore
Guest
I had to laugh at some of the answers the French fry one was cute.
Yes it’s true alcohol does kill the brain cells. I forget how many at a time. It’s true Pot does the same thing. It does kill brain cells. That’s a medical fact.
R
rinnie
Guest
Then why do you hear day after day if a loved one is on drugs that you must get them help. Never trust a drug addict. Until you get them clean they are not in their right mind. Why do you hear these kids and other people who have got clean, tell you that they hated what they did, they lied, cheated, even sold themself to get the drug. Things they would have never done without drugs. Are you saying thats what they would have done anyway? looks to me what came out of drugs was nothing but sin (unclean) to get the drugs, not in their minds anyway just waiting to get out.Dear Benedict,
There is one more thing I would like to add to my previous posting. Back in 1975, I did have a “mystical” experience of God. At the time I was NOT using any illicit drug nor under the influence of anything … other than a deep desire and hunger for God. I have shared my story a few times in other threads and so I am not going to repeat it here in detail … but back in 1975 sitting in a car all by myself outside a Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the Lord reached out and heard my prayer. He allowed me to see and know Him as “I AM”. It was the exact same “I AM WHO AM” experience that Moses had recorded in the Old Testament. As Isaiah records when the Lord showed him His holiness, it was like a burning fire … you naturally come to the realization of your own utter unworthiness. I was completely overwhelmed with God’s love. I had direct and instantaneous understanding that “only God has to exist.” All of creation was a gfit of Grace. I was a gift of Grace. I did not deserve to exist. God did not have to create anything. He could have continued in BEING for all eternity without ever once thinking of us. The Psalmist cried “Ahhh, what is man that You should think of him?” … I could just stay on the Ahhhhhh and meditate on that … the Goodness of God … Now when I shared with you in my previous posting that I know the Gospel stories of the Lord reaching out to touch the poor, not just physically … but in the most utter core of their heart and minds … that is what the Lord did to me. He freed me from a deep seated self hatred and inability to give and receive love. I was dead and the Lord literally brought me back to life. So the poor will always have a very special place in my heart, and that is the only reason I brought up the subject of Opus Dei. Not to attack your organization, but hopefully to spur it to reach out more to the poor, to the broken hearted, not just those who are materially well off and can financially support the organization. I don’t think that is what Saint Escriva intended, although that is what appears to the casual observer.
So all this discussion about the morality of marijuana, I am enjoying it immensely because I see how legalistic some people can be, just like back in the days of Jesus. It is not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, it is what comes out of them that makes them unclean. It is what is already in our hearts and minds. Chemicals or drugs or even alcohol cannot change that reality. The Kingdom of God is in our hearts given to us by the Holy Spirit, WHO is the Love of the Father for the Son, and the Love of the Son for the Father. Christ did not leave us Orphans. He is Risen and Alive and lives in the Church and in our hearts though the Gift of His Spirit. Marijuana use will never change that REALITY!!!
B
Benedict108
Guest
Well, you can criticize a society for what ever reason you may think, but I quote a saint. Further, a socio-economic argument does not nullify church teachings, beliefs of popes, pontificial councils, or the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Though you may see it as somewhat legalistic, it is still the tradition we follow. You may disagree with the status quo of the church position, but we have to humbly submit to church authority. I have already made my arguments on the previous postings as well as given you opinions from various authorities within Rome.Dear Benedict,
The central truth of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Christ. He is Alive!!! I know this truth in my own life WITHOUT the aid or use of any chemical/drug. Christ is risen from the dead and is ALIVE!!! Christ is ALIVE through the gift of His Holy Spirit in me, in you, in His Church. No one here is advocating trying to find “the truth” through paranormal, drug induced psychological changes. The Christ of the Gospels who reached out and touched the poor is not just a story written in the Bible 2000 years ago. It is a story that I have personally experienced in my own life. I know Jesus is risen from the dead and reached out to touch me.
While I admire your attempt to educate about the use of drugs, it does not change reality one bit for me nor does it deter one iota the subject of this thread. Very simply, I will say that EVERYTHING that can be said about drinking alcohol in moderation and responsibly can ALSO be said of the use of marijuana when it is obtained legally and used legally. It is NOT through the use of marijuana that people will find Christ. It is NOT through the use of alcohol that people will find Christ. The reality of Christ risen from the dead is a truth independent of ANY and ALL other realities one might try to “discover”.
Now please correct me if I am wrong, but since you quoted Saint Escriva earlier, I am going to assume (maybe incorrectly) that you are a member of Opus Dei. I almost joined the organization about 10 years ago in the Washington DC/Potomac area. Some of my friends are members of Opus Dei. Here is something I’d like you to consider as you continue your walk with Christ. Who were the people who mostly flocked to Christ? The rich? The well to do? The people who lived in mansions? Those wo were admired by society because of their socio-economic status?
When you look into the organization of Opus Dei, what type of people do you see? What type of people does the organization try to reach out to and proselytize to join its ranks? Now I say this with all due respect for St. Escriva and the holy life he lived. The Lord loves the rich and the well to do … but He has a VERY special love for the poor. I know - because I WAS ONE THEM (and still am in terms of socio-economics). For me, this is not the kind of organization I would like to be associated with Saint Escriva had a vision of holiness that is not necessarily the one that is being promulagated by its rank and file members. I do not doubt the sincerety of its members, just its vision.
Peace
Nevertheless, you choose to see things as you choose and continue on your path and I will continue on mine. I pray that in the end we will find ourselves in the same glorious place
. Peace be with you brother and may God’s glorious light always shine on you as a way guide through the tumultuous world.God bless you.
J
jkiernan56
Guest
You are mixing apples and oranges. The socio-economic comment I made earlier had nothing to do with the morality of marijuana use nor was an attempt to minimize anything you might have quoted. I was talking about the organization you belong to - Opus Dei. You are very good at mixing the truth to say whatever you want it to - taking something I said about Opus Dei and mixing it in here with my position on this thread. You are also good at taking things out of context. You can quote Saints and the CCC until the cows come home, but that will not change reality. You have a misunderstanding and misreprentation of the Churches teaching/ You are not an authority on the Churches teaching and you do not speak for me. Everything you quote I want you to substitute the word alcohol for the word drug or marijuana. What a clear double standard/Well, you can criticize a society for what ever reason you may think, but I quote a saint. Further, a socio-economic argument does not nullify church teachings, beliefs of popes, pontificial councils, or the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Though you may see it as somewhat legalistic, it is still the tradition we follow. You may disagree with the status quo of the church position, but we have to humbly submit to church authority. I have already made my arguments on the previous postings as well as given you opinions from various authorities within Rome.
Nevertheless, you choose to see things as you choose and continue on your path and I will continue on mine. I pray that in the end we will find ourselves in the same glorious place
God bless you.
I don’t disagree with the Church - just your understanding and misrepresentation of it. Peace be with you as well and stay close to Christ
PS - If you really feel as strongly as you do, I highly recommend that you do whatever you can to persuade others NOT to partake of alcohol. I noticed also that you NEVER address my concern about the organization Opus Dei - an organization that I think you belong to.
Cheers? Bottoms up !!! LOL
B
Benedict108
Guest
Is the topic of this thread Opus Dei?? Nope.You are mixing apples and oranges. The socio-economic comment I made earlier had nothing to do with the morality of marijuana use nor was an attempt to minimize anything you might have quoted. I was talking about the organization you belong to - Opus Dei. You are very good at mixing the truth to say whatever you want it to - taking something I said about Opus Dei and mixing it in here with my position on this thread. You are also good at taking things out of context. You can quote Saints and the CCC until the cows come home, but that will not change reality. You have a misunderstanding and misreprentation of the Churches teaching/ You are not an authority on the Churches teaching and you do not speak for me. Everything you quote I want you to substitute the word alcohol for the word drug or marijuana. What a clear double standard/
I don’t disagree with the Church - just your understanding and misrepresentation of it. Peace be with you as well and stay close to Christ
PS - If you really feel as strongly as you do, I highly recommend that you do whatever you can to persuade others NOT to partake of alcohol. I noticed also that you NEVER address my concern about the organization Opus Dei - an organization that I think you belong to.
Cheers? Bottoms up !!! LOL
Are you an authority in church teachings either? NopeI told you before I don’t belong to Opus Dei. I can quote lots of different saints. If I quote St. Francis, does it make me a Franciscan?
We are supposd to study the saints, as we are all called to be saints. We are to strive towards that end, as their ultimate end is to imitate Christ. Now that is another good book, Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis.
I can say “Ora et labora”, does that make me a Benedictine?
As far as addressing issues within the Church, if I have a problem with something I address my priest and work my way up to the local ordinary. Squabbling about your perceived evils of Opus Dei will not correct the problem. If you have problem and find them incorrect, take issue with the authorities. That is how things change.
As far as your concerns about alcohol and marijuana, I can’t address them because the Catechism already has.
But like I said before…you continue on your path and I shall continue on mine and God willing we will both be in Heaven in the end
.I respect that you think my interpretation of things are wrong, but I follow a life of mortification. I look at Christ as my example but I also look to great church writers like Kempis, Hildebrand, St. Benedict, St. Escriva, St. John of the Cross, and countless others.
I will just have this as an issue of disagreement because there is no way my mind will change and it would seem the same for you.
Pax tecum.
J
jkiernan56
Guest
I have never read before where you have told me that you are not a member of Opus Dei. If you can refer me to that earlier post, I would appreciate it.Is the topic of this thread Opus Dei?? Nope.
I told you before I don’t belong to Opus Dei. I can quote lots of different saints. If I quote St. Francis, does it make me a Franciscan?
We are supposd to study the saints, as we are all called to be saints. We are to strive towards that end, as their ultimate end is to imitate Christ. Now that is another good book, Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis.
I can say “Ora et labora”, does that make me a Benedictine?
As far as addressing issues within the Church, if I have a problem with something I address my priest and work my way up to the local ordinary. Squabbling about your perceived evils of Opus Dei will not correct the problem. If you have problem and find them incorrect, take issue with the authorities. That is how things change.
As far as your concerns about alcohol and marijuana, I can’t address them because the Catechism already has.
But like I said before…you continue on your path and I shall continue on mine and God willing we will both be in Heaven in the end
I respect that you think my interpretation of things are wrong, but I follow a life of mortification. I look at Christ as my example but I also look to great church writers like Kempis, Hildebrand, St. Benedict, St. Escriva, St. John of the Cross, and countless others.
I will just have this as an issue of disagreement because there is no way my mind will change and it would seem the same for you.
Pax tecum.
You can’t tell me anything about alcohol use and its relationship to marijuana use, because you think the Church has clearly spoken on this. You aren’t able to say anything about the similarities and differents between the use of the two substances because you can’t. You clearly put alcohol and caffein on one side and marijuana in another class of “bad” drugs and lump them all together. So when you talk about the Church teaching, marijuana use for you would be the same as someone shooting heroin into their vein. That is ridiculous. Marijuana is just like alcohol was back in the days of Prohibition. Was the use of alcohol “evil” before it became legal? Is it OK now because it is legal? Just as societal attitudes changed in regard to alcohol use, so too societal views are changing on the seriousness of the use of this plant. I think you hold a double standard.
All the way to heaven is heaven, because Christ is the way
B
Benedict108
Guest
This is where I told you I was not a priest, brother or a memeber of Opus DeiI have never read before where you have told me that you are not a member of Opus Dei. If you can refer me to that earlier post, I would appreciate it.
You can’t tell me anything about alcohol use and its relationship to marijuana use, because you think the Church has clearly spoken on this. You aren’t able to say anything about the similarities and differents between the use of the two substances because you can’t. You clearly put alcohol and caffein on one side and marijuana in another class of “bad” drugs and lump them all together. So when you talk about the Church teaching, marijuana use for you would be the same as someone shooting heroin into their vein. That is ridiculous. Marijuana is just like alcohol was back in the days of Prohibition. Was the use of alcohol “evil” before it became legal? Is it OK now because it is legal? Just as societal attitudes changed in regard to alcohol use, so too societal views are changing on the seriousness of the use of this plant. I think you hold a double standard.
All the way to heaven is heaven, because Christ is the way
Refer to post:forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=4745468&postcount=901
A
ArchAngel15
Guest
From what I have been taught MJ has been known to negatively effect the memory… Not so therapeutic
Oh yeah, lower sperm count and testosterone levels in men.
Are you sure God meant for us to smoke this???
Oh yeah, lower sperm count and testosterone levels in men.
Are you sure God meant for us to smoke this???
O
OnlyAmbrose
Guest
jkiernan56, you can rationalize all you want: the Church has spoken clearly. The CCC lumps “drugs” into one category, and later goes into more specific detail on the topic of alcohol (the abuse of which is gravely sinful, not simply the use). The CCC does NOT go into more specific detail for the use of marijuana, it leaves it at:
2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.
That is the bottom line, and the fundamental difference between alcohol and other drugs.
2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.
That is the bottom line, and the fundamental difference between alcohol and other drugs.
J
jkiernan56
Guest
Thank you for the link.
Without meaning to beat a horse to death, you should just know that some people view marijuana use as harmless as drinking a glass of wine. We do not include it in the class of drugs that you seem to think the Church puts it. For us, it is in the class of drugs like alcohol and caffein. Our understanding of the Church teaching is quite different than your interpretation. For some of us who hold the view that marijuana is in the same category as alcohol, we use a more common sense approach to its use similar to that of the responsible, moderate use of alcohol. It is utter non-sense to relate it in terms of seriousness in the same category similar to the use of heroin (even though you have not used that word). The way you talk about marijuana use appears you place it in the same category which includes heroin. I put it in the category of seriousness to the likes of alcohol - NOT heroin.
Cheers !!!
N
Neolithic
Guest
Medically, marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. It contains about 400 more carcinogens than tobacco, but many of those carcinogens are almost eliminated when you use steam to smoke it rather than fire (they have a special bong you can get which will heat using hot water and then you inhale it that way; I read about it. )
Alcohol, in excess, ravages almost every system in your body. In moderation, it actually helps almost every system in your body. The same can be said for marijuana. I read a study that claimed, in moderation, smoking marijuana can actually lower your blood pressure. In excess, like alcohol, it will raise it. So, it’s all a matter of moderation vs excess. Jesus drank wine, but not in excess.
I think the only argument that can be made against marijuana is the illegality involved. If you use it in moderation, it can be beneficial. However, if you use marijuana, or alcohol that matter, for any reason other than leisure, it’s psychologically harmful. If you’re using it to get rid of your problems, then, well, that’s a problem.
That’s bold portion is very important to remember.
Health Risks/Benefits:
You cannot overdose on marijuana - period. A 160lb person would have to smoke 900 joints in an hour to overdose on THC. Do you know anyone who can smoke that much without passing out before hitting 15? I don’t!
It does not kill brain cells. Marijuana in fact activates certain brain receptors. There is NO evidence that marijuana kills them, and I can provide over 50 Dutch studies proving it. It increases the alpha-wave activity in the brain. Guess what increase in such activity causes? An increase in creativity! So, if you’re a writer or painter, there you go.
Marijuana does impair memory, but only during intoxication. 12 weeks after users quit, the short-term memory loss typically disappears.
Marijuana does not affect your heart longterm. However, the use of marijuana by people suffering from certain medical problems can be likened to that same person exercising in excess. So, if you have heart trouble, talk with your doctor before lighting up.
It does affect the immune system. In fact, it acts in the same way cortisone acts - as an immunosuppressent. However, they recommend it for some AIDS patients to increase their weight.
And this is getting long, so I’ll stop. Basically, there are SOME health problems associated with marijuana, but very few and none of them especially harmful to healthy people. I think the biggest problem with marijuana is the risk of cancer, which, like I said, can be lessened (not reduced completely) with certain devices. No device exists, however, which can deliver pure THC via the lungs.
I really don’t believe it is a sin in moderation, despite what anyone says.
)Alcohol, in excess, ravages almost every system in your body. In moderation, it actually helps almost every system in your body. The same can be said for marijuana. I read a study that claimed, in moderation, smoking marijuana can actually lower your blood pressure. In excess, like alcohol, it will raise it. So, it’s all a matter of moderation vs excess. Jesus drank wine, but not in excess.
I think the only argument that can be made against marijuana is the illegality involved. If you use it in moderation, it can be beneficial. However, if you use marijuana, or alcohol that matter, for any reason other than leisure, it’s psychologically harmful. If you’re using it to get rid of your problems, then, well, that’s a problem.
That’s bold portion is very important to remember.
Health Risks/Benefits:
You cannot overdose on marijuana - period. A 160lb person would have to smoke 900 joints in an hour to overdose on THC. Do you know anyone who can smoke that much without passing out before hitting 15? I don’t!
It does not kill brain cells. Marijuana in fact activates certain brain receptors. There is NO evidence that marijuana kills them, and I can provide over 50 Dutch studies proving it. It increases the alpha-wave activity in the brain. Guess what increase in such activity causes? An increase in creativity! So, if you’re a writer or painter, there you go.
Marijuana does impair memory, but only during intoxication. 12 weeks after users quit, the short-term memory loss typically disappears.
Marijuana does not affect your heart longterm. However, the use of marijuana by people suffering from certain medical problems can be likened to that same person exercising in excess. So, if you have heart trouble, talk with your doctor before lighting up.
It does affect the immune system. In fact, it acts in the same way cortisone acts - as an immunosuppressent. However, they recommend it for some AIDS patients to increase their weight.
And this is getting long, so I’ll stop. Basically, there are SOME health problems associated with marijuana, but very few and none of them especially harmful to healthy people. I think the biggest problem with marijuana is the risk of cancer, which, like I said, can be lessened (not reduced completely) with certain devices. No device exists, however, which can deliver pure THC via the lungs.
I really don’t believe it is a sin in moderation, despite what anyone says.
L
LilyM
Guest
Firstly - ‘as harmless as drinking a glass of wine or drinking a coffee’? Not close, and the fact that you would say so demonstrates how ludicrous your position is. It is as harmFUL as smoking cigarettes. So it is in the same class of drugs as tobacco.
No sane doctor or scientist would condone a patient smoking tobacco, similarly they wouldn’t MJ.
What’s the point of relieving anxiety or even symptoms of glaucoma with MJ, when by doing so you’re going to kill yourself with lung, tongue or throat cancer, or at the very least give yourself emphysema? Just as ludicrous as trying to relieve them with regular tobacco smoking.
Be all this as it may, there’s a more fundamental distinction which must be drawn between alcohol and ALL other drugs. Christ not only USED alcohol, He went further and COMMANDED us to use it. This is something He certainly didn’t do with other drugs.
N
Neolithic
Guest
Many doctors recommend it for the treatment of some ailments. And I, as a psychologist, have recommended it for certain people who are overwhelmed with stress. So, your statement is obviously false. There is a large difference between in moderation vs. excess.
And, as I said in my last post, there are ways of smoking marijuana that reduces the amount of carcinogens.
L
LilyM
Guest
But doesn’t eliminate them by a long shot - which makes advocating its use at least somewhat irresponsible. You wouldn’t advocate someone smoke low-tar cigarettes simply because THEY are less carcinogenic than other brands, surely.
Besides which, as a psychologist are you even allowed to prescribe drugs for your patients? And no-one, as far as I know, is allowed medically to prescribe marijuana merely for stress. Sounds like you might be advocating illegal drug use there mate - which would be a serious breach of professional ethics, no?
And yes, there are some who advocate it. As Dr Timothy Leary and others advocated the use of LSD - which is why I said SANE doctors and psychologists.
There are insane and sinful members of both professions out there too, of course. Abortionists, euthanasers and so on. Not that I’m suggesting you’re insane, merely, as I said, irresponsible.
A
ArchAngel15
Guest
Are psyhologists doctors?
Of probably the millions of people worldwide that smoke MJ how many can you honestly say smoke it in the way you have described? I’m quite sure the ones who get Med MJ are more likely to…
- Status