Is Marijuana a Mortal Sin?

[michael7777]

Simply because I stated that it is (at least) a deliberate venial sin, does not mean that it could not easily become a mortal sin (if you smoke a little more of it). Know what I mean? Marijuana’s affect on reasoning is simply too detrimental.

Furthermore, I think it would be good to include what the priest (mentioned in my previous post) wrote me about this topic, “a thing does not need to be a mortal sin to be avoided like the plague. Jesus said, “He who loves me keeps my commandments, and I will love Him and make my abode in him.” That is enough for us. All venial sin is despicable and to be avoided at all cost. St. Teresa of Avila had a vision in which she saw how God is everywhere, and we are all, consequently, in God. And we sin in God. She wrote that if we understood that as she had been given to understand it nobody would ever sin again.”

In Christo per Mariam,
Michael.

 

[karoleck]

Dear Michael7777,your new conclusion I am sure would bring a certain relief to some people.I think that I would agree with your priests’ advise that subjectively, smoking marijuana is not a mortal sin.(drug pushing marijuana ,certainly is a mortal sin ,I believe). Smoking pot does cloud a persons reasoning level and to fight temptation we need a clear,calm and orderly thinking mind. Given the fact that marijuana smoking is a deliberate venial sin against God,it is not a good thing to do.Fires in ships at sea are always feared by sailors,a sailor might report -" there is a fire in the storage hull of the ship–but do not worry it is not a hugh fire(read- mortal sin)only a smoldering one (read-venial sin")!!! They would quickly try to put out any fire before it spreads and sinks the ship.By committing a deliberate venial sin we invite the devil into our life and this is not a good thing to do.The drug culture is not a good place to be,how refreshing it is to read a clear,concise drug free minds such as St.Thomas Aquinas or Pope Benectict.The Christian Culture is the way of living Christs’teachings in the world with a joyful, calm and peaceful manner ,with a clear and pure heart and mind.Thank you for your valuable imput into this topic.(one of the great myths put foreward by the drug culture, is that all the pot smokers gathered at festivals,rock concerts and alternative life styles events(the devils’playground) are full of joyful, peacefull happennings–this is a lie;Most of these need many security guards and police-even then trouble abounds-The example of christian gatherings of young peoples from all parts of the world-- where joy, and peace exists and people are being kind and considerate and open towards each other,are World Youth Days–Sydney was one such witness recently.
StMaximilian Kolbe pray for us.

 

[ELBishop]

I’ve been thinking a lot about this issue, and have read different forums with different opinions. There seems to be a general consensus that smoking pot is a sin. The reason I haven’t conceded to agree with this quite yet is found in the catechism and it’s mention of “strictly therapeutic grounds”, which is a point I can’t help feel deserves consideration.

Firstly, it seems obvious upon reading that it is very easy for people who clearly haven’t smoked marijuana to not only condemn it, but to do so with a description of it’s effects as if they could possibly have any comprehension of what they are.

There is also a litany of cliche characteristics mentioned in these arguments, I’m assuming for satirical levity in the writing, such as munching on junk food in front of a TV set, being in a daze, needing a burrito, etc. that paint a clear picture of a widely believed perception about marijuana smokers that may be true in some cases, but often times is not. These characteristics are variable, just like people.

This posting states “marijuana use even in small doses drastically affects the use of reasoning” as if it is stating fact, but with no qualification. “A person becomes lethargic” with no qualification. “With marijuana a person is not able to clearly perceive, receive, reflect, and act upon the real”, again, without qualification.

These characteristics may be true in some people, maybe even many or most. However, we all possess different faculties, abilities, and more significantly, brain chemistries. The point is, this description does not apply to all people.

Some people legally obtain marijuana, medicate themselves as millions of others do with a pain medication, anti depressant, etc., and go on with their day. They do complex (and new) tasks in their work daily, focus intently on projects with a great attention to detail and craftsmanship. They interact wholly with others in a genuine way. They think about their families throughout the day and their needs, and how better they can provide for them and their futures. They come home and play with their children. They are good parents. They fight temptation more then they used too because they spend longer thinking about issues, and to deeper levels then they once did. They feel less controlled by pessimism and depression and shyness then they once did.

These last few points alone merit serious consideration of the words “strictly therapeutic grounds”.

I haven’t made my mind up on this one yet. From strictly biblical text I once thought marijuana was a sin due to the legality issue, but with it’s legalization and it’s absence of specific mention it seems very close to call for me. Especially when I have seen it’s benefits for some.

It may harm many as well, but this may only be further proof of the need to talk about individuals and sin versus easily categorized “herds”.

 

[Robert_Sock]

OK, this thread deals only with the likelihood of pot having negative effects, but that in no way diminishes its positive effects like reducing stress, drastically decreased likelihood of aggression, increased feelings of love, in addition to its numerous medical benefits.

 

[hu324b]

If its legalized? as it is in some places. Alcohol is much worse and its not a sin . Just look at the death and destruction of family’s alcohol causes. Is over use of alcohol a mortal sin?

I was told here once because alcohol is legal its not a sin

This is a grey area with the legalization that is going on. I don’t believe the church will have any (name removed by moderator)ut on this other than individual belief of persons on this matter.

I don’t condone the use of MJ - we need less of this kind of stuff in the world.

The biggest drawback of MJ is it turns you lazy - “ah I’ll do it tomorrow” and anyone who has used MJ knows what I just said is true.

There are true medical uses for it and it should be used for those issues

 

[Strydersroom]

Marijuana is a complete medical miracle for many of those suffering the ravages of cancer treatment, and many other ravaging diseases. Imo it’s a great treatment and sometimes only one that works.

 

[Rosebud77]

LtPaint,

Monasteries that monks and nuns live in allow wine and beer. A lot of them have breweries, for example Chimay Beer. These Trappists monasteries often make the best beer sold in the World. They also very frequently have vineyards for wine. I would not like to think that these same monasteries would be growing marijuana one day on their consecrated grounds; as I believe cannabis use is contrary to the good of reason. However, I will leave the final decision up to the Church.

The late Pope John Paul II had frequently campaigned against marijuana decriminalization, saying there are no distinctions between “hard” and “soft” drugs and that using marijuana is equivalent to using heroin. Check out 1997 Pontifical Council for the Family.
ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PCFDRUGS.HTM

It really doesn’t make sense to me how you can be in California where it is legal and step over the state border to Nevada with your prescription where you would be in mortal sin. Know what I mean, I think there has to be more to it being grave matter than just it being illegal.

There is one convent in I think the US who make preserves with marihuana in a state where it is legal. Will try to find out the name tomorrow,