What’s your interpretation of how using marijuana is depicted in the Bible?
There is no specific or clear biblical answer to this question so we have to use Scriptures to guide us. As with any issue on which the Bible is silent, we should exercise caution to not over-interpret Scriptures and be cautious of not being judgmental of others. That being said, there are some Scriptures that can guide us. Personally, a Scripture that comes to mind is in Ephesians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul is teaching the church in ancient Ephesus. He’s been teaching them about God’s way, and in Ephesians 5, starting at verse 17, he’s summing things up, and he has this great description: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” So, live a life where you’re trying to please God and you understand his will. Verse 18 tells us, “Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the Spirit.” …anyone who says something to the effect of, “Cannabis is not listed in the Bible, so I can fully partake in it recreationally,” I would say, “Come on. Drunkenness doesn’t come just from alcohol. That impaired state. That altered mind. That mind that is not sober and alert. That’s what we’re talking about here.” …I can tell you this, for the average person, smoking a joint is like getting drunk.
So, some patients can use medical cannabis without experiencing a high?
Yes, most definitely. The vast majority of patients using medical cannabis do NOT experience a high. I see it all the time in my practice. Many patients are able to use cannabis treatments and not be high. Many of these patients have to still work and support their families, and they are certainly not using the treatment to get high. Some have been homebound in pain, while taking high levels of opioids or other ineffective medications, and now they are either off their opioids or on significantly lower doses of opioids. They’re functioning and doing their own yard work, visiting family members they have not visited in ten years. I have only had a couple of patients who experience a high from using just the CBD products (containing extremely low percentages of THC), and for those patients this is not a treatment option for them. So, it’s discontinued.
This is an excerpt from Marijuana and the Bible, a conversation-style resource with Dr. Sasha Noe, America’s leading expert on medicinal cannabis. In this resource, she discusses topics like the medicinal cannabis usage for Christians. Download this free eBook here.
