What does the Bible say about recreational marijuana?
Introduction. Starting January 1st, 2014, the recreational use of marijuana became legal in Colorado. The Denver Post newspaper has been covering this historic event heavily with front page prominence, largely in a positive manner. Many have compared it favorably to alcohol consumption with an attitude of it is OK to use either recreationally so long as you do it "responsibly". What does the Bible say about such things?
On January 2nd, the Denver Post ran an article in the "Lifestyle" section (after local news, national news, and sports) entitled "Teens and pot use: Parents, here's what you need to talk about" by Suzanne Brown. She begins the article with:
"Parents who have convinced their children that alcohol and tobacco are bad for them are likely struggling next with how to talk with their teens about marijuana — especially as it has become legal for adults to use recreationally in Colorado. The perceptions many teens — and often, their parents — have about pot are not only wrong, they can be dangerous, say medical and treatment professionals."
Let's look at some of her points from such professionals and compare them with what the Bible has to say.
Marijuana and addiction. Ms. Brown starts off by addressing the common misconception of "Pot isn't addictive - is it?":
"No scientist in the field would have any qualms about it being [called] addictive," says Dr. Paula Riggs, director of the Division of Substance Dependence at the University of Colorado-Denver's School of Psychiatry. "It has a similar effect on the brain reward system as other drugs of abuse like heroin or cocaine." ... "The studies are clear that one out of 11 adults who try marijuana will become dependent or addicted, while one out of six adolescents will become daily or near-daily users," Riggs says.
The Bible requires self-control and teaches against dependency (1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 2 Pet. 1: 6). Peter taught, "...for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Pet. 2: 19).
Marijuana and harmful effects. Ms. Brown continues to the misconception of "Isn't it basically harmless?":
"Riggs, who has recently begun a program treating students for substance abuse at Adams City High School, says ongoing research shows that pot is neurotoxic, or disruptive to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. ... Among the research Riggs cites is the Dunedin Study, in which more than 1,000 people were tracked over a 30-plus-year period. Those who used pot regularly as teens and young adults permanently shaved 6 points off their IQ scores.
Regarding those who smoke marijuana, Ms. Brown notes:
"A Mayo Clinic report published in 2006 and reported on in procon.org found that "marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. Marijuana smoke is commonly inhaled deeper and held longer than is tobacco smoke, increasing the lungs' exposure to carcinogens.""
Compare this with the Bible's admonition for us to take care of our bodies: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1)
Marijuana and mental impairment. "Isn't pot a good way to chill out?" is another misconception addressed by Ms. Brown:
"I talk about how it's associated with school failure, motivation, attention and learning. They get lower grades, are more likely to drop out and have lower salaries and job success." Using pot also increases the rates at which people engage in risky behaviors, such as unplanned sexual activity, and use of other intoxicants like alcohol and other drugs, Ziegler says (a counseling psychologist who runs The Child & Family Therapy Center at Lowry)."
The Bible repeatedly warns us to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes with our mental judgment (1 Thes. 5:6-8; Tit. 2: 2-6; 1 Pet. 1:13). As Peter warns "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
Marijuana and Peer Pressure. Finally, Ms. Brown addresses the oft repeated justification "Everyone is doing it, so why shouldn't I try it?":
"In the 2011-12 Colorado Healthy Kids Survey, 32 percent of 12th-graders reported using marijuana in the previous month. That means 68 percent didn't. "It's about prevention and building self-esteem so that kids as young as fifth and sixth grade know how to say no and stand up for themselves," Ziegler says."
Again, this is consistent with Biblical cautions against the "popular" road that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13), loving the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42), and following a multitude to do evil (Ex. 23:2). As Paul succinctly declares, "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”" (1 Cor. 15:33 NIV)
Conclusion. Although Ms. Brown's helpful article was primarily intended for parents of teenagers, the concerns expressed are generally applicable to people of all ages. Despite the latest rush to legalize marijuana, modern medical and treatment professionals legitimately recognize the dangers. But they are merely echoing God's wisdom expressed through the Bible roughly 2000 years ago: DANGER - STAY AWAY!
Addendum. For professing Christians, there are some additional relevant points from the Bible unrelated to Ms. Brown's article:
On January 2nd, the Denver Post ran an article in the "Lifestyle" section (after local news, national news, and sports) entitled "Teens and pot use: Parents, here's what you need to talk about" by Suzanne Brown. She begins the article with:
"Parents who have convinced their children that alcohol and tobacco are bad for them are likely struggling next with how to talk with their teens about marijuana — especially as it has become legal for adults to use recreationally in Colorado. The perceptions many teens — and often, their parents — have about pot are not only wrong, they can be dangerous, say medical and treatment professionals."
Let's look at some of her points from such professionals and compare them with what the Bible has to say.
Marijuana and addiction. Ms. Brown starts off by addressing the common misconception of "Pot isn't addictive - is it?":
"No scientist in the field would have any qualms about it being [called] addictive," says Dr. Paula Riggs, director of the Division of Substance Dependence at the University of Colorado-Denver's School of Psychiatry. "It has a similar effect on the brain reward system as other drugs of abuse like heroin or cocaine." ... "The studies are clear that one out of 11 adults who try marijuana will become dependent or addicted, while one out of six adolescents will become daily or near-daily users," Riggs says.
The Bible requires self-control and teaches against dependency (1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 2 Pet. 1: 6). Peter taught, "...for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Pet. 2: 19).
Marijuana and harmful effects. Ms. Brown continues to the misconception of "Isn't it basically harmless?":
"Riggs, who has recently begun a program treating students for substance abuse at Adams City High School, says ongoing research shows that pot is neurotoxic, or disruptive to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. ... Among the research Riggs cites is the Dunedin Study, in which more than 1,000 people were tracked over a 30-plus-year period. Those who used pot regularly as teens and young adults permanently shaved 6 points off their IQ scores.
Regarding those who smoke marijuana, Ms. Brown notes:
"A Mayo Clinic report published in 2006 and reported on in procon.org found that "marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. Marijuana smoke is commonly inhaled deeper and held longer than is tobacco smoke, increasing the lungs' exposure to carcinogens.""
Compare this with the Bible's admonition for us to take care of our bodies: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1)
Marijuana and mental impairment. "Isn't pot a good way to chill out?" is another misconception addressed by Ms. Brown:
"I talk about how it's associated with school failure, motivation, attention and learning. They get lower grades, are more likely to drop out and have lower salaries and job success." Using pot also increases the rates at which people engage in risky behaviors, such as unplanned sexual activity, and use of other intoxicants like alcohol and other drugs, Ziegler says (a counseling psychologist who runs The Child & Family Therapy Center at Lowry)."
The Bible repeatedly warns us to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes with our mental judgment (1 Thes. 5:6-8; Tit. 2: 2-6; 1 Pet. 1:13). As Peter warns "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
Marijuana and Peer Pressure. Finally, Ms. Brown addresses the oft repeated justification "Everyone is doing it, so why shouldn't I try it?":
"In the 2011-12 Colorado Healthy Kids Survey, 32 percent of 12th-graders reported using marijuana in the previous month. That means 68 percent didn't. "It's about prevention and building self-esteem so that kids as young as fifth and sixth grade know how to say no and stand up for themselves," Ziegler says."
Again, this is consistent with Biblical cautions against the "popular" road that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13), loving the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42), and following a multitude to do evil (Ex. 23:2). As Paul succinctly declares, "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”" (1 Cor. 15:33 NIV)
Conclusion. Although Ms. Brown's helpful article was primarily intended for parents of teenagers, the concerns expressed are generally applicable to people of all ages. Despite the latest rush to legalize marijuana, modern medical and treatment professionals legitimately recognize the dangers. But they are merely echoing God's wisdom expressed through the Bible roughly 2000 years ago: DANGER - STAY AWAY!
Addendum. For professing Christians, there are some additional relevant points from the Bible unrelated to Ms. Brown's article:
- While now legal in Colorado, recreational marijuana use is still illegal at the Federal level (for the time being). Consumption would violate civil law which would be a sin according to Rom. 13:1-7 and 1 Pet. 2:13-15.
- Recreational marijuana use is still viewed by many people with negative connotations (e.g., "stoners", "dopers", "potheads"). Consider the negative influence an alleged "Christian" stoner would have in violation of passages like Matt. 5:13-16; 2 Cor. 8:21; and 1 Pet. 2:11-12.