A Reader's Question~

 Dear Readers,

From time to time one of my readers will send me a question. The question I received recently was so interesting and relevant that, after some thought, I decided to answer it via my blog.

Lisa

This question came from a reader in Washington State who wishes to remain anonymous.

 Lisa,

Do you believe marijuana should be legalized and do you think Christians should smoke marijuana if it is legal?  

Dear Anonymous Reader,

Good question, and one that needs to be asked in today’s political and ethical climate. I do not believe marijuana should be legalized for recreational use. Here are my top nine reasons for not legalizing marijuana….

1.    More children will have access to marijuana if it’s legalized.

Currently, thirty percent of American youth use marijuana, if marijuana is legalized it is likely that more teens will try it. Nobody in their right mind believes more teenagers should smoke pot.

2.    Marijuana use hurts adolescents.

 Marijuana use in teen-agers has been linked to poor academic performance, mental health problems including everything from depression to psychosis, higher dropout rates, higher levels of sexual activity, and higher levels of criminal behavior. (Bryan et al, 2012) (Dougherty et al, 2013)

3.    Marijuana use hurts adults.

The long-term effects of marijuana use by adults has been linked to memory problems, depression, anxiety, poor job performance, higher rates of unemployment, and an increased risk of lung cancer. (WebMD.org)

4.    There is no evidence that legalization will save money.

Proponents of legalization point out that it costs taxpayers billions every year to imprison drug users. Rather than legalizing marijuana to deal with this issue, laws should be reformed to end the practice of incarcerating drug users. The money saved should be used to go after the criminals who distribute and sell drugs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that alcohol use costs America 223.5 billion dollars annually (CDC website). That number includes the cost of health care related to alcohol use, traffic accidents, violent crime involving alcohol; injuries caused by alcohol and the cost of alcohol treatment programs. If marijuana is legalized it will likely increase the number of traffic accidents, crimes committed, as well as the number of people who need treatment programs. As a nation we cannot afford the high price of legalizing another intoxicating and potentially addicting substance.

5.    If marijuana is legalized, usage will increase.

Anytime a substance is legalized, public use of it surges. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol use decreased 30-50 percent during prohibition.

6.    Marijuana has been proven to be addictive and nobody benefits from addiction.

7.    The medical benefits of marijuana use do not justify recreational use.

Marijuana does have legitimate medical uses but that does not automatically mean it should be used recreationally. Oxycodone is an example of a drug that has a legitimate medical use but is extremely harmful when used recreationally. Marijuana use should be reserved only for those with sincere medical needs.

8.    There is no known social benefit to legalizing marijuana.

Adults who demand the right to use a drug that has been proven harmful to society in general and youth in particular are not mature, nor are they looking out for the best interests of society.

9.     Marijuana use is difficult to detect.

It is a clear fact that marijuana significantly impairs judgment and ability to function. Its use is difficult to detect with current drug tests. If marijuana is legalized more people will use it, and employers will have few ways to detect whether or not their employees are high. Do you want your child’s bus driver to be under the influence of marijuana while he or she is driving your child to school?

Now, in response to the second half your question, I do not believe Christians should use marijuana even if it is legal to do so, (as it likely will be) because marijuana is an intoxicant. The Bible expressly forbids Christians from intentional intoxication (Ephesians 5:18, Romans 3:13). Furthermore, the book of Galatians addresses drug use directly. The passage states…

   

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God~ Galatians 5:19-21 NASB

The word for sorcery in this passage is the Greek pharmakeia.  Our English word pharmacy is derived from this Greek word. Pharmakeia means to use or take drugs. In the ancient world, magic and intoxicating drugs were closely associated, which is why pharmakeia was translated as sorcery in this passage. This passage is giving a list of behaviors that can disqualify one from entering the Kingdom of God, and the use of intoxicating drugs makes the list. It seems to be a pretty good reason for Christians not to use drugs for the purpose of intoxication.

However, if you need more reasons I have them: using drugs is a behavior that could potentially lead others astray spiritually and morally. First Corinthians chapter eight forbids Christians from participating in any behavior that could “cause a weaker brother to stumble.” Recreational drug use can lead to addiction. A person who has become addicted to a substance has surely “stumbled” spiritually. The person who causes another person to stumble bears some responsibility for their choices (Matthew 18:6).    

Lastly, avoiding marijuana use has to do with stewardship. Drugs are expensive and a poor use of God-given resources.  As Christians we believe that every resource we have is a gift from God and should be used to glorify God. We cannot glorify God while intoxicated or with money we used to get intoxicated.