Christianity and Cannabis
Everyone can agree that cannabis is a natural medicine. Some would even go as far to say that it is a natural medicine given to us by God. That claim is sure to spark a fierce debate among certain people, but let’s explore cannabis and Christianity.
Many in the Christian faith believe that cannabis is just another evil tool used by Satan to cripple families and shred the moral fabric of our society. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Pastors and staunch Christian parents to use the legality of marijuana as an argument in favor of prohibition. Since Reagan’s Christian conservative movement and the continually failed “War on Drugs,” the church has been mostly aligned with the federal government in its view of cannabis.
The Bible is stacked full of commands about compassionate, mercy, and healing. In fact, one Parable tells Christians that your willingness or failure to aid the sick is criteria that God considers in Judgement [Matthew 23]. Christians shouldn’t be so quick to judge someone that uses marijuana. People who consume cannabis are most likely doing it for medicinal benefits to treat ailments like anxiety, chronic pain, or even to combat cancer. Even Paul urged Timothy to indulge in a substance [wine] for the benefit of his health [Timothy 5:23].
A pro-cannabis legalization group in Texas called Genesis 1:29 uses their namesake Bible verse to defend the position that God created marijuana just as He created all the other herbs, trees, and fruit. They claim that God made this natural healing medicine but man made it illegal. That is an indisputable statement.
As legalization efforts sweep the nation, pro-pot groups now need the endorsement from Christian leaders and organizations. Having their blessing in places like Kansas and the Bible Belt states will help propel their efforts to end prohibition. The influential Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has spoken out against cannabis legalization. Pope Francis solidified the Catholic Church’s stance against marijuana and said that drug addition is evil. Yes, drug addiction is evil but lets not persecute those that use marijuana to relieve pain or subdue mental illnesses. Christian leaders have to stop putting cannabis consumers in the same category as heroin addicts.
As a Christian and a cannabis consumer, I have to say that consuming an edible or smoking a bowl takes me to a better place. It takes my mind off of the pain and allows me to focus on something else like my faith. Its hard to read a daily devotional when all you can think about is how bad your back hurts. Cannabis clears my mind from anxiety and depression — sometimes these thoughts work against my faith — but marijuana allows me to focus. I can’t speak for everyone, but I fully believe that cannabis makes it possible for me to see the world more clearly and get closer to God.
Craig Gross feels as though he was urged by God to share his message about Christianity accepting cannabis which is why he founded the website Christian Cannabis. The website came after his heart grew heavy thinking about the Christians that are suffering without access to medical marijuana. Again, Christianity teaches us to show mercy and compassion. Who are we to judge someone that would consume cannabis rather than take a dangerous opioid?
Nobody here is advocating that we worship a plant or place higher importance in a plant than we place in God. Cannabis isn’t a gateway drug like some would lead you to believe. Rather, I look at weed as a gateway to enlightenment. Pot can allow you to become more focused for exploring your inner mind and beliefs. There are strains that are perfect for a spiritual journey, perhaps even an awakening.
Nowhere in the Christian Bible does it say “though shalt not consume cannabis.” There are warnings against getting drunk [Ephesians 5:18]. God doesn’t want us to consume anything that leaves us with a lack of self control. I don’t think God would frown on someone who uses THC for medical reasons, even recreationally in moderation.
Honestly, this debate boils down to one thing: your own personal convictions. There is no hard evidence one way or another that God gave us cannabis to consume. I personally believe that He created this plant and He prefers to see us heal our bodies with a natural remedy that He gave us. Whether or not you support legalized marijuana in any form, we can all agree that it isn’t right to judge those that choose to consume cannabis for their own personal reasons.