Drugs are bad, mmkay?

[kaylagrl]

I'd rather be on the road with a pot head than a drunk any day.

I've used marijuana before and I've been drunk before.

I would apply scripture about being intoxicated to weed the same way it's applied to alcohol. Drink but don't be drunk. Don't let it control you. Don't use it often. Mostly beneficial for medical use and not recreation.

I think legalizing it would remove much of the greater crimes involved in dealing it since it could be grown and cultivated locally and without having to break laws to acquire it.

Best practice is to avoid all drugs and alcohol altogether though (for some). IMO.

Edit: I think there are a plethora of FDA approved drugs, both over the counter and RX only that are more harmful than anything.

You dont know you're an addict until you take your first drink. My uncle died an alcoholic. As Christians we're not supposed to be looking like the world. We dont need those things. Nothing should be clouding our mind.Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. I cant tolerate caffeine myself and even stay away from that.

 

[blondieindahouse]

I smoke once in a while in the privacy of my home or a friend's home. Spiritually I'm okay with my very limited use of marijuana, but I take Kaylagrl's words very seriously, we are to stay focused on the Lord.

The thing is, its called "getting high for a reason. One toke and your high. Your high or stoned! There isnt a "little bit high" to it. You are no longer SOBER. What does scripture say about it?

Its not at all the same as sipping on a glass of wine or even a cocktail . A person can pace themselves to where they dont get drunk or buzzed or tipsy. Pot is a whole different ball of wax.

I dont speak from a position of not knowing. Before I applied myself to the kingdom of God, I was a "christian" who smoked more than my fair share of red,purple laced dope
Then something happened.My mind was renewed in that area of my life. I stopped and will not ever go back to be that kind of "christian".

 

[blondieindahouse]

I'd rather be on the road with a pot head than a drunk any day.

That was a brilliant statement.

 

[blondieindahouse]

I did know a gal who used it for pain because she had bone cancer. She preferred pot over pills. There are certain circumstances where I personally dont have a problem with it. The thing is this: The actual number of cases where its really needed are few compared to the cases where it is used for recreational purposes. People like that "escape" and thats why they do it. Pharmekia.....God has told us hasnt he.................satan can get in your head when it isnt screwed on right

btw: In case any of you are not aware;bone cancer is extremely painful. She was dying. She replaced morphin with pot. She didnt just have mild pain.

 

[kaylagrl]

Not sure i get this mindset. It's acceptable, but only rarely? If it's ok to do, it's ok to do. In moderation, of course. How is it ok to do once in a while, but spiritually unhealthy to do it more often? Seems to me if it's wrong to do it once a week it's wrong to do once a month. If it's ok to do, it's ok to do. If it's not, it's not.
Kind of like saying i'm spiritually ok with having sex outside of marriage, long as it isn't too often.

I feel the same way about alcohol but almost got strangled on here for saying so. I guess its something each person needs to work out with the Lord. But to me the question is "How does it make my walk better or closer with God?" then the next is "What is my testimony to others when I do" ....fill in the blank. Im not being smug,I do plenty of things I have to repent for,made bad choices and landed in the ditch more often than I care to say. But those should be the questions. If it doesn't edify Him,we need to get rid of it. There are things on the chopping block in my life that I feel convicted over in this new year. We struggle against the old man but with His help we will win.

 

[Jimbone]

The thing is, its called "getting high for a reason. One toke and your high. Your high or stoned! There isnt a "little bit high" to it. You are no longer SOBER. What does scripture say about it?

Its not at all the same as sipping on a glass of wine or even a cocktail . A person can pace themselves to where they dont get drunk or buzzed or tipsy. Pot is a whole different ball of wax.

I dont speak from a position of not knowing. Before I applied myself to the kingdom of God, I was a "christian" who smoked more than my fair share of red,purple laced dope
Then something happened.My mind was renewed in that area of my life. I stopped and will not ever go back to be that kind of "christian".

I guess I can agree with this to a point, but when I was smoking my tolerance was enough that your one drink would be just as noticeable on you as my 1 toke was on me. Really unless I told you, you'd never even know I was high. I understand this isn't the case when you don't smoke like I did, but I can justify my habit just like you can yours, plus mine came strait off a plant, you had to "make" and change Gods creation to get yours. See how easy it is to make justifiable excuses for our own personal habits? Again I agree with you to a point, but feel the same way about alcohol as you seem to about weed.

 

[Blain]

marijuana in it's natural grown state is not a drug it's a natural plant, it has health benefits which is why cancer patience are sometimes given the ability to use it it also can help with diabetes and I have smoked it before not when I had cancer but when I did it all it did was relax me it didn't mess with my head or make me see sounds and hear colors.

The issue is that people add stuff to it and you can never tell if the weed you have has added things in it also people abuse it for some it actually does mess with their minds it makes them feel very happy like the world is all candy and unicorns and is a great stress reliever but people abuse it and then it all goes down hill from there.

If it is clean then I would say it's ok to use in Moderation

 

[seoulsearch]

You dont know you're an addict until you take your first drink. My uncle died an alcoholic. As Christians we're not supposed to be looking like the world. We dont need those things. Nothing should be clouding our mind.Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. I cant tolerate caffeine myself and even stay away from that.

This is a really good point about what the definition of a drug even is. While I'm not condoning the use of anything deemed illegal, defining which substances alter one's normal state or are harmful might have a very individual answer.

I'm not much of a drinker at all--every now and then I might drink something in a social situation, but I can count on one hand how many times that happens a year (the last time I drank socially was in June, when I got together with some friends.) Alcohol does not mix well with my system so I either avoid it or have very little when I do. However, I do like some foods cooked with alcohol (pasta sauce made with wine, for example), so I sometimes have those things without conviction.

But I also know that if I regularly consumed alcohol, I would be sinning (according to my own convictions--not in judgment of anyone else) because I would be purposely ingesting something that can easily make me sick. And for whatever reason, alcohol is easy for me to avoid or limit--I don't feel much of a draw to it.

However, I do have two other drugs of choice that I have yet to kick--caffeine and sugar. I've often said, "Sugar is my crack," and I eat bags of candy on a regular basis, even though I know I shouldn't. I work very oddball hours and rely on both substances to keep me going. But for me, they also have very unpleasant side effects and most days I find myself saying, "That was the last time..." and then I find myself firing up the Keurig once more and dumping half a cup of sugar in the mix.

I actually repent to God on a regular basis because of sugar and have asked Him to help me "quit" numerous times--sounds silly, I know--but for myself, it's something I know I'd be much better off without, but just refuse to let go.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

I agree. We should talk about all the people on prescribed drugs too while we are at it! LOL
I see abuse in that area as well. Its an epidemic. Oh! But its legal

Right?? There's a whole discussion in and of itself.

There needs to be a poll choice for medicinal use only. I'd choose that one, probably. I just finished browsing through countless articles on-line, half of which said crime and accidents in CO are down since it was legalized, and the other half saying they had skyrocketed.

Does the "within reason" option work? I suppose I should have said "within reason or for medicinal use." You touched on an interesting point, too; the data is inconsistent. It really makes you wonder where the truth is.

The thing is, its called "getting high for a reason. One toke and your high. Your high or stoned! There isnt a "little bit high" to it. Its not at all the same as sipping on a glass of wine or even a cocktail .

Okay, now you lost me. Can I ask what you're basing this off of?

If it is clean then I would say it's ok to use in Moderation

Including for pleasure/recreation? Or limited to medicinal purposes?

 

[blondieindahouse]

I guess I can agree with this to a point, but when I was smoking my tolerance was enough that your one drink would be just as noticeable on you as my 1 toke was on me. Really unless I told you, you'd never even know I was high. I understand this isn't the case when you don't smoke like I did, but I can justify my habit just like you can yours, plus mine came strait off a plant, you had to "make" and change Gods creation to get yours. See how easy it is to make justifiable excuses for our own personal habits? Again I agree with you to a point, but feel the same way about alcohol as you seem to about weed.

Okay so let me clarify some things.

I am not a "regular" drinker.
I dont usually have alcohol in my home and I am not a daily or even weekly one drink partaker.
Now with pot, in order to be resistant to getting blasted on one toke you have to be a regular smoker. It takes about 30 days to totally clear it out of your system.

Btw, I dont have to justify anything. Hang out with me and you will see that my lifestyle does not reflect the world.

 

[blondieindahouse]

This is a great OP. All the potheads will come out and justify their sin

 

[ForthAngel]

This is a great OP. All the potheads will come out and justify their sin

Still dealing with that plank I see.

 

[seoulsearch]

This is a great OP. All the potheads will come out and justify their sin

I personally admire people who are honest enough to admit their struggles or what they go through, but that's just me.

We all have a sin we struggle with. As I said, I fight with caffeine and sugar every single day (for me, they are a sin, because I can literally feel the harm they do to my body), and for me, it's just as much of an action against God's commands as it is for anyone who fights alcohol or drug addiction every day as well.

I appreciate people who are honest about their lives because it helps me learn about others, and inspires me to keep fighting against my own demons as well.

We all talk about walking in the love of Christ. When you see people as a dirty drug-doing sinner, you're not exactly walking in God's love. But when you see them as everyday people struggling with everyday issues and who have everyday weaknesses (just like you and I), it's a lot easier to open up your heart to them, just as God would want us to do. And we can't do that if they're not allowed to speak honestly.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

I realize this topic is a can of worms, but let's try to keep it civil.

 

[Blain]

I personally admire people who are honest enough to admit their struggles or what they go through, but that's just me.

We all have a sin we struggle with. As I said, I fight with caffeine and sugar every single day (for me, they are a sin, because I can literally feel the harm they do to my body), and for me, it's just as much of an action against God's commands as it is for anyone who fights alcohol or drug addiction every day as well.

I appreciate people who are honest about their lives because it helps me learn about others, and inspires me to keep fighting against my own demons as well.

We all talk about walking in the love of Christ. When you see people as a dirty drug-doing sinner, you're not exactly walking in God's love. But when you see them as everyday people struggling with everyday issues and who have everyday weaknesses (just like you and I), it's a lot easier to open up your heart to them, just as God would want us to do. And we can't do that if they're not allowed to speak honestly.

I have a severe caffeine addiction it's very hard to deal with and I want to be cured of it but caffeine is like a drug it''s very addictive and it hinders my walk with God. When you can't get your caffeine fix it's torture and I have asked God to help me with it I have had many people pray for me about it so far no luck but I keep on trucking trusting God will save me from my addiction in time

 

[Utah]

Not sure i get this mindset. It's acceptable, but only rarely? If it's ok to do, it's ok to do. In moderation, of course. How is it ok to do once in a while, but spiritually unhealthy to do it more often? Seems to me if it's wrong to do it once a week it's wrong to do once a month. If it's ok to do, it's ok to do. If it's not, it's not.
Kind of like saying i'm spiritually ok with having sex outside of marriage, long as it isn't too often.

I look at two ways:

1. Use is not abuse. Abuse is wrong but I don't feel limited casual use is wrong. When one becomes an abuser it takes hold of you and God usually becomes a very distant second in your life, but not so with casual usage.

2. I am of the mindset that spiritually speaking, there is no difference between wine and marijuana. Both are derivatives of God's creation -- grapes and marijuana plants. They both have temporary cognitive impacts, both are legal in some places and illegal in some places. We are to obey man's laws, but when there are grey areas regarding man's laws, or when laws are unjust, it is then that I make my own decisions.

Jesus drank wine and yet He restored our relationship with God. I smoke marijuana and yet I've lead many people to Christ, sometimes while smoking. Whether I'm stoned cold sober 99% of the time or enjoying a smoke 1% of the time, God is always first in my life and my eyes and heart are always fixed on Him.

 

[Jimbone]

Okay so let me clarify some things.

I am not a "regular" drinker.
I dont usually have alcohol in my home and I am not a daily or even weekly one drink partaker.
Now with pot, in order to be resistant to getting blasted on one toke you have to be a regular smoker. It takes about 30 days to totally clear it out of your system.

Btw, I dont have to justify anything. Hang out with me and you will see that my lifestyle does not reflect the world.

So all I'm saying is it's very easy to justify our own habits, nothing more or less. I don't drink at all, and your opinion doesn't make LAW, so I understand your view, but not you finger pointing and completely condescending attitude, so please take it down a notch sweetheart. You really seem to like confrontation, I wasn't calling you a drunk or trying to accuse you of anything, but how dare you condemn pot for "any reason" while saying "I only drink a little every now and then". What makes you the "authority" and "end all" in all matters? I think your "know it all attitude" is a much worse problem than your drinking, and just so you can't pull a "holier than thou" attitude with me, I don't do either so step off me please.

 

[Utah]

Its not at all the same as sipping on a glass of wine or even a cocktail . A person can pace themselves to where they dont get drunk or buzzed or tipsy. Pot is a whole different ball of wax.

I respectfully disagree, my Lady. There's a difference between taking one hit and taking ten hits, same as there's a difference between drinking one glass of wine and drinking ten.

 

[Lynx]

Hmm... My father and mother met at college. At the time they were both smoking weed.

For my mother, weed messed with her distance vision. Beyond about 20 yards she can't really tell how far away something is.

For my father, weed knocked out his eidetic memory. He doesn't have a really terribly bad memory, but he doesn't have the near-perfect recall he had before college.

For myself, I have too little brain as it is. I can't afford to see what will be affected if I try it. I need what bit of brainpower I have.



HOWEVER:

I'm reminded of the part in the Bible where it says to give wine to those who are about to die. As I recall that is right after the verse about wine not being right for kings to drink, lest they forget the law and pervert judgment. In cases where people have terminal illnesses and much pain I am in no position to say they should not use whatever alleviates the pain.

 

[Oncefallen]

There needs to be a poll choice for medicinal use only. I'd choose that one, probably.

I had to agree on the poll choice so I added it. Unfortunately those who have already voted can't change their choice.

I'd be interested to hear from Colorado residents on how they feel it's effected their local culture.

I'd have to say that the jury is still out on that one. Personally I haven't seen any real difference and it may take years to really see the long term affects. I've heard that in some ares of town the homeless numbers have climbed substantially indirectly related to legalized recreational marijuana, not because recreational users are suddenly becoming homeless but because people have moved here without any ability to get a job or housing solely because they can smoke pot legally.

Although I've never used marijuana nor intend to in the future, I lean towards the full legalization in the US (personally I think that it's just a matter of time) the same as alcohol for 21 and over. Long term health risks (for moderate users) appear to be no worse than cigarettes and short term impairment is no worse than alcohol.

In the past few decades between state and federal law enforcement we have spent literally billions of dollars trying to eradicate the stuff and haven't even put the smallest dent in the supply and in the process we have filled our county jails and state and federal prisons with small time dealers. Personally I think that money would be better directed towards chasing down Meth, Heroine, etc that truly destroys every person that uses it.

Back in the 20's we had full prohibition on alcohol and all that did was give rise to a huge black market that funded mobsters empires such as Al Capone and others. Prohibition did not eradicate alcohol or those who abused it, it just drove them underground.

Like others on here (not necessarily the Singles Forum) I think that the Feds should at least drop it from being a Schedule 1 (the same class as Heroine and LSD) so that legitimate research can be done in the medical field. I have read about several cases of parents moving here because their children suffered from different types of seizures that traditional medicines have not even moderated yet Charlotte's Web (a strain of marijuana with an almost nonexistent level of THC, the stuff that gets you high) has all but removed their symptoms. These parents of course are not giving their kids pot to smoke, but administering it via "edibles".