Does the Bible Back Marijuana? Politician Cites Scripture to Tout ‘Miraculous Plant’

Another reason we need more people to read the Bible “literally.”

• Aspirin. History
• Quinine
• Artemisinin
• ​Streptomycin (the Bob Dole story)
• Penicillin
• Heroin

My observation is that we (in the US) have had our own “Reefer Madness” about marijuana. There may be something about that drug that is good! We (in the US) have also had an reactionary approach to industrial hemp This is an amazing plant (“Hemp is one of our planet’s most important natural resources, and we advocate using it to its full potential.”) that is currently illegal to grow in the US.

I have completely changed my tune on this topic as a result of personal testimonies of friends and research. A young man I know recently had a hip replacement because of a medical disorder. He was in continuous pain even sitting or laying down. With medical marijuana, he was able to completely get off of habit-forming pain meds (which produced negative side effects). Another story I know about is a young child with a seizure disorder. This child was on a cocktail of 10 pharmaceuticals - some were anti-seizure meds, others were meds to combat the side effects of the anti-seizure meds. This child lost the ability to function normally because of being in a drugged-up state from the medications. Now the child’s mom prepares medical marijuana in capsule form and was able to wean off all pharmaceuticals. Seizures have subsided and the medical marijuana has given no side effects. This child now has a life again.

The smoking memos: Big Tobacco’s longstanding interest in marijuana

The arguments for marijuana can be interchanged with alcohol. Congratulations drinkers.

http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol/HealthIssues/1127525665.html#.U6C6-vmR0…

I confess that I have taken Nyquil (25%) and Formula 44D (20%)

(This is not a case for alcoholic beverages .. just trying to differentiate between medicinal uses of marijuana (not smoked) and getting high smoking a joint)

[Julie Anne]

I have completely changed my tune on this topic as a result of personal testimonies of friends and research. A young man I know recently had a hip replacement because of a medical disorder. He was in continuous pain even sitting or laying down. With medical marijuana, he was able to completely get off of habit-forming pain meds (which produced negative side effects). Another story I know about is a young child with a seizure disorder. This child was on a cocktail of 10 pharmaceuticals - some were anti-seizure meds, others were meds to combat the side effects of the anti-seizure meds. This child lost the ability to function normally because of being in a drugged-up state from the medications. Now the child’s mom prepares medical marijuana in capsule form and was able to wean off all pharmaceuticals. Seizures have subsided and the medical marijuana has given no side effects. This child now has a life again.

julie, I have had the same experiences from people that I know who take this. One of the biggest benefits compared to current drug regimes, is that marijuana typically has no side effects, and when used for conditions, it doesn’t have a halucigenic effect. We should promote its use as a medical option and start promoting more legitimate research around it.

David,

The issue many Christians refuse to face is the difference between recreational and medical use of marijuana. You cited 6 reasons to keep all marijuana use illegal in your blog.

Biblical Reasons to Oppose Marijuana
Every biblical injunction against alcohol is also a condemnation of marijuana and other recreational drugs.
1. Scripture describes in detail the dangerous effects of alcoholic wine and says not to even look at it (Proverbs 23:29-35). It’s not much of a leap to take the same low view of other dangerous drugs.
2. Scripture directly says wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1).
3. Scripture commands us to be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8; etc.).
4. Kings are commanded not to drink wine lest they pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-5). Believers are called kings and priests (Revelation 1:6; 5:10) and neither should we take drugs that would cause us to do things we’d never do in our right minds.
5. A Christian is to honor God with his mind and body (Matthew 22:37; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Both are adversely affected by alcohol and other drugs.
6. Drinking hurts your Christian influence and leads others astray (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23).

These arguments are so vague they could be applied to any drug. Morphine was once used recreationally also, but has now been limited to medical use. There are many other drugs that are legal and helpful as medicine but that are also illegally abused recreationally. Each of them would be banned by this useless list of conditions you have laid out. Nothing in your statement would provide a biblical basis for the believer to use any kind of mind-altering drug for medical reasons. No more general anesthesia for surgery I guess; Christians just need to grin and bear it. While you’re at it, I guess coffee and other caffeinated drinks also get prohibited since they also alter the mental state and conveniently fall within the parameters of the reasoning you used to equate marijuana with alcohol.

Historically Christians have not opposed useful drugs for strictly medicinal use; and I agree.

As the quote below points out, the pain relieving ingredient from marijuana has been available for some time.

But most clamoring for medical marijuana just want to smoke it.

“Don’t be taken in. Marijuana is a dangerous drug with countless negative effects. The rush to decriminalization in the name of pain control or mental health cannot be justified.
Most people who use marijuana to relieve severe pain combine it with stronger pain relievers because marijuana is not effective enough by itself. Furthermore, marijuana’s pain-relieving ingredient has been available by prescription for years. A person can purchase Marinol — right now — with a doctor’s prescription…”
-Barrett Duke, ERLC

Read more on damaging effects of marijuana:

http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/01/gleanings-on-damaging-effec…

I continue to oppose the recreational use of mind-altering drugs, whether alcohol or marijuana.

By the way, there is a very significant difference between alcohol and marijuana, and things like caffeine.

Even the government recognizes that.

David R. Brumbelow

It’s laughable how you consider yourself a subject matter expert in the medical arena.

Vs the Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/marijuana/background/hrb-20…

Cannabis sativa is widely used for recreation. It has been inhaled or taken by mouth to produce a feeling of relaxation or well-being. The plant has been studied as a potential treatment for many conditions, including chronic skin disorders, cancer-related weakness and weight loss, chronic pain, Huntington’s disease, sleep disorders, eye disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia. The most significant benefits have been seen in the treatment of chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. Marijuana may help reduce eye pressure in people who have glaucoma.

Jim said:

It’s laughable how you consider yourself a subject matter expert in the medical arena.

David said:

I continue to oppose the recreational use of mind-altering drugs, whether alcohol or marijuana.

Jim,

Why is David’s articulated position laughable? He has not said that he is unilaterally opposed to medical use. He clearly says that he is opposed to recreational use. He provided a reputable quote demonstrating that some are using the medical use for recreational purposes. I am certain many do attempt to take advantage of that, from personal observations, as well as anecdotes of some I know who live and serve in areas where medicinal use is more open and recreational indulgence for the most part ignored, with laws unenforced.

My view:

• Opposed for recreational use [but]
• Do not oppose legalization (the Colorado experiment)
• Favor development of medicinal uses of the drug
• And … to be clear (because I grew up in the 60’s): Never tried it … had many opportunities .. and doubt I would ever use it

Greg,

In his article, David opposes the medical use of the drug as well. I am not on one side or the other on this subject, but thought you should know.

David,

Can you express in more detail why you are opposed to medical use? Like I said above, I am not on either side, but would appreciate your input on this.

Of course “medical” hippie lettuce is OK to use -

- as long as you don’t inhale.

~ Bill Clinton