Just *why* is marijuana use wrong?

[Musician]

A message from the Pontifical Council for the Family:

ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PCFDRUGS.HTM

Peace,
Ed

In this letter, there is a headline that states, “Legal or illegal, drugs are always harmful.” I must respectfully disagree. Where would we be without penicillin?
I’m sorry, but this letter does not change my mind. Again, if we were Dutch, it wouldn’t be wrong.

 

[Musician]

A message from the Pontifical Council for the Family:

ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PCFDRUGS.HTM

Peace,
Ed

In this letter, there is a headline that states, “Legal or illegal, drugs are always harmful.” I must respectfully disagree. Where would we be without penicillin?

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

In this letter, there is a headline that states, “Legal or illegal, drugs are always harmful.” I must respectfully disagree. Where would we be without penicillin?

I do believe that it is drawing a distiction between medications (penicillian etc…) and drugs. There is no way to use marijuana as a drug that does not intoxicate. I also do not always agree with what a government study may say, but from first hand expericance as some that has used it and from beign around numberous one that do I can say that the person I am and that they are changes under marijuana and it takes a while to get back to who you really are.

Comparing to alcholhal is like comparing an apple and an orange other than they are both fruit they there is no way to compare. The same with tobacco.

The possible medical benefits from smoking marijuana do not out wiegh the the risk.

 

[Spoken4]

I’ll admit, I only skimmed this very long thread. However, I’d like to say quite simply, that marijuana and othre intoxicants are wrong for many reasons, not the least of which is that they “pervert” clear thinking and make it easier for us to fall into sin and to lead others to sin. They weaken our resolve to avoid sin– which we desperately need to maintain in order to remain in a state of Grace. A clear head and heart are necessary for us to fully obey God’s Commands.

Under the influence of any intoxicant-- alcohol, prescription drugs, pot, Salvia divinorum, or any other intoxicant-- it’s too easy to be swayed toward sinful behavior as our inhibitions are lowered. Thus, we would be more likely to sin and do things that we, with a clear head, would not otherwise do because we know that they are wrong. Intoxicants, including marijuana, make it easier for us to approach the “near occasions of sin” given that we might not see those as clearly as we would while we’re sober. It doesn’t matter how the intoxicant gets into our body. Once it’s there, it goes to work on the brain and the rest is self-explanatory. As a priest (who happens to enjoy hiking and backpacking) once explained to me, we wouldn’t go walking near the edge of a cliff on a foggy day, as we might not see the edge and wind up falling off. Why, then, would we “fog” our minds, and risk falling into sin? Intoxicants including MJ cloud our minds! Even a light fog distorts our vision, and a “light buzz” does the same to our mind.

Most people don’t grow their own pot, either. It comes from places and organizations that don’t respect human life as we do. These organizations promote violence. By supporting these organizations even indirectly, through buying MJ, we lead these people into continued sin. That is also wrong. ** To lead another person into sin is the most serious sin against the Virtue of Charity, so it is the worst sin we can commit. **

But even homegrown pot still causes intoxication! It’s still wrong for the reasons outlined above. It’s certainly possible that MJ does have pharmaceutical benefit in some way, and if it were possible to separate the intoxicant properties from the medicinal, then perhaps MJ would be acceptable. However, given that many types of cannabinoids exist in MJ-- and many of these cannabinoids are still unknown, and it’s unknown what their effects are on the brain-- much research still needs to be done before we know if it’s even possible to separate the “deleterious” effects from the beneficial.

One could argue that opiates are legal even though they also cause effects in the brain like MJ (alteration of the ability to avoid sin, lowering of inhibitions, etc.), but given that we have much more research into opiates-- we know more about them. Still, being under the influence of an opiate for a legitimate medical reason does not excuse one from sins committed while on opiates. If one has the choice between 2 pain relievers of equal effectiveness-- one that causes a “buzz” vs. one that doesn’t-- of course one should choose the one that doesn’t cause a buzz! And using opiates simply for the sake of getting a buzz is still wrong!

Cigarettes are also wrong, but that’s because they damage the body. Intoxicants, including marijuana, damage the mind and our will (as well as the body).

In Truth-

~Spoken4

 

[Musician]

I’d be willing to bet good money on this hypothesis: when Jesus changed the water into wine at Cana, the wine was intoxicating, and what’s more - I bet Jesus knew that and didn’t even care!
I can’t believe that God would create grapes and marijuana and not realize that there were intoxicating properties to these plants. That’s why I believe He thinks it is okay for us to imbibe on a moderate basis these wonderful creations.

 

[Spoken4]

I’d be willing to bet good money on this hypothesis: when Jesus changed the water into wine at Cana, the wine was intoxicating, and what’s more - I bet Jesus knew that and didn’t even care!
I can’t believe that God would create grapes and marijuana and not realize that there were intoxicating properties to these plants. That’s why I believe He thinks it is okay for us to imbibe on a moderate basis these wonderful creations.

Perhaps He created marijuana–HEMP-- to be used for textiles and rope, and the seeds (which contain no intoxicant) for food, and oil for our skin, but humans chose to abuse it as an intoxicant?

Just a thought.

-In Christ,

~Spoken4

 

[Spoken4]

Regarding wine, wine was a staple food in Biblical times. The word ‘wine’ or ‘oinos’ described both fermented and unfermented grape juice. Grape juice was preserved both by fermentation and by boiling down to half or one third its original volume to obtain an unfermented concentrated juice that would keep for years.

In Biblical times it was customary to decrease the strength of wine by adding two or three parts water to one part wine. By doing this, Jews observed Old Testament warnings against strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 5:11).

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.

Since Jesus was Jewish, after all, certainly He obeyed the Laws concrning drunkenness and the drinking of fermented wine and strong drink. Thus, the ‘wine’ He produced at Cana was that which was permitted within Jewish teachings-- and most likely of the nonfermented variety (IMO and understanding). So why would the guests say that it was the “better wine”? Perhaps because, to them, it tasted better? It was made with “better grapes”?

Regardless, I seriously doubt that Jesus would have made something that would have permitted or made it easy for His People to disobey the Law. Again, this is strictly my interpretation.

-In Christ,

~Spoken4

 

[LCMS_No_More]

Exactly what I was going to say.

There is strong evidence that the long-term effects of its usage leads to psychosis and paranoia, the same way smoking tobacco will eventually lead to cancer. However, tobacco has no link with changing the personality of those who smoke it.

However in the UK, some drug advisers to the government were fired after they publicly said that marijuana (cannabis in the UK) was not as dangerous as the government were claiming.

What? Someone was fired for not toeing the party line? Who knew?

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

Regarding wine, wine was a staple food in Biblical times. The word ‘wine’ or ‘oinos’ described both fermented and unfermented grape juice. Grape juice was preserved both by fermentation and by boiling down to half or one third its original volume to obtain an unfermented concentrated juice that would keep for years.

In Biblical times it was customary to decrease the strength of wine by adding two or three parts water to one part wine. By doing this, Jews observed Old Testament warnings against strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 5:11).

Since Jesus was Jewish, after all, certainly He obeyed the Laws concrning drunkenness and the drinking of fermented wine and strong drink. Thus, the ‘wine’ He produced at Cana was that which was permitted within Jewish teachings-- and most likely of the nonfermented variety (IMO and understanding). So why would the guests say that it was the “better wine”? Perhaps because, to them, it tasted better? It was made with “better grapes”?

Regardless, I seriously doubt that Jesus would have made something that would have permitted or made it easy for His People to disobey the Law. Again, this is strictly my interpretation.

-In Christ,

~Spoken4

There was no such thing as unfermentd grape jucie untill the the mid 1800’s. the jucie from grapes start to ferment almost immediately. Thats is why in acts we read that the Apostles at pentecost being acused of being drunk on new wine.

 

[Spoken4]

There was no such thing as unfermentd grape jucie untill the the mid 1800’s. the jucie from grapes start to ferment almost immediately. Thats is why in acts we read that the Apostles at pentecost being acused of being drunk on new wine.

Okay, then maybe Father R. was wrong back in our high school days (senior year) when he referenced Pliny, Josephus and Columella-- where they ‘allegedly’ go into great detail in describing this process for preserving grapes and other fruits, and the findings of such preserved fruits and grains in the fortresses of Masada, I guess. Perhaps that was an ‘incorrect teaching’ which I perpetuated. Please forgive me if my memory of a class so long ago fails me. However, rabbinical sources mention specifically the use of boiled wine. But whadda I know? Did the people at Cana know of or use these methods? I wasn’t there so I can’t say.

I can say THIS, though-- as documented on the linkie below, that

In comparison to preserving fermented wine, the keeping of grape juice from fermenting was a relatively simple process. It was accomplished simply by boiling the juice down to a syrup, or by separating the fermentable pulp from the juice of the grape by means of filtration, or by placing the grape juice in sealed jars which were immersed in a pool of cold water, or by fumigating with sulphur the wine jars before sealing them. The use of such techniques clearly indicates that the means of preserving grape juice without fermentation were known and used in the ancient world.

biblicalperspectives.com/books/wine_in_the_bible/3.html

Perhaps the Apostles were thought to be drunk on ‘newly fermented wine’ Not trying to be difficult or start any argument here, but I was taught differently. That’s all.

-In peace,

~Spoken4

 

[kbwall]

So, the vast government conspiracy keeps marijuana illegal?

In a way, yes actually. The government outlawed it, and then puts up propoganda to further their agenda. Calling it a conspiracy is a bit far, but if that’s what you want to call it, then be my guest.

You do know that alcohol used to be completely illegal in America, right? I’m fairly certain propoganda existed back then too. And the mobsters spilled plenty of blood over illegal alcohol trade. Does that make alcohol use today immoral? Was legalizing it a mistake? Why don’t you call alcoholics anonymous and ask them about the dangers of alcohol abuse?

The only reason alcohol got re-legalized before weed was because more people drank alcohol.

 

[Spoken4]

In a way, yes actually. The government outlawed it, and then puts up propoganda to further their agenda. Calling it a conspiracy is a bit far, but if that’s what you want to call it, then be my guest.

You do know that alcohol used to be completely illegal in America, right? I’m fairly certain propoganda existed back then too. And the mobsters spilled plenty of blood over illegal alcohol trade. **Does that make alcohol use today immoral? Was legalizing it a mistake? Why don’t you call alcoholics anonymous and ask them about the dangers of alcohol abuse? **

The only reason alcohol got re-legalized before weed was because more people drank alcohol.

It’s kind of like the “Fruit of the Tree” in the Garden, so to speak.

But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden-- except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:16-17

Anything that has the potential for abuse has its inherent dangers. That includes alcohol, drugs, sex, airplane glue… using airplane glue isn’t a sin when it’s used properly, but huffing it to get high could be sinful, as getting high fogs your mental vision and moral clarity. It weakens your resolve to avoid sin, and it reduces you inhibition to sin. It also detracts your mind from seeking the glory of God and leads you astray.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Genesis 3:1-7

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.2 Corinthians 11:3-4

In hunger,

~Spoken4

 

[Musician]

There is no place in the Holy Scriptures that requests humans to stay away from God’s good creation. The only thing was the tree in the Garden of Eden. He hasn’t said anything about not enjoying everything else.
Huffing glue or paint is not the same as drinking wine or smoking marijuana; or, as I have stated, using aspirin and penicillin. Marijuana has many amazing properties. It is a most versatile plant. Outlawing it’s usage borders on the insane. It is simply political correctness run amok. The studies have been hopelessly flawed. For instance, the study that showed the pot-smoking teenagers had a tendency to paranioa and psychosis were already in therapy for various reasons. What kind of unbiased study is that?
The whole drug war thing is an exercise in futility, and a waste of taxpayer dollars.****

 

[LemonAndLime]

There is no place in the Holy Scriptures that requests humans to stay away from God’s good creation. The only thing was the tree in the Garden of Eden. He hasn’t said anything about not enjoying everything else.
Huffing glue or paint is not the same as drinking wine or smoking marijuana; or, as I have stated, using aspirin and penicillin. Marijuana has many amazing properties. It is a most versatile plant. Outlawing it’s usage borders on the insane. It is simply political correctness run amok. The studies have been hopelessly flawed. For instance, the study that showed the pot-smoking teenagers had a tendency to paranioa and psychosis were already in therapy for various reasons. What kind of unbiased study is that?
The whole drug war thing is an exercise in futility, and a waste of taxpayer dollars.****

For various reasons? Like the fact that they were all smokers of marijuana? How is that unbiased exactly? Can you prove that what they were admitted for had nothing to do with the drug? Which study is it?

 

[LemonAndLime]

What? Someone was fired for not toeing the party line? Who knew?

You’re mistaken - they did not have any political affiliation, they were medical/chemistry/pharmaceutical professionals hired by the government to undertake research into drugs and then pass their findings on. They weren’t a member of parliament.

 

[fbl9]

You’re mistaken - they did not have any political affiliation, they were medical/chemistry/pharmaceutical professionals hired by the government to undertake research into drugs and then pass their findings on. They weren’t a member of parliament.

the bolded section caused me to check to see whee you were from again. forgot Canada wasn’t the odd one with members of parliament.LCM may not know what you are saying

 

[LCMS_No_More]

You’re mistaken - they did not have any political affiliation, they were medical/chemistry/pharmaceutical professionals hired by the government to undertake research into drugs and then pass their findings on. They weren’t a member of parliament.

When I say “party line” in this case, it has more to do with office politics or the official position of the agency, not a political party.

 

[Spoken4]

So-- you want to know why marijuana use is wrong, huh? Well-- guess what, folks? I’m not going to give y’all a reason. I’m going to give y’all a Texas-sized laundry list of reasons, with Scriptural references to back 'em up. These aren’t MY reasons… they’re GOD’S Reasons and they apply to ALL illicit drugs INCLUDING MJ.

Notice that I said ILLICIT . That includes the IMPROPER use of legally prescribed medicines, whether prescibed to you, or to someone else.

Pay attention, now:

Drug abuse is illegal in most countries, therefore it breaks the civil law, which is a sin (Romans 13:1-5).

Drug use induces intoxication. The Bible clearly speaks against intoxication (Galatians 5:19-21).

Scripture repeatedly commands us to be sober and self-controlled (1 Peter 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Timothy 3:11, Titus 2:2-12, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8). Drugs make people lose their inhibitions and weakens their self-control.

Drugs harm the mind and body, we are told to keep our body holy for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Spending money on drugs is bad stewardship of the money and resources of which God has made us stewards. Scripture also says: “He that loves pleasure will be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)

Taking drugs is selfish; it seeks our own pleasure and happiness. Scripture says true love seeks not its own. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

Drugs enslave, anything that enslaves is contrary to the freedom God seeks for us. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Drug abuse leads to many other sins such as lying to friends or family, sexual immorality, suicide, and many others sins.

Drugs steal people’s time and money; it also steals time and money from God. The time and money (which could go toward your Church Offering, hence the ‘stealing money from God’ part-- even if it is indirect). Money that parents spend on drugs like pot detract from the resources that they need for their children. Money that husbands spend on pot and other drugs is money “stolen” from the family. Drugs destroy people’s minds and lives; drugs often cause death. Jesus said the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus said He had come to give life (John 10:10).

The destructive nature of drugs is identical to that of Satan. Drug use doesn’t mix with a godly life-style-- we cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21).

Drug abuse is equal to sorcery. A sorcerer was a person that prepared or used magic potions. In the New Testament the word “sorcerer” is translated from the Greek word “Pharmakeus”, which comes from the Greek word for drug “pharmakon”. English words such as pharmacy and pharmacology (study of drugs) come from this same root. The Bible calls sorcery a “work of the flesh” (Galatians 5:20-21), and clearly condemns sorcerers, saying they share the same destiny as fornicators, murderers, idolaters, and whoever loves lies and lives a life of lies (Revelation 22:15).

Throughout history, drugs have been closely related to heathen and pagan forms of spirituality. This includes even “Native” religions. Shamans, witch doctors, magicians, druids and the like have been known to use and administer drugs for spiritual purposes. Scripture warns against following the ways of the heathen (Jeremiah 10:2, 2 Kings 17:15).

Drug abuse easily causes others to stumble. The children of drug abusers are more likely to follow in their parents footsteps. Scripture instructs as to avoid anything that may cause anybody else to stumble (Romans 14:21).

Scripture speaks against those that are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4).

People must choose what they love more God or pleasure. To love pleasure more than God is to commit idolatry, which is a sin for Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

People usually take drugs to seek peace, pleasure and joy. Scripture says that such things are only found through a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Scripture instructs us that rather than get drunk with wine, we should seek to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Getting high on the Most High, is a better high than any artificial substitute.

The altered state of consciousness that comes with being in an intoxicated state, is a false reality, where fact and fantasy become blurred. If you love the truth you will not love any form of falsehood including drug induced false realities. Christians are called people that love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and the Bible condemns those that love and practice lies (Revelation 22:15).

The mind is where most spiritual battles are fought, for the mind is a type of barrier between the spiritual and the natural realm. When demons attack, they attack the mind, they try and project evil thoughts into our mind, that is why we need the helmet of salvation to protect our minds (Ephesians 6:17).

Taking drugs can have serious spiritual side effects, for drugs may play a part in opening the soul to oppressive and deceptive demonic influences. It is said demons can only enter your soul if it is your will to let them in. Drugs can weaken your will, impair your judgement, and cloud your reasoning, and so make it easier for demons to convince you to let them in.

We are instructed to bring every thought and imagination under the authority of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5); drugs often cause people’s thoughts and imagination to run uncontrolled and wild. Scripture tells us we should focus our thoughts on things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, respectable, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

And that’s just for starters. I could go on, but I’'m just about out of characters.



In Christ–

~Spoken4

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

So-- you want to know why marijuana use is wrong, huh? Well-- guess what, folks? I’m going to give y’all a Texas-sized laundry list of reasons, with Scriptural references to back 'em up. These aren’t MY reasons… they’re GOD’S Reasons and they apply to ALL illicit drugs INCLUDING MJ.

Notice that I said ILLICIT . That includes the IMPROPER use of legally prescribed medicines, whether prescibed to you, or to someone else.

Drug abuse is illegal in most countries, therefore it breaks the civil law, which is a sin (Romans 13:1-5).

Drug use induces intoxication. The Bible clearly speaks against intoxication (Galatians 5:19-21).

Scripture repeatedly commands us to be sober and self-controlled (1 Peter 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Timothy 3:11, Titus 2:2-12, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8). Drugs make people lose their inhibitions and weakens their self-control.

Drugs harm the mind and body, we are told to keep our body holy for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Spending money on drugs is bad stewardship of the money and resources of which God has made us stewards. Scripture also says: “He that loves pleasure will be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)

Taking drugs is selfish; it seeks our own pleasure and happiness. Scripture says true love seeks not its own. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

Drugs enslave, anything that enslaves is contrary to the freedom God seeks for us. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Drug abuse leads to many other sins such as lying to friends or family, sexual immorality, suicide, and many others sins.

Drugs steal people’s time and money; it also steals time and money from God. The time and money (which could go toward your Church Offering, hence the ‘stealing money from God’ part-- even if it is indirect). Money that parents spend on drugs like pot detract from the resources that they need for their children. Money that husbands spend on pot and other drugs is money “stolen” from the family. Drugs destroy people’s minds and lives; drugs often cause death. Jesus said the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus said He had come to give life (John 10:10).

The destructive nature of drugs is identical to that of Satan. Drug use doesn’t mix with a godly life-style-- we cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21).

Drug abuse is equal to sorcery. A sorcerer was a person that prepared or used magic potions. In the New Testament the word “sorcerer” is translated from the Greek word “Pharmakeus”, which comes from the Greek word for drug “pharmakon”. English words such as pharmacy and pharmacology (study of drugs) come from this same root. The Bible calls sorcery a “work of the flesh” (Galatians 5:20-21), and clearly condemns sorcerers, saying they share the same destiny as fornicators, murderers, idolaters, and whoever loves lies and lives a life of lies (Revelation 22:15).

Throughout history, drugs have been closely related to heathen and pagan forms of spirituality. This includes even “Native” religions. Shamans, witch doctors, magicians, druids and the like have been known to use and administer drugs for spiritual purposes. Scripture warns against following the ways of the heathen (Jeremiah 10:2, 2 Kings 17:15).

Drug abuse easily causes others to stumble. The children of drug abusers are more likely to follow in their parents footsteps. Scripture instructs as to avoid anything that may cause anybody else to stumble (Romans 14:21).

Scripture speaks against those that are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4).

People must choose what they love more God or pleasure. To love pleasure more than God is to commit idolatry, which is a sin for Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

People usually take drugs to seek peace, pleasure and joy. Scripture says that such things are only found through a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Scripture instructs us that rather than get drunk with wine, we should seek to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Getting high on the Most High, is a better high than any artificial substitute.

The altered state of consciousness that comes with being in an intoxicated state, is a false reality, where fact and fantasy become blurred. If you love the truth you will not love any form of falsehood including drug induced false realities. Christians are called people that love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and the Bible condemns those that love and practice lies (Revelation 22:15).

The mind is where most spiritual battles are fought, for the mind is a type of barrier between the spiritual and the natural realm. When demons attack, they attack the mind, they try and project evil thoughts into our mind, that is why we need the helmet of salvation to protect our minds (Ephesians 6:17).

Taking drugs can have serious spiritual side effects, for drugs may play a part in opening the soul to oppressive and deceptive demonic influences. It is said demons can only enter your soul if it is your will to let them in. Drugs can weaken your will, impair your judgement, and cloud your reasoning, and so make it easier for demons to convince you to let them in.

We are instructed to bring every thought and imagination under the authority of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5); drugs often cause people’s thoughts and imagination to run uncontrolled and wild. Scripture tells us we should focus our thoughts on things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, respectable, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

And that’s just for starters. I could go on, but I’'m just about out of characters.



In Christ–

~Spoken4

 

[mdrummer5]

As someone who grew up in a house full of potheads who’s quite sober I thought I’d give my $0.02.

I will not get into the moral implications as to whether or not it’s a sin for two reasons.

1. I’m not an expert on what constitutes a sin however,
2. even if I were Spoken4 gave an thorough enough explanation that I wouldn’t need to elaborate at all

I am unfortunately all too familiar with the physical effects. I will say that I don’t see it as being anymore harmful than alcohol it’s just harmful in different ways and while an unpopular opinion I do have mixed feelings on legalization. Someone gave an example of an auto wreck caused by someone who was high. Those cases are few and far between and you’ll find many more instances of drunk driving yet alcohol is legal. And as far as the “gateway drug” argument I would say that in my 31 years I’ve known more people who’ve smoked pot than who haven’t and I know of only two of them that ever even tried a harder drug and after doing so went right back to pot. The fact of the matter is that drug dealers who sell pot do not sell it in hopes of getting their buyer to try coke or heroine despite popular opinion. I’m not saying what they do is even remotely right… but it seems that a lot of assumptions are made on this topic without any first hand knowledge.

However, that’s not the question at hand. Take away the moral implications and look at one cold hard fact. Marijuana makes you stupid. Of the people I mention above most of them are very absent minded and will openly say that it’s because they’ve smoked themselves retarded with one exception. A very good friend of mine used to smoke a lot in high school and is one of the smartest people I know. But even he says “I wonder how smart I’d be if I hadn’t done that”.