Re: Cannabis

[ninjaaron]

Hey, I realize there is already a thread about this, and it is locked, and perhaps, that should indicate to me that the discussion is over. Feel free to delete or lock this thread as well. I simply felt that I could bring a unique perspective to that discussion, and wanted to share it.

When I was in high school, I was not particularly commited to the Lord. For a period of time, I was an occasional marijuana user. Not often. Perhaps once a week when I was using it most heavily. From my studies of scripture, my experience with the drug, and my understanding of the physical effects of THC, I've come to several conclusions:

From a purely Biblical perspective, it is very similar to alcohol. It can gladden the heart, and may at times prove to be a blessing (though I don't know about drawing us closer to God). In addition, THC has been shown to have many medical applications. Also like Alcohol, it can be habit-forming, over use will cause a loss of inhibition and self-control, and have negative affects on health. From this perspective, I think it would be acceptable to use it in moderation.

HOWEVER!
There is also the modern social context to consider. The Bible stresses obeying the Laws of the land. This already rules out Marijuana use. Secondly, Paul mentions the importance of doing what is right in everyone's eyes, and even if Marijuana was legalized, it would be years before the stigma associated with it was gone.

Finally, there is an important principle of walking in the light. After I became more commited to the Lord, I did smoke pot a couple of times in Amsterdam, where it is legal and somewhat socially acceptable. However, after the fact I was deeply convicted about the matter because there were certain people in my life that I had to hide this from, because it would have definitely become a stumbling block for them.

I want to live a life where I have nothing to hide, and cannabis is not a part of that kind of life.

Shalom,
Aaron

[lawrenceofisrael]

may peace and blessings be upon you.

actually i used to smoke that garbage as well and i think the difference between alcohol and cannabis or drugs in general is that a small bit of alcohol like wine for pesach etc. doesn´t make you drunk.
It´s a bit different with cannabis. Firstly the whole point of smoking it is not to obey the almigthy or to enjoy it it´s to get high.
Secondly what exactly could be the amount that does not make you high because that´s be forbidden??

So it´s absolutely under no circumstances ok to smoke it. However if somebody still does that sometimes be patient and pray to the almighty and seek help from brothers and sister.

May peace and blessings be upon us all.

[ninjaaron]

I want to make it absolutely clear, once again, than I am not arguing for the use of this drug. I don't use it now, but I want to be honest about my experience with it.

Oct 15, 2009 10:11:43 GMT -8 @lawrenceofisrael said:

actually i used to smoke that garbage as well and i think the difference between alcohol and cannabis or drugs in general is that a small bit of alcohol like wine for pesach etc. doesn´t make you drunk.
It´s a bit different with cannabis. Firstly the whole point of smoking it is not to obey the almigthy or to enjoy it it´s to get high.

That's a cultural thing. We've given it that stigma. In a sense, it's like cocaine. I the US, cocaine is a dangerous drug that destroys peoples lives. Among Amazonian tribes, coca leaves are something you use to make tea , with about the same effect and potency as coffee. It's a matter of how you approach the substance. But you are correct that it is used that way in our culture.

Oct 15, 2009 10:11:43 GMT -8 @lawrenceofisrael said:

Secondly what exactly could be the amount that does not make you high because that´s be forbidden??

There is something missing the last part of this sentence, but I can at least answer the first part. I've found that, depending on the strength of a particular plant, one or two hits wouldn't make you high. I did this quite often because I felt that it allowed me appreciate certain things more (ie: nature, food, music, books, occasionally even another person's perspective) while still allowing me to function normally and preserving my inhibitions.

As with all things we put into ourselves (food, alcohol, entertainment, sex), it's about the proper time and place, as well as restraint and moderation. I realize this is not how the drug has normally been used in this part of the world.

Of course, it is neither legal nor socially acceptable, and there is therefore really no situation at the present time where it would be permissible, nor do I expect the possibility of one within our lifetimes.

This is not so much to defend marijuana as it is to illustrate the fashion in which many of our sacred cows are culturally conditioned (something which I expect this community could appreciate). At the same time, that's OK. Society needs rules and norms, not all of which will be divinely mandated, to function properly. A fence around the , if you will. Abstinence from Marijuana isn't a matter of , it's a matter of fence, so we don't come anywhere near violating God's will.