One of the continuing debates over the last 30 years among American Christians is what to make of the use of marijuana by believers. Historically the church has considered marijuana use to be a sin, if for no other reason than that it was illegal, thus a breaking of the biblical admonition to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). Yet, as more states legalize the drug for recreational and medicinal use, a closer look at biblical principles is warranted.

One question that often arises is whether the Bible speaks specifically about cannabis. A landmark study conducted in 1936 by Sula Benet, a professor of anthropology at Hunter College, has been influential among liberal interpreters of scripture. To briefly summarize her thesis, “she concluded that the Hebrew words ‘q’nah-bosem’ (Exodus 30:23) were etymologically related to “cannabis” and then reached the further conclusion that the anointing oil included marijuana.  She noted the similarities with words from other Middle Eastern language groups.  She further noted that the word could be used to reference a reed plant or a hemp plant, but she reached the definite conclusion that in the Exodus passage it meant the hemp plant.”[1] To say it more simply, “Benet proposed that "kaneh-bosem" (Ex. 30:23), which are usually translated as "sweet calamus" or "sweet cane", were actually hemp.[2]” The most obvious problem to this interpretation is simple: no biblical translator currently concurs with such an interpretation of the “kaneh-bosem” texts found throughout the Old Testament. It is simply an outlier interpretation with little to no support in respected hermeneutical circles. 

What the Bible does provide are principles for believers to evaluate questions that are not specifically addressed in scripture. The Bible foresaw that as civilizations continued, new products and technology would emerge that were not a part of the original scriptural discussion (new forms of dress, communication, foods, weapons of war, medical practices, etc.). Therefore, principles were given by the inspiration of the Spirit to biblical writers to evaluate post-scriptural questions.

In regards to the use of cannabis, scripture provides the following principles.  

1. The Bible commands believers to be of sober mind.  

Ephesians 5:18 says, “and do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” I Peter 5:8 calls believers to “be sober.” The scriptures tend to place a high priority on being “sober” because an unclear mind becomes a trap for the devil.[3] People seldom make godly decisions when they are drunk or high; rather, we are far more likely to commit sinful acts.

Generally, the effects of marijuana can be felt with just a few hits. “If the quality is decent then 3 or 4 hits total should get the job done.”[4] To those who make a marijuana to caffeine equivalency argument, John Piper reasons:

Marijuana temporarily impairs the reliable processing of surrounding reality. Caffeine ordinarily sharpens that processing. . . . Unlike caffeine, marijuana is not generally thought of as an empowering drug that enables you to be a more alert dad, or a more aware mother, or a more competent employee. Rather, for most users, it is a recreational escape, which produces diminished accuracy of observation, memory, and reasoning. And it may have lasting negative effects on the mind’s ability to do what God created it to do.[5]

2. The Bible calls us to confront instead of escaping our problems.

Marijuana, like other mood altering drugs, is often used to escape reality. It is used to zone out and escape the problems that plague our minds. This means a fundamental question we ought to ask ourselves when tempted with any mood altering substance is this: “Am I using this as an escape from real life problems (my marriage, my children, my job, etc.) that I should be addressing and not running from?”[6] Joshua Butler points out that “marijuana seems to have kind of an individualistic bent that pulls you away from people, pulls you within yourself, causes you to become more disengaged not only from people but from life in general.”[7] 

In contrast, the Bible calls Christians to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). We are warned that difficulties are coming into our lives and the devil has planned our destruction. Yet, He has provided armor so that we can “stand” and not flee from our problems. Every 12 step recovery program begins with the call to come out of denial and emphasizes that the success of the program hinges upon our willingness to face the truth of our situation.  

3. The Bible calls us to not be addicted to any substance.

The Apostle Paul said that he had vowed not to be brought under the power of any substance (1 Corinthians 6:12). The point of Ephesians 5:18, cited earlier is that the only power outside of ourselves we ought to give control to is the Holy Spirit. We are to resist empowering any outside force, whether it be food, alcohol, pornography, or materialism. Rather, we were created to have “dominion” (Genesis. 1:26) over every aspect of the creation. Failure to rule over the created elements is to intentionally abandon the power that God has given to us as the highest in the creative order.

But what about medical marijuana?

It is true that scripture allows for certain substances that are normally forbidden to be used for medicinal purposes. Paul famously said to Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). The amount of medicines with alcohol as an ingredient is staggering, including Nyquil, some forms of Tylenol and Benedryl, Dimetapp, Robitussin, and Halls. In addition, Christians have tended to be supportive of using morphine and other high impact drugs to help manage pain, particularly in end-of-life scenarios.

Where then does this place us in the argument regarding the use of medical marijuana? Jonathan Merritt writes:

America is sick, and the Christian call to compassion obligates the faithful to act. Chronic pain and illness now affect tens of millions of Americans, and in many cases the cause eludes the brightest medical minds. To fight these ailments, Americans have been prescribed mind-altering anti-depressants, highly addictive pain relievers and opioids, and all manner of legal substances with a list of side effects so long that drug commercials feel like “Saturday Night Live” shorts.[8]

There are two points worth mentioning on this issue. The first is this: from a Christian perspective, managing pain in itself, is not an end all argument for the support of a proposal. Christians believe suffering can be redemptive and is often used by God as a way to change us and ultimately bless us. God choose to redeem the world by sending His Son as a suffering servant who died a horrific death on a Roman cross. This is why most Christians are appalled by the idea of Euthanasia or abortion simply because the child might have deformities. We believe that God can use our weaknesses, pain, and setbacks for His glory and redemptive purposes. Therefore, to say, “this will alleviate pain – case closed” is not an argument from scripture.

Secondly, the previous principles cited are stronger biblical arguments that should not be negated regarding the use of marijuana for medical purposes. What this means is that the following questions should be asked by the Christian.

1. Is the use of medical marijuana going to keep me from being clear minded, making me prey for Satan?
2. Is the use of medical marijuana really masking my desire to escape from reality?
3. Will the use of medical marijuana lead to an addiction in my life?[9]

If the honest answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then perhaps the Lord has placed you in a position to experience spiritual growth through a season of physical suffering.