When I was a theology student, my friends and I occasionally engaged in debates on controversial topics. I remember us having an interesting debate on weed. Some argued that using this drug is not wrong since it is suitable for medical purposes, while others viewed it as illegal. As a student of the Bible, I started researching this topic in the scripture to find an accurate answer to the question, “Is smoking weed a sin?”
In this article, I will help you understand whether the Bible condemns the use of weed and why
smoking weed is a sin, according to the Bible. Join me as we delve into this topic and learn
God’s take on weed. You will also discover whether God is against Christians smoking weed and
if Christians can use weed as medicine. Read on to learn more!
Does the Bible condemn the use of weed?
The Bible does not directly condemn weed or any other drug but has several principles against using things that will alter your mind or body. When you smoke weed, you will be less likely to operate in your normal senses. This may affect some of the decisions you make while intoxicated, as you may end up doing whatever your weed mind sees right and not what the Bible calls you to do. This point can be supported by Luke 16:13, where Jesus states that one can’t serve two masters, as he will tend to be more loyal to one master than the other. “No servant can be the slave of two masters; such a servant will hate one and love the other or will be loyal to one and despise the other.”
While many might argue that God created weed and should be used, remember God also created poisonous plants. Additionally, in the book of Genesis, we see God warning Adam against eating from a specific tree in the garden of Eden, yet he was the one that had planted it. Genesis 2:15-17 “Then the Lord God placed the man in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it. He said to him, “you may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. You must not eat the fruit of that tree; if you do, you will die the same day”.
From the scripture above, we see that God did not want Adam to eat the fruit of the said tree because he knew the effects that would come with it. Consequently, using weed has adverse effects that may distance you from God. One primary reason many people smoke weed is to feel good, as weed makes you high. When a person is high from weed, it becomes impossible for them to focus and even remember how to do certain things, which may make them lazy until they sober up, an attribute that the Bible condemns in Proverbs 12:24 “Hard work will give you power; being lazy will make you a slave.”
Why is smoking weed a sin, according to the Bible?
Smoking is considered a sin according to the Bible because of the adverse effects it brings to your body. For instance, the primary purpose of recreational weed is to make you high. Most people smoke weed to make them high, which results in them having a good time or forgetting whatever they are going through.
1st Corinthians 6:12 says that while we are allowed to do anything, we must not just do everything, as not everything is good for us. “Someone will say, I am allowed to do anything, yes, but not everything is good for you. I could say I can do anything, but I will not let anything enslave me.” Smoking weed can be very addictive, and you might become a slave to it and forget everything the Bible teaches.
What is God’s take on weed?
God does not speak directly about the use of weed, but some biblical scholars believe He speaks against it when he mentions intoxications that alter the body’s normal functioning. Some bible scriptures majorly warn people about using intoxication, which in this case is weed, as it leaves you miserable and you won’t be able to think or speak clearly.
Proverbs 23:29-34 says, “Show me someone who drinks too much, who has to try out some new drink, and I will show you someone miserable and sorry for himself, always causing trouble and always causing trouble and always complaining. His eyes are bloodshot, and he has bruises that could have been avoided. Don’t let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, sparkles in the cup, and goes down smoothly. The next morning you will feel like a poisonous snake has bitten you. Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly. You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, sea-sick, swinging up in the rigging of a tossing ship.”
Is God against Christians smoking weed?
No scripture in the Bible proves that God is against smoking weed. However, weed can be considered an earthly pleasure. When one chooses to smoke weed, they prioritize the desires of their human nature, other than what the spirit of God calls them to do. Galatians 5:16-17 “What I say is this: let the spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of human nature. For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the spirit wants, and what the spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, which means you cannot do what you want.”
Another reason God is against Christians smoking weed is because He calls Christians to respect the authority governing them on earth, and smoking illegal weed will disrespect the law. Romans 13:1-4 says, “Everyone must obey the state authorities because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authority opposes what God has ordered, and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself.”
God is also against Christians smoking weed as he requires them to remain holy and offer themselves as sacrifices to him. By doing this, Christians will know the will of God and what is good and pleasing to him. When Christians smoke weed, they cannot offer the true worship that God needs, as their body and mind will not be in their proper state.
Romans 12:1-2 states, “So, my brothers and sisters, because of God’s great mercy to us, I appeal to you; offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by completely changing your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God, what is good and pleasing to him and is perfect”.
Can Christians use weed as medicine?
This is a debatable question whether a Christian can use weed as medicine. The main reason a Christian would want to use weed as medicine is to feel better or ease their pain. While some scholars suggest that it is okay for a Christian to use weed when it is not intended for recreation, others argue that even the smallest consumption of weed by a Christian will be against God’s will, as this substance tends to go against God’s principle of being sober. 2nd Timothy 4:5 and 1st Thessalonians 5:6-8 talk about Christians being sober all the time, no matter their circumstances.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
