Is weed a bad thing?

Hey John!

Thanks for asking. Marijuana isn't right or good. Let's check out why.

There are many arguments about the use of marijuana. While the Bible does not use the words "weed" or "marijuana", there are Biblical principles we can apply when approaching this subject.

The argument that marijuana itself isn't addictive, it's the feeling you get from it that is addictive, is inconsequential. We must look deeper at what God says about having a sound mind and the reasons for using marijuana.

1. We are to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, counsel and comfort.

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Galatians 5:16-17

"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:13-14

The idea of drunkenness is similiar to using weed. While it's not the same thing, you are under the control of something else. You are under the influence of a substance. It's impossible to be under the control of the Holy Spirit and marijuana at the same time.

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." I Peter 4:7

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8

Let's be real and honest for a minute. Can anyone be alert and self controlled under the influence of weed? No. Does anyone ever benefit from weed? No. (unless you are selling it...only then monetarily) Has anyone begun smoking weed and become more spiritual, more God loving or more of a servant to others? No.

2. The use of marijuana isn't spiritual. The use of barbituates and other chemicals cannot draw you closer to God.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:7-8

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14

What is the motivation for blazing up? Usually comfort, relaxation or some other reasoning that forces us to look to chemical means. This leaves us in a place of dependency on something other than Christ.

Great question John. Many people have asked me this question. I pray this short answer helps you. Smoking weed isn't right on any level.

Pastor Jeff