To better understand what I said above, I’d recommend reading the three series stapled in the sidebar. They lay a fair bit of groundwork which will help to answer questions you may have. I’m sure they will in turn provoke more questions, as they’re by no means comprehensive, so feel free to ask for clarification where necessary.

Regarding marijuana, I haven’t studied this issue in much depth, so I can’t give you a fully-formulated answer. I’m not familiar with any specific instances of drug use in the Bible; if it is mentioned, it is under a different name than marijuana or cannabis (hemp isn’t mentioned either).

Given my lack of investigation, I will only offer the following principles regarding using marijuana, since hard rules would require further study to formulate:

Marijuana is a pretty mild drug. I myself have used it a few times in my pre-Christian days. It is arguably much less negative a drug than alcohol, and we know that alcohol is by no means prohibited in Scripture. Quite the contrary: the Lord’s supper consists of bread and wine, which by definition is an alcoholic drink. Wine was in biblical times, as it is now, a common element of social dining, and Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2).

However, the Bible is also clear in condemning the overuse of alcohol: ie, it teaches against drunkeness. Proverbs 23:20 instructs us to “be not among drunkards”, and the Hebrew phrase can be literally translated “those who drink too much wine.” Obviously, the problem is not with drinking the wine itself, but with the quantity. We can therefore conclude that drinking with the sensual intent of becoming drunk is sinful.

So similarly, Paul writes in Romans 13:12-14:

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As with those who over-indulge in drink, it seems reasonable to say that those who take marijuana recreationally are doing so in order to provoke a sensual reaction within themselves. They are indulging their flesh. Now obviously there are those who take marijuana for medical reasons, and if there truly is a legitimate instance where marijuana is the best treatment then that ought to be evaluated differently. But by and large, in my own experience at least, marijuana is not taken in the same way that wine can be taken at a dinner without anyone becoming drunk; rather, the point of marijuana is similar to the point of drinking to excess: to evoke an altered state of mind. This certainly is sinful.

But even if this is not the case, consider the impression that marijuana creates. Any drugs tend to be associated with the less savory element of society; and with unbiblical ideologies (notably hippie-type movements), and with sensuality, violence, and crime. In spiritual arenas they are also most certainly associated with rituals which are easily described as Satanic (such as, for example, Native American vision quests). Given the strongly negative stigma attached to drugs, and the exhortation to not conform ourselves to the world, but to be a light to it, we must take seriously our approach to drugs. Even if you believe there is biblical leeway for taking marijuana, you must consider first the impression it will give others. Remember Paul’s advice: “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble” (Rom 14:21); and, “Therefore, if food [or anything, we may surmise] makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Cor 8:13).

It is important to take into account the effect your actions can have on other Christians, or even on non-Christians to whom you are witnessing. Although you might find some leeway in the Bible, and in your conscience, for taking marijuana, the proper approach is not to tread as close to sin as possible without crossing the line (that would result in legalism such as evidenced by the Pharisees). Rather, you should stay as far from sin as possible, so that no one could possibly accuse you, justified or not; and so that no one can be caused to stumble.

Remember also that all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. We should not be enslaved by anything (1 Cor 6:12). Drugs of any kind can be addictive (marijuana not generally physically, but certainly psychologically). We should least of all, then, be enslaved to something which is largely stigmatized and considered unquestionably sinful by most Christians. So although all things are lawful, remember that not all things build up. “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Cor 10:23-24).

Hopefully this offers a brief perspective on the biblical principles you should be applying in making a decision regarding marijuana use. If it is you yourself who is using it, or thinking of using it, I would personally advise against it, because it is at best morally suspect, will likely cause other Christians to stumble, and will weaken your own testimony in the eyes of non-believers. If it is another Christian, perhaps they may find this post helpful if you show it to them. Or, if it is an unbeliever, remember that taking marijuana is among the least of their sins!

Regards in Christ,
Bnonn

Just researching different views of Christianity and came across your comments to theresa on “debunking Christianity”. I really like what you said, although I didn’t quite understand all of it because I’m obviously not as well educated as you. I believe in Jesus, but I do admit, sometimes I think I might be crazy, and just talking to my four walls. Since you seem to know so much about the Bible and Christianity, I as a Christian am wondering what you think of marijuana usage and do you know of any reference to it in the Bible?