Note:
This comment is a response to our article (Does Scripture Support the Use of Marijuana?) so if you need some context, read it.
I wanted to point out first that hemp and cannabis are closely related; however, they are not the same plant. I am a Christian, and I do not use this term loosely either. My God and I have time together everyday to discuss my life, the direction for it, and his will. I am also a mother of 5 children. You use the term drug to define a plant, but who first named it a drug? The government. You also should read why it was outlawed and how big business had a hand in it. You should also read about how it was used for centuries before 1938 when it was outlawed. Hemp has over fifty thousand different uses that are not associated with smoking it, yet that was not recognized in any of your writing. Hemp is criminalized also and with Cannabis and Hemp does not even have the psychoactive properties of Cannabis. Hemp is a green product that could revolutionize the way our planet operates. We could use it to power our electricity, it can be organically grown, and it renews the top soil with every season(debunking your "some soil is bad theory"). Why would it have so many uses if it was a horrible plant?
People use the Cannabis plant to relieve pain and stress, as well as for more serious illness and there is scientific proof that it has helped like no other DRUG (which is what are pharmacy hands out). This plant could make our world a better place. Our people are cutting down our trees (hemp yeilds 4 times as much paper as trees), speeding up global warming (growing this plant could reverse the effects), and injecting chemicals into the ground (FRACing) to obtain natural gas (we can make fuel from hemp). I understand that some people do abuse this plant, however that should not discredit all of the abilities it has. Some studies dating back to the 1970s state that this plant may even have the ability to cure some types of cancer (Rick Simpson-Run From The Cure) This plant is non-toxic, has no long term effects, and has never killed one person. That's more than can be said about alcohol, which you compare it to. Also, in the Bible, it states that you may drink, but not get drunk. It is possible to fuction on cannabis. Do not be close-minded and do some research before you say it is bad for everyone, all the time.
~ Tim's Answer ~
Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts. From our perspective, the real issue is not cannabis, but Christ. How do we fulfill the calling of Jesus to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him (Luke 9:43)? We are not our own, but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). Therefore, our calling is to seek to glorify Jesus with our bodies and with our spirits, which belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:20).
However, we also need to be on the guard against deception. Sometimes, the things we think are within our rights to do are the very things that lead us away from Christ. The evidence for me of whether marijuana is good comes in the results I have seen in the lives of people. I have seen many people who have used marijuana. Every one of them has suffered from depression. I know that people who do not use marijuana also suffer from depression. But the high correlation of marijuana use and depression seems to suggest that the plant is not helpful to the individual or to the kingdom of Christ. I personally have never seen a case where marijuana use has transformed users into spiritual giants of intercessory prayer or has made them great proclaimers of Jesus Christ. They often become missionaries of marijuana rather than missionaries of Christ. And I know many believers who have found marijuana to be a huge impediment to their spiritual walk. When they stopped using marijuana and turned wholly to Christ, they discovered a life with Christ that was truly abundant, full of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, and self-control, the fruit of the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22). But these are my experiences. Perhaps your experiences are different.
As followers of Jesus, we are told that our lives may not be easy. But we can be set apart to God through the Word of God (John 17:17). We are encouraged to meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). We are encouraged to pray for others (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are told to keep our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 13:2). We are told to love Him with all of our heart and all of our soul (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Christian life is not complicated. It is a life desiring to be with Jesus, to be guided by His Holy Spirit in all things, and to surrender our wills to His.
May you find in Him your complete satisfaction and joy. May He be the word on your lips and the thought of your heart. And may your love for Him lead you in being the best mother to your children, friend to your neighbors, help to those in need, and encouragement to those who are discouraged. May you become a pillar for Christ in your world.
tim
