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The Christian And Marijuana
by Micky Galloway
California has now legalized not only the medicinal use of marijuana, but also its recreational use. Even when I was in school, the dangers of marijuana were well known. “When smoked, marihuana quickly enters the bloodstream and acts on the brain and nervous system. It affects the user’s mood and thinking. Some scientists report that the drug accumulates in the liver … The more obvious physical reactions include rapid heartbeat, lowering of body temperature, and sometimes reddening of the eyes. The drug also changes blood sugar levels, stimulates the appetite, and dehydrates the body …” (Marihuana. Some Questions And Answers, Tract by Public Information Branch National Institute of Mental Health, Chevy Chase, MD 20015. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1969). Research has for a long time told us that marijuana use limits learning, memory, perception, judgment and motor skills, and it damages the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system. It is reported that children who use marijuana are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than non-marijuana users (The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University November 18, 1994).
The statistics are scary enough, but what does the Bible say? Obviously, the Bible does not mention marijuana by name, however, there are God given principles that tell us whether or not it is sinful. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians enumerated a concise list of the works of the flesh. Contained in that list is the Greek word, pharmakeia. It is translated “sorcery” in the American Standard Version. Pharmakeia is a form of the Greek root from which we get our English words pharmacy, pharmacist, and pharmaceutical. In the beginning, pharmakeia was a medical term; it had to do with the proper use of drugs. Later pharmakeia took on an entirely different meaning. William Barclay says that pharmakeia began “to denote the misuse of drugs, that is, the use of drugs to poison and not to cure” (Flesh And Spirit, page 36). In the New Testament, pharmakeia carried with it the idea of sorcery, occultism, and black magic. It is in this sense that Paul used the term in Galatians 5:20. When Paul spoke of pharmakeia, he certainly did not have in mind a woman riding a broom or any silly superstition. The apostle was speaking of the evil abuse of drugs. Pharmakeia (drug abuse) is a sin and like all sin, pharmakeia will enslave and ultimately ruin.
Paul wrote in Romans 13:12-14, “The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to (fulfil) the lusts (thereof).” He further said that we are to “live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). To live “soberly” signifies one who is of sound mind, or rational. It is defined, “to be free from the influence of intoxicants” (W.E. Vine).
Though such drugs as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. may make people feel good and provide a means of escape, that good feeling is only temporary. It doesn’t last. No matter how high we get, when it is over we still must come down to real life with its real problems.
What is God’s attitude toward pharmakeia in any form? “Those who practice such shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Now you answer the question, “Can a Christian use marijuana and please the Lord?”
Recreational Marijuana Use
by Joe R. Price
Washington and Colorado have legalized the possession and use of marijuana. Is pot smoking harmless? Is it approved by God? Christians need the clear teaching of God’s word on the recreational use of marijuana.
Marijuana is still a banned substance under federal law. Unfortunately, the U.S. Justice Dept. has taken a hands-off approach to enforcement. More states are working to legalize it. Remember, just because man legalizes an action does not mean God approves it (Acts 5:29, “we must obey God rather than men.”)
Marijuana harms those who use it. It is not harmless fun. “Marijuana smoke is actually more irritating to the mouth, throat, air passages, and lungs than tobacco smoke. What’s more, it contains 50 to 70 percent more cancer-provoking hydrocarbons. And pot-smokers tend to inhale deeply and hold their breath while smoking. As a result, long-term marijuana users, like their tobacco-puffing counterparts, are at higher risk than the general population not only for chronic lung disease but also for cancer of the upper respiratory tract and lungs” (http://family.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26192). “Long-term marijuana users are also known for developing a marked lack of motivation … Other research has linked marijuana use with poor overall job performance. This includes increased tardiness, absenteeism, accidents, and workers’ compensation claims” (Ibid). A Christian smoking pot is not pursuing “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (I Timothy 6:11). Smoking a “gateway drug” is not a godly example (cf. I Timothy 4:12).
The purpose of recreational marijuana use is to become intoxicated. People smoke pot to “get high.” This can be likened to drinking to get “buzzed.” “Marijuana is a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance under the Washington Uniform Controlled Substances Act” (http://norml.org/laws/item/washington-penalties-2). People smoke pot for its “mood-altering, mind-altering” effects. The gospel says not to be drunk, high or buzzed, but to be sober-minded (Ephesians 5:18; I Peter 4:3; Titus 2:6). Intoxication of the mind is the main point of recreational marijuana use. Social pot-smoking, like social drinking, is against the will of God.
(THE SPIRIT’S SWORD, Volume 16, Number 38, January 19, 2014)