Marijuana Use: A Biblical Perspective

Marijuana Use: A Biblical Perspective

Introduction

Marijuana has become a hot-button issue in Christian circles, especially with its increasing legalization for recreational and medicinal use. As Bible-believing Christians, the goal isn't to ask, "Is this legal or culturally accepted?" but rather, "Is this godly?" The Bible doesn't mention marijuana directly, but it provides more than enough wisdom to build a thoughtful, scriptural perspective on its use. The question isn't simply, "Can I?" but, "Should I?" This article examines marijuana use in light of biblical principles, comparing it with alcohol, and addressing the questions of medicinal value, legality, moderation, and Christian witness.

Is Marijuana Like Alcohol in the Bible?

Some argue that marijuana is no different from alcohol—both are plants, both can alter mood, and both can be abused. But the Bible is explicit about alcohol, while it is silent on marijuana. That silence shouldn't be taken as permission, but it also doesn't mandate prohibition without applying the full counsel of Scripture.

Alcohol is acknowledged in Scripture for its medicinal use ("Don't drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often." - 1 Timothy 5:23, NLT), its celebratory use ("Wine to make them glad..." - Psalm 104:15, NLT), and its danger when misused ("Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise." - Proverbs 20:1, NLT).

The key issue with alcohol is intent and control. Ephesians 5:18 makes it plain: "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit" (NLT). This verse condemns intoxication, not responsible, moderate use.

Is marijuana comparable? That depends on how it's used and why. Unlike alcohol, marijuana is almost always used for intoxication. Even small amounts—especially when smoked—often have immediate psychoactive effects.

Wine, Joy, and Natural Pleasures

Wine is clearly permitted in Scripture—for merriment, worship, and medicine:

• “Wine to gladden the heart of man.” – Psalm 104:15

• Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2).

• Paul told Timothy to take a little wine medicinally (1 Tim 5:23).

• Ecclesiastes 9:7 – “Go, eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!”

From this, some argue:

If God permits a fermented grape for joy, relaxation, or healing—why would He prohibit another plant with similar effects, like cannabis, especially if it’s used in moderation?

This argument gains more strength when marijuana is:

• Used legally (Romans 13)

• Not abused (Ephesians 5:18)

• Not impairing spiritual clarity (1 Peter 5:8)

• Used privately or medicinally, not as a lifestyle or idol

Cannabis in the Ancient World?

While marijuana isn’t explicitly named in Scripture, there are some eyebrow-raising clues:

1. Archaeological Evidence of Cannabis at Tel Arad (8th Century BC)

• Traces of cannabis resin were discovered on altars in an ancient Judahite shrine.

• Scholars suggest it may have been used ritually, possibly to aid in altered consciousness or to create a fragrant cloud in offerings.

2. The Anointing Oil in Exodus: Was it Cannabis?

• Exodus 30:23 mentions qěnēh-bōśem (קְנֵה-בֹשֶׂם), translated “fragrant cane” or “calamus.”

• Some scholars argue this may refer instead to cannabis, from the root qaneh (reed) + bosm (aromatic).

• If true, cannabis could have been a component in priestly and prophetic ritual anointing.

3. Mandrakes and Other Medicinal Plants

• Mandrakes (Genesis 30:14-16) were used for fertility, sleep, and altered mood due to their alkaloid content.

• The ancients used many natural remedies—including opium poppy and incense resins like frankincense and myrrh, which had soothing or euphoric properties.

The point? The ancient world didn’t shy away from natural substances for physical and sometimes spiritual purposes. Some of these substances had mind-altering effects and were accepted as part of creation's goodness when used rightly.

The Moderate Marijuana Argument (Summarized)

1. God created all plants (Gen. 1:29). Marijuana is not unnatural—it’s a seed-bearing herb made by God.

2. Biblical culture used medicinal and aromatic plants (mandrake, incense, possible cannabis).

3. Moderation is the biblical principle, not prohibition.

   • Drunkenness = sin.

   • Wine = joy, in limits.

   • Likewise, mild, measured cannabis use may not be sin.

4. Scripture doesn’t condemn all mind-altering experiences.

   • Prophets had intense spiritual visions (Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel).

   • While theirs were from God, this opens space for debate over controlled, reflective, or artistic use of certain plants.

5. Intent matters.

   • Using to enhance rest, relieve suffering, or reflect deeply ≠ escapism or addiction.

   • Abuse, dependence, or disobedience = sin.

What About Medicinal Marijuana?

Scripturally, there is no problem with legitimate medicine. Paul told Timothy to use wine for his frequent stomach issues (1 Timothy 5:23), and the Good Samaritan used oil and wine to treat wounds (Luke 10:34). The principle of using God-given creation for healing is solid.

Marijuana has shown some effectiveness for pain, nausea, seizures, and certain neurological issues. CBD oil, a non-psychoactive compound, has emerged as a helpful option for many without producing a "high." In such cases, and especially under medical supervision and within the law, this falls more under the category of medicine, not mood-altering recreation. That distinction matters greatly.

Legal and Ethical Issues

Romans 13:1-2 (NLT) says: "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished."

In places where marijuana is still illegal, a Christian has no excuse to use it. Breaking the law to get high is not godly. In places where it's legal? Paul reminds us: "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'--but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT)

Just because something is legal doesn't make it righteous.

Intoxication and the Mind of Christ

The Bible calls believers to be sober-minded repeatedly. The Greek word used in verses like 1 Peter 5:8 is νήφω (nēphō - Strong's G3525), meaning to be clear-headed, self-controlled, temperate.

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

Marijuana, particularly when smoked or consumed in high-THC form, does not promote alertness or clarity. It compromises the very mental state Scripture tells us to guard.

But Didn't Jesus Make the "Best Wine"?

In John 2:10, the banquet master says: "A host always serves the best wine first... But you have kept the best until now!" (NLT). The Greek word for "best" is kalos (καλός, Strong's G2570), meaning good, excellent in nature and characteristics. This doesn’t refer to quantity but to quality: taste, purity, possibly even potency.

This suggests that Jesus' miracle wasn’t about creating grape juice or weak wine. It was superior wine—noticeably better than what had come before. But even this gift was for celebration, not drunkenness. Scripture consistently upholds wine as a symbol of joy, but condemns being overtaken by it (Proverbs 23:29-35).

To draw a parallel: wine has moderate, cultural, medicinal, and celebratory contexts in Scripture. Marijuana use today lacks that framework. It is almost entirely recreational, mood-altering, and typically associated with disengagement and escapism—not godly purposes.

Is It Loving?

Romans 14:21 (NLT): "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble."

Even if someone believes their use of marijuana is technically permitted, Paul sets a higher bar: love for others. If your use causes confusion, temptation, or stumbling in someone else’s faith, it’s not worth it.

Summary: Is It Sin?

Is marijuana sinful? The answer depends on the context and intent:

• Medical use under guidance (especially non-intoxicating forms like CBD): likely not sinful.

• Recreational use to get high: likely sinful, as it promotes intoxication and undermines biblical commands for clarity, self-control, and witness.

• Illegal use: definitively sinful, as it breaks Romans 13.

Scripture doesn’t name marijuana by word, but it exposes it in principle. Christians are called to be sober-minded, self-controlled, and above reproach. While the world offers escape through intoxication, the Bible offers joy in the Holy Spirit, purpose through suffering, and healing through God's means.