Opinion: How Should Christians View Cannabis? What Does The Bible Say About Cannabis?
đ Seeking wisdom and grace in the complex conversation around cannabis? Let’s approach this issue with humility, discernment, and love. đż #MinnesotaChristians #CannabisAndChristians #BibleStudy
St. Paul, MN – With the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, Christians may be wondering how to approach this issue from a faith perspective. Cannabis is a complex topic.
A lot of states (like Minnesota) have been setting a legal precedent to allow cannabis use after carefully reviewing a plethora of documented experiences and empirical evidence. They’ve come to the conclusion that it can help with ailments like chronic pain or seizures and helps folks suffering from PTSD.
However, it also carries risks of dependence, altered mental states, and negative effects on cognition and motivation, especially in youth. So how might we view cannabis use through the lens of Scripture?
What Does the Bible Say About Cannabis?
The Bible does not explicitly mention cannabis. However, it does provide general wisdom and principles that can guide our thinking. On one hand, the Bible speaks of God giving us “every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth” (Genesis 1:29) and says that God causes plants to grow “for the service of man” (Psalm 104:14).
This suggests that God created plants, including cannabis, to benefit humanity. Indeed, many attest to the therapeutic value of cannabis in relieving their suffering. For some, it helps them cope with debilitating medical conditions so they can function and fulfill their roles. To the extent that cannabis can be used in good faith to alleviate pain and promote wellbeing, it may align with God’s intent for creation.
On the Other Hand…
On the other hand, the Bible cautions against intoxication and instructs us to remain sober-minded (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Peter 5:8). For some, cannabis can become an unhealthy escape or lead them to neglect their responsibilities. While the medical use of cannabis to treat legitimate health issues may be appropriate under professional supervision, the recreational use of cannabis purely to induce an altered mental state is more difficult to justify biblically. We are called to a life of sound judgment, moderation and self-control.
Thoughts on Different Thoughts
Ultimately, whether and how to use cannabis is a matter of personal conscience before God. Romans 14 acknowledges that Christians can arrive at different conclusions on disputable matters. What is important is that we each “be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5) and not violate our own conscience or cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Those who feel the freedom to use cannabis should not judge those who abstain, and those who abstain should not judge those who use it in good faith and moderation.
Our Unity is in Christ
As Christians, our unity is in Christ, not in uniformity on secondary issues (Ephesians 4:1-6). While we may disagree on cannabis, we can come together in humility, grace and love. We can have respectful dialogues, seek to understand each other’s perspectives, and support each other in living out our faith.
Above all, we look to God’s Word as our highest authority and to the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). By fixing our eyes on Jesus and abiding in Him, we can navigate this and every issue with wisdom, discernment and love.
Always Seek God’s Wisdom
In summary, a balanced Christian view might be that cannabis, like many of God’s creations, has the potential for both good and harm. The medical use of cannabis may be beneficial and justified in some cases, while recreational use to get high is more problematic.
As Christians, we should seek God’s wisdom, search the Scriptures, examine our motives, consider the impact of our actions, and follow our conscience. By approaching cannabis with humility, discernment, and love, we can honor God and love others well.
đŁ What are you thoughts on this issue? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. âŹď¸
