Medical marijuana - what does the Bible say?
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CENTRO ANTI-BLASFEMIA
Aug 5, 2010, 8:36:49 AM8/5/10
to ANTI-BLASPHEMY CENTRAL
Medical marijuana - what does the Bible say?
Question: "Medical marijuana - what does the Bible say?"
Answer: There is no definitive biblical answer to the question of
whether Christians should use medical marijuana, because marijuana for
medicinal use is not addressed in the Bible. However, after a review
of certain clear biblical principles, the answer to the question
becomes more clear.
First, although many states have legalized medical marijuana, its use
is still illegal according to federal law. Paul exhorts us to obey the
law of the land under our government in this way: “Everyone must
submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have
been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the
authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
In addition to the fact that it is illegal, smoking marijuana can be
extremely harmful to your health. The most potent argument against the
use of marijuana to treat medical disorders is that marijuana may
cause the acceleration or aggravation of the very disorders it is
being used to treat. Smoking marijuana regularly (a joint a day) can
damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body
against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune
cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. For
patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase
in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including
pneumonia, which often proves fatal in AIDS patients. This study
suggests that the use of marijuana as a medical therapy can and does
have a very serious negative effect on patients with pre-existing
immune deficits from AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer
chemotherapy, the very conditions for which marijuana has most often
been suggested as a treatment.
Another study indicated that a marijuana user's risk of heart attack
more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The
researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's
effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying
capacity of blood. Additionally, the smoke from cannabis—the plant
from which marijuana is derived—contains compounds that can damage DNA
and increase the risk of cancer just like tobacco smoke according to a
recent study from the United Kingdom. In laboratory tests, Rajinder
Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain
carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those
found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could
possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers
usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers. Researchers found
that the smoking of three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is
associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membranes
as 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day. In truth, marijuana causes
short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking
and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle
strength, increased heart rate and anxiety – and that’s just for
starters. According to the Mayo Clinic, marijuana smoke contains 50 to
70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has
the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.
Clearly this is contradictory to the biblical mandate to keep our
bodies pure. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your
body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
In short, although there remains much research to be done in this
area, there are plenty of studies that indicate seriously deleterious
effects of marijuana on the body. The pain controlling or analgesic
effect of marijuana is roughly comparable to that of codeine,
according to the DEA. However, the effect is potentiated due to the
neuropsychiatric "high" feeling or euphoria that occurs when marijuana
enters the bloodstream. But marijuana is no panacea. A recent study
shows that high doses can actually increase pain. There is a
therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective,
medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain.
It is important to note that researchers also found a significant
correlation between increasing marijuana use and drowsiness, loss of
control over thought and action, and transient depression and
paranoia.
The Bible teaches Christians to be sound of mind. "Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Greek word
translated as "sober" is nepho, which literally means "drink no wine."
From this it derived a broader meaning being self-controlled, free of
confusion, clear headed, sound of mind, or keeping your head. From
this verse, we can see that Christians are to avoid intoxicants that
impair clear thinking. Marijuana certainly seems to cloud thinking and
reaction time. According to the Kaiser study, daily marijuana users
have a 30 percent higher risk of injuries, presumably from accidents.
A survey of 1,023 emergency room trauma patients in Baltimore found
that more than 34 percent were under the influence of marijuana. And a
2005 study showed people who drive after using marijuana are almost
twice as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.
Additionally, clouded thinking can lead to questionable moral choices.
Habakkuk warns, "Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in
your venom even to make them drunk so as to look on their
nakedness!" (Habakkuk 2:15). The reference to "mix in your venom" is
the ancient practice of adding herbs (or drugs) to wine to make its
intoxicating effects more potent. Christians have a hard enough time
battling temptations without making Satan's job easier by taking drugs
that alter one's judgment and self-control. Use of intoxicants has
also been closely associated with witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible.
The Greek word pharmakeia literally means "to administer drugs." As
with our English word "drugs," the context must be considered to
determine the meaning. In biblical times, pagans incorporated the use
of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness, during which they
supposedly communed with their gods. This would be similar to the
modern-day practice of voodoo. The apostles strongly condemned the use
of such drugs to produce altered mind states because they lowered
inhibitions and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:20-21;
21:8; 22:15). The Christian disciplines his body and keeps it under
control (1 Corinthians 9:27), so that he is able to set his mind on
things above (Colossians 3:2).
We must also consider the impact that the use of marijuana could have
on others. A person smoking marijuana may be encouraging someone else,
who may not have a medical justification, to use marijuana as well.
Anyone who truly wants to know the effects of legalizing medicinal
marijuana need look no further than California, where Proposition 215
passed in 1996. The law was written to target "seriously ill"
Californians, but the state’s Police Chiefs Association reports that
marijuana use by healthy youth and adults is "at epidemic levels."
Police officers regularly find parolees, probationers and gang members
in possession of both marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. Even more
disturbing are children possessing physician recommendations and
routinely using marijuana. One unintended consequence of medical
marijuana is the promotion of its use by those who are not "seriously
ill." As Christians, we are called to avoid not only sin, but also any
activity that make cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to sin (1
Corinthians 8:9-13).
Finally, Satan is the great justifier. He always wants to help us
rationalize and justify sinning against God, almost making it seem
like the right thing to do. The same games people play in using the
Bible to try to justify many other sinful activities can used to
justify smoking pot. Taking verses out of context, stating a verse
means one thing when it clearly means another, making assumptions the
Word does not support, are all tricks the enemy will use to try to
justify smoking marijuana. We must never forget that Satan is a liar.
We must guard against these tactics in our own lives. Over 90% of the
marijuana used currently in this country is for recreational use.
Although many of those users have medical marijuana cards, in many
cases their marijuana has been prescribed by practitioners who are
employed by the dispensaries, have never examined the patient, are not
qualified to treat the conditions for which the marijuana is being
prescribed, and who have done nothing to validate the medical
necessity of the prescription. Although many people may be deceived by
such practices, God is not deceived. He will not be mocked (Galatians
6:7).
Recommended Resource: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook,
Updated and Expanded by Dr. Walt Larimore.
http://www.gotquestions.org/medical-marijuana.html
Question: "Medical marijuana - what does the Bible say?"
Answer: There is no definitive biblical answer to the question of
whether Christians should use medical marijuana, because marijuana for
medicinal use is not addressed in the Bible. However, after a review
of certain clear biblical principles, the answer to the question
becomes more clear.
First, although many states have legalized medical marijuana, its use
is still illegal according to federal law. Paul exhorts us to obey the
law of the land under our government in this way: “Everyone must
submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have
been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the
authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
In addition to the fact that it is illegal, smoking marijuana can be
extremely harmful to your health. The most potent argument against the
use of marijuana to treat medical disorders is that marijuana may
cause the acceleration or aggravation of the very disorders it is
being used to treat. Smoking marijuana regularly (a joint a day) can
damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body
against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune
cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. For
patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase
in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including
pneumonia, which often proves fatal in AIDS patients. This study
suggests that the use of marijuana as a medical therapy can and does
have a very serious negative effect on patients with pre-existing
immune deficits from AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer
chemotherapy, the very conditions for which marijuana has most often
been suggested as a treatment.
Another study indicated that a marijuana user's risk of heart attack
more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The
researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's
effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying
capacity of blood. Additionally, the smoke from cannabis—the plant
from which marijuana is derived—contains compounds that can damage DNA
and increase the risk of cancer just like tobacco smoke according to a
recent study from the United Kingdom. In laboratory tests, Rajinder
Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain
carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those
found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could
possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers
usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers. Researchers found
that the smoking of three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is
associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membranes
as 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day. In truth, marijuana causes
short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking
and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle
strength, increased heart rate and anxiety – and that’s just for
starters. According to the Mayo Clinic, marijuana smoke contains 50 to
70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has
the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.
Clearly this is contradictory to the biblical mandate to keep our
bodies pure. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your
body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
In short, although there remains much research to be done in this
area, there are plenty of studies that indicate seriously deleterious
effects of marijuana on the body. The pain controlling or analgesic
effect of marijuana is roughly comparable to that of codeine,
according to the DEA. However, the effect is potentiated due to the
neuropsychiatric "high" feeling or euphoria that occurs when marijuana
enters the bloodstream. But marijuana is no panacea. A recent study
shows that high doses can actually increase pain. There is a
therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective,
medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain.
It is important to note that researchers also found a significant
correlation between increasing marijuana use and drowsiness, loss of
control over thought and action, and transient depression and
paranoia.
The Bible teaches Christians to be sound of mind. "Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Greek word
translated as "sober" is nepho, which literally means "drink no wine."
From this it derived a broader meaning being self-controlled, free of
confusion, clear headed, sound of mind, or keeping your head. From
this verse, we can see that Christians are to avoid intoxicants that
impair clear thinking. Marijuana certainly seems to cloud thinking and
reaction time. According to the Kaiser study, daily marijuana users
have a 30 percent higher risk of injuries, presumably from accidents.
A survey of 1,023 emergency room trauma patients in Baltimore found
that more than 34 percent were under the influence of marijuana. And a
2005 study showed people who drive after using marijuana are almost
twice as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.
Additionally, clouded thinking can lead to questionable moral choices.
Habakkuk warns, "Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in
your venom even to make them drunk so as to look on their
nakedness!" (Habakkuk 2:15). The reference to "mix in your venom" is
the ancient practice of adding herbs (or drugs) to wine to make its
intoxicating effects more potent. Christians have a hard enough time
battling temptations without making Satan's job easier by taking drugs
that alter one's judgment and self-control. Use of intoxicants has
also been closely associated with witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible.
The Greek word pharmakeia literally means "to administer drugs." As
with our English word "drugs," the context must be considered to
determine the meaning. In biblical times, pagans incorporated the use
of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness, during which they
supposedly communed with their gods. This would be similar to the
modern-day practice of voodoo. The apostles strongly condemned the use
of such drugs to produce altered mind states because they lowered
inhibitions and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:20-21;
21:8; 22:15). The Christian disciplines his body and keeps it under
control (1 Corinthians 9:27), so that he is able to set his mind on
things above (Colossians 3:2).
We must also consider the impact that the use of marijuana could have
on others. A person smoking marijuana may be encouraging someone else,
who may not have a medical justification, to use marijuana as well.
Anyone who truly wants to know the effects of legalizing medicinal
marijuana need look no further than California, where Proposition 215
passed in 1996. The law was written to target "seriously ill"
Californians, but the state’s Police Chiefs Association reports that
marijuana use by healthy youth and adults is "at epidemic levels."
Police officers regularly find parolees, probationers and gang members
in possession of both marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. Even more
disturbing are children possessing physician recommendations and
routinely using marijuana. One unintended consequence of medical
marijuana is the promotion of its use by those who are not "seriously
ill." As Christians, we are called to avoid not only sin, but also any
activity that make cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to sin (1
Corinthians 8:9-13).
Finally, Satan is the great justifier. He always wants to help us
rationalize and justify sinning against God, almost making it seem
like the right thing to do. The same games people play in using the
Bible to try to justify many other sinful activities can used to
justify smoking pot. Taking verses out of context, stating a verse
means one thing when it clearly means another, making assumptions the
Word does not support, are all tricks the enemy will use to try to
justify smoking marijuana. We must never forget that Satan is a liar.
We must guard against these tactics in our own lives. Over 90% of the
marijuana used currently in this country is for recreational use.
Although many of those users have medical marijuana cards, in many
cases their marijuana has been prescribed by practitioners who are
employed by the dispensaries, have never examined the patient, are not
qualified to treat the conditions for which the marijuana is being
prescribed, and who have done nothing to validate the medical
necessity of the prescription. Although many people may be deceived by
such practices, God is not deceived. He will not be mocked (Galatians
6:7).
Recommended Resource: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook,
Updated and Expanded by Dr. Walt Larimore.
http://www.gotquestions.org/medical-marijuana.html
MMBC
Aug 16, 2010, 9:03:52 AM8/16/10
to ANTI-BLASPHEMY CENTRAL
I'm thinking like the talking donkey in the old testament that God
might want to use me to tell you to lose the focus on "bad" behavior
and the "tricks of the enemy" and get on with the job of doing what is
right. NOTHING happens outside of His will, even the sending of this
message.
On Aug 5, 5:36 am, CENTRO ANTI-BLASFEMIA <mir73la...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Medicalmarijuana- what does the Bible say?
> Question: "Medicalmarijuana- what does the Bible say?"
> more than quadruples in the first hour after smokingmarijuana. The
> researchers suggest that such an effect might occur frommarijuana's
> effect ofmarijuanais roughly comparable to that of codeine,
> 2005 study showed people who drive after usingmarijuanaare almost
> on others. A person smokingmarijuanamay be encouraging someone else,
> who may not have amedicaljustification, to usemarijuanaas well.
> Anyone who truly wants to know the effects of legalizing medicinalmarijuananeed look no further than California, where Proposition 215
> We must guard against these tactics in our own lives. Over 90% of themarijuanaused currently in this country is for recreational use.
might want to use me to tell you to lose the focus on "bad" behavior
and the "tricks of the enemy" and get on with the job of doing what is
right. NOTHING happens outside of His will, even the sending of this
message.
On Aug 5, 5:36 am, CENTRO ANTI-BLASFEMIA <mir73la...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Medicalmarijuana- what does the Bible say?
> Question: "Medicalmarijuana- what does the Bible say?"
>
> Answer: There is no definitive biblical answer to the question of
> whether Christians should usemedicalmarijuana, becausemarijuanafor
> medicinal use is not addressed in the Bible. However, after a review
> of certain clear biblical principles, the answer to the question
> becomes more clear.
>
> First, although many states have legalizedmedicalmarijuana, its use
> Answer: There is no definitive biblical answer to the question of
> whether Christians should usemedicalmarijuana, becausemarijuanafor
> medicinal use is not addressed in the Bible. However, after a review
> of certain clear biblical principles, the answer to the question
> becomes more clear.
>
> is still illegal according to federal law. Paul exhorts us to obey the
> law of the land under our government in this way: “Everyone must
> submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
> except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have
> been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the
> authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
> do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
>
> In addition to the fact that it is illegal, smokingmarijuanacan be
> law of the land under our government in this way: “Everyone must
> submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
> except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have
> been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the
> authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
> do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
>
> extremely harmful to your health. The most potent argument against the
> use ofmarijuanato treatmedicaldisorders is thatmarijuanamay
> cause the acceleration or aggravation of the very disorders it is
> being used to treat. Smokingmarijuanaregularly (a joint a day) can
> use ofmarijuanato treatmedicaldisorders is thatmarijuanamay
> cause the acceleration or aggravation of the very disorders it is
> damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body
> against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune
> cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. For
> patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase
> in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including
> pneumonia, which often proves fatal in AIDS patients. This study
> suggests that the use ofmarijuanaas amedicaltherapy can and does
> against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune
> cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. For
> patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase
> in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including
> pneumonia, which often proves fatal in AIDS patients. This study
> have a very serious negative effect on patients with pre-existing
> immune deficits from AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer
> chemotherapy, the very conditions for whichmarijuanahas most often
> immune deficits from AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer
> been suggested as a treatment.
>
> Another study indicated that amarijuanauser's risk of heart attack
>
> more than quadruples in the first hour after smokingmarijuana. The
> researchers suggest that such an effect might occur frommarijuana's
> effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying
> capacity of blood. Additionally, the smoke from cannabis—the plant
> from whichmarijuanais derived—contains compounds that can damage DNA
> capacity of blood. Additionally, the smoke from cannabis—the plant
> and increase the risk of cancer just like tobacco smoke according to a
> recent study from the United Kingdom. In laboratory tests, Rajinder
> Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain
> carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those
> found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could
> possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers
> usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers. Researchers found
> that the smoking of three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is
> associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membranes
> as 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day. In truth,marijuanacauses
> short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking
> and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle
> strength, increased heart rate and anxiety – and that’s just for
> starters. According to the Mayo Clinic,marijuanasmoke contains 50 to
> recent study from the United Kingdom. In laboratory tests, Rajinder
> Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain
> carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those
> found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could
> possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers
> usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers. Researchers found
> that the smoking of three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is
> associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membranes
> as 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day. In truth,marijuanacauses
> short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking
> and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle
> strength, increased heart rate and anxiety – and that’s just for
> 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has
> the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.
> Clearly this is contradictory to the biblical mandate to keep our
> bodies pure. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
> Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
> your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your
> body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
>
> In short, although there remains much research to be done in this
> area, there are plenty of studies that indicate seriously deleterious
> effects ofmarijuanaon the body. The pain controlling or analgesic
> the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.
> Clearly this is contradictory to the biblical mandate to keep our
> bodies pure. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
> Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
> your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your
> body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
>
> In short, although there remains much research to be done in this
> area, there are plenty of studies that indicate seriously deleterious
> effect ofmarijuanais roughly comparable to that of codeine,
> according to the DEA. However, the effect is potentiated due to the
> neuropsychiatric "high" feeling or euphoria that occurs whenmarijuana
> enters the bloodstream. Butmarijuanais no panacea. A recent study
> neuropsychiatric "high" feeling or euphoria that occurs whenmarijuana
> shows that high doses can actually increase pain. There is a
> therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective,
> medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain.
> It is important to note that researchers also found a significant
> correlation between increasingmarijuanause and drowsiness, loss of
> therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective,
> medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain.
> It is important to note that researchers also found a significant
> control over thought and action, and transient depression and
> paranoia.
>
> The Bible teaches Christians to be sound of mind. "Be sober, be
> vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
> lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Greek word
> translated as "sober" is nepho, which literally means "drink no wine."
> From this it derived a broader meaning being self-controlled, free of
> confusion, clear headed, sound of mind, or keeping your head. From
> this verse, we can see that Christians are to avoid intoxicants that
> impair clear thinking.Marijuanacertainly seems to cloud thinking and
> paranoia.
>
> The Bible teaches Christians to be sound of mind. "Be sober, be
> vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
> lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Greek word
> translated as "sober" is nepho, which literally means "drink no wine."
> From this it derived a broader meaning being self-controlled, free of
> confusion, clear headed, sound of mind, or keeping your head. From
> this verse, we can see that Christians are to avoid intoxicants that
> reaction time. According to the Kaiser study, dailymarijuanausers
> have a 30 percent higher risk of injuries, presumably from accidents.
> A survey of 1,023 emergency room trauma patients in Baltimore found
> that more than 34 percent were under the influence ofmarijuana. And a
> have a 30 percent higher risk of injuries, presumably from accidents.
> A survey of 1,023 emergency room trauma patients in Baltimore found
> 2005 study showed people who drive after usingmarijuanaare almost
> twice as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.
>
> Additionally, clouded thinking can lead to questionable moral choices.
> Habakkuk warns, "Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in
> your venom even to make them drunk so as to look on their
> nakedness!" (Habakkuk 2:15). The reference to "mix in your venom" is
> the ancient practice of adding herbs (or drugs) to wine to make its
> intoxicating effects more potent. Christians have a hard enough time
> battling temptations without making Satan's job easier by taking drugs
> that alter one's judgment and self-control. Use of intoxicants has
> also been closely associated with witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible.
> The Greek word pharmakeia literally means "to administer drugs." As
> with our English word "drugs," the context must be considered to
> determine the meaning. In biblical times, pagans incorporated the use
> of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness, during which they
> supposedly communed with their gods. This would be similar to the
> modern-day practice of voodoo. The apostles strongly condemned the use
> of such drugs to produce altered mind states because they lowered
> inhibitions and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:20-21;
> 21:8; 22:15). The Christian disciplines his body and keeps it under
> control (1 Corinthians 9:27), so that he is able to set his mind on
> things above (Colossians 3:2).
>
> We must also consider the impact that the use ofmarijuanacould have
>
> Additionally, clouded thinking can lead to questionable moral choices.
> Habakkuk warns, "Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in
> your venom even to make them drunk so as to look on their
> nakedness!" (Habakkuk 2:15). The reference to "mix in your venom" is
> the ancient practice of adding herbs (or drugs) to wine to make its
> intoxicating effects more potent. Christians have a hard enough time
> battling temptations without making Satan's job easier by taking drugs
> that alter one's judgment and self-control. Use of intoxicants has
> also been closely associated with witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible.
> The Greek word pharmakeia literally means "to administer drugs." As
> with our English word "drugs," the context must be considered to
> determine the meaning. In biblical times, pagans incorporated the use
> of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness, during which they
> supposedly communed with their gods. This would be similar to the
> modern-day practice of voodoo. The apostles strongly condemned the use
> of such drugs to produce altered mind states because they lowered
> inhibitions and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:20-21;
> 21:8; 22:15). The Christian disciplines his body and keeps it under
> control (1 Corinthians 9:27), so that he is able to set his mind on
> things above (Colossians 3:2).
>
> on others. A person smokingmarijuanamay be encouraging someone else,
> who may not have amedicaljustification, to usemarijuanaas well.
> Anyone who truly wants to know the effects of legalizing medicinalmarijuananeed look no further than California, where Proposition 215
> passed in 1996. The law was written to target "seriously ill"
> Californians, but the state’s Police Chiefs Association reports thatmarijuanause by healthy youth and adults is "at epidemic levels."
> Police officers regularly find parolees, probationers and gang members
> in possession of bothmarijuanaandmarijuanaparaphernalia. Even more
> disturbing are children possessing physician recommendations and
> routinely usingmarijuana. One unintended consequence ofmedicalmarijuanais the promotion of its use by those who are not "seriously
> ill." As Christians, we are called to avoid not only sin, but also any
> activity that make cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to sin (1
> Corinthians 8:9-13).
>
> Finally, Satan is the great justifier. He always wants to help us
> rationalize and justify sinning against God, almost making it seem
> like the right thing to do. The same games people play in using the
> Bible to try to justify many other sinful activities can used to
> justify smoking pot. Taking verses out of context, stating a verse
> means one thing when it clearly means another, making assumptions the
> Word does not support, are all tricks the enemy will use to try to
> justify smokingmarijuana. We must never forget that Satan is a liar.
> activity that make cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to sin (1
> Corinthians 8:9-13).
>
> Finally, Satan is the great justifier. He always wants to help us
> rationalize and justify sinning against God, almost making it seem
> like the right thing to do. The same games people play in using the
> Bible to try to justify many other sinful activities can used to
> justify smoking pot. Taking verses out of context, stating a verse
> means one thing when it clearly means another, making assumptions the
> Word does not support, are all tricks the enemy will use to try to
> We must guard against these tactics in our own lives. Over 90% of themarijuanaused currently in this country is for recreational use.
> Although many of those users havemedicalmarijuanacards, in many
> cases theirmarijuanahas been prescribed by practitioners who are
> employed by the dispensaries, have never examined the patient, are not
> qualified to treat the conditions for which themarijuanais being
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