Christians and Medical Cannabis

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Mar 20, 2013
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#1
Why don't Christians use Cannabis for health issues? It is legal in some places, even for recreation. Like wine used for the stomach or for a wedding celebration in the Bible, cannabis is from God. Like all things that God gave us, everything he created has it's purpose for moderate use. Cannabis is not a chemical concoction invented in a lab by a corporate interest.

Have you ever heard of Medical Viagra? Is it a "Drug"? When did a "Drug" developed solely for the purpose of having more sex become "Medical"? Yet, Christians use it. What about all the anti-depressants and behavioral drugs that we pump into children; or what about weight loss drugs? Not to mention and all the known side affects.

We take drugs because we don't know how to live, or use the medicine that God gave us. I thank God for giving me Cannabis, otherwise, I might ignorantly submit to taking "drugs" like so many "Christians". That's not the only natural medicine I use, there's also a world of proven herbs and spices that the artificial world doesn't acknowledge. Often the corporate interests, influences authorities so that we're only allowed to use the product they produce from a plant. Which in turn alters the healing properties of the natural source so that it doesn't work as it should. None of what I'm saying is new knowledge.

God didn't create our bodies to process the chemicals that we put into them by means of drugs or food products. If we want to heal we must turn to God and what he has given us. Of course, we are obligated by God to obey the laws of the land as long as they don't obligate us to disobey God. If we live in a "Free" state then you only have to see what the Bible says at Gen 1:24, that God made all seed and plant and it is good.

All "Good" things in moderation. I'm not saying that all drugs that the doctor prescribes is bad, but we need to examine ourselves and care for our health within the letter of the law. And where the law says Cannabis is legal, God approves too. It's done wonders for my chronic pain and for others in my family who use it for various medical conditions. We have reduced our medical health care needs because we aren't having all the illness/side effects caused by some of the drugs we were provided by our doctors. Sometimes the cannabis simply allows someone to take less of a dangerous drug. What's wrong with that?

If a Christian chooses to use cannabis for medical conditions they should abide by the local law. If a Christian chooses to use cannabis for recreational purpose as they would alcohol, then they should likewise, abide by the local law (age and use requirements) and God's law of moderation.

If you disagree with the premiss of this post. Please use scriptural counsel and reference to prove your point. Keep in mind, that if you are a true Christian, you should appreciate that the only opinion that really matters, is God's opinion. If you have a problem with what he created, then your case is with him, not me. My intention is to open up an intelligent discussion based on God's principles about the things that he has provided for us.
 
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RachelBibleStudent

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#2
first of all many plant species are not in the perfect state God originally created...they have been corrupted by the curse of sin...

genesis 3:18..."Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field;"

saying 'God created the cannabis plant so it must be good for us' is like saying 'God created poison ivy so it must be good for us'

secondly...God gave us plants to -eat- but the bible says nothing about God ever telling anyone to burn plants and inhale the fumes...which is the way most cannabis users do it...

genesis 1:29..."Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you;"

finally the word for 'witchcraft' in biblical greek is 'pharmakeia'...this refers to the ancient practice of using certain plants for their spiritual effects...and one of the plants the ancient shamans used ritually to interact with the spirit world was cannabis...

galatians 5:19-21..."Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

so in response to the question...why shouldn't christians use cannabis for health issues? the answer is...the same reason christians shouldn't go to voodoo practitioners for health issues...
 
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Shiloah

Guest
#3
Why don't Christians use Cannabis for health issues? It is legal in some places, even for recreation. Like wine used for the stomach or for a wedding celebration in the Bible, cannabis is from God. Like all things that God gave us, everything he created has it's purpose for moderate use. Cannabis is not a chemical concoction invented in a lab by a corporate interest.

Have you ever heard of Medical Viagra? Is it a "Drug"? When did a "Drug" developed solely for the purpose of having more sex become "Medical"? Yet, Christians use it. What about all the anti-depressants and behavioral drugs that we pump into children; or what about weight loss drugs? Not to mention and all the known side affects.

We take drugs because we don't know how to live, or use the medicine that God gave us. I thank God for giving me Cannabis, otherwise, I might ignorantly submit to taking "drugs" like so many "Christians". That's not the only natural medicine I use, there's also a world of proven herbs and spices that the artificial world doesn't acknowledge. Often the corporate interests, influences authorities so that we're only allowed to use the product they produce from a plant. Which in turn alters the healing properties of the natural source so that it doesn't work as it should. None of what I'm saying is new knowledge.

God didn't create our bodies to process the chemicals that we put into them by means of drugs or food products. If we want to heal we must turn to God and what he has given us. Of course, we are obligated by God to obey the laws of the land as long as they don't obligate us to disobey God. If we live in a "Free" state then you only have to see what the Bible says at Gen 1:24, that God made all seed and plant and it is good.

All "Good" things in moderation. I'm not saying that all drugs that the doctor prescribes is bad, but we need to examine ourselves and care for our health within the letter of the law. And where the law says Cannabis is legal, God approves too. It's done wonders for my chronic pain and for others in my family who use it for various medical conditions. We have reduced our medical health care needs because we aren't having all the illness/side effects caused by some of the drugs we were provided by our doctors. Sometimes the cannabis simply allows someone to take less of a dangerous drug. What's wrong with that?

If a Christian chooses to use cannabis for medical conditions they should abide by the local law. If a Christian chooses to use cannabis for recreational purpose as they would alcohol, then they should likewise, abide by the local law (age and use requirements) and God's law of moderation.

If you disagree with the premiss of this post. Please use scriptural counsel and reference to prove your point. Keep in mind, that if you are a true Christian, you should appreciate that the only opinion that really matters, is God's opinion. If you have a problem with what he created, then your case is with him, not me. My intention is to open up an intelligent discussion based on God's principles about the things that he has provided for us.
Who says Christians don't? I don't, but I know a few Christians that do for bad arthritis or physical issues that cause chronic pain and alike. Christians think differently about this issue.

P.S. I hardly think smoking marijuana, which is a drug, for pain has squat to do with practicing witchcraft.
 
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Shiloah

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#4
If I get a compound fracture and the doctor gives me morphine while I await surgery, I'm practicing witchcraft? Hm.
 
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jimmydiggs

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#5
It's sin to do so. dats why, bro.
 
Mar 20, 2013
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#6
'pharmakeia' is the Greek word for pharmacy, which is the practice and making of medication and vitamins. Using your argument I guess you could say that physicians who promote pharmacy products are Witchdoctors. It's true that some plants are toxic, yet some of those very same plants, when prepared and administered accordingly can heal. I would not shoot Heroin, yet I would accept a shot of Morphine which is the same thing. Asthmatics have to inhale medicine. I haven't had an asthma attack or serious respiratory illness since I started smoking cannabis. It is also prepared in topical ointments, oils, is used in cooking and gel capsules, and vaporized. So, not all people who use cannabis are smoking it. Inhaling smoke or vapor is just one method of administering medicine.
As for the corruption of plants, plants don't sin. The Garden of Eden was meant to be for all people forever, but Adams sin ruined the plan. Thorns, thistles would be a contrast to the perfect garden they once enjoyed. And farming the fields was how they would have to provide food for themselves and their family outside of the Garden.
 
Mar 20, 2013
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#7
Where is a scripture that singles out "Cannabis" as a "sin" compared to all the other plants we use medicinally? Cannabis didn't become a "sin" until Industry persuaded politics to make it so. The laws are subject to location. The rest is between our conscience and God. But if you feel strongly about how we use God's plants, you might not want to eat anything with Saffron; it's been called nature's Prozak. Nutmeg is a deadly toxic hallucinogen in, as little as, a teaspoon. Sulfur is medicinal, but you wouldn't eat a book of matches. Steroids are part of our physiology, not a sin, but the way they are used can be.

I know that Christians are divided about how we use God's plants, but is that a reason to judge others who answer to God for themselves? It would be a "sin" to judge the actions of another person on God's behalf. We have the freedom to make our own choices. We DO NOT have the freedom, nor authority, to be judges for God.
 
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Oct 31, 2011
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#8
Where is a scripture that singles out "Cannabis" as a "sin" compared to all the other plants we use medicinally? Cannabis didn't become a "sin" until Industry persuaded politics to make it so. The laws are subject to location. The rest is between our conscience and God. But if you feel strongly about how we use God's plants, you might not want to eat anything with Saffron; it's been called nature's Prozak. Nutmeg is a deadly toxic hallucinogen in, as little as, a teaspoon. Sulfur is medicinal, but you wouldn't eat a book of matches. Steroids are part of our physiology, not a sin, but the way they are used can be.

I know that Christians are divided about how we use God's plants, but is that a reason to judge others who answer to God for themselves? It would be a "sin" to judge the actions of another person on God's behalf. We have the freedom to make our own choices. We DO NOT have the freedom, nor authority, to be judges for God.
You are asking scripture to give us the letter of the law by us step by step what God wants of us. God says that is not the way. God gives us principles to live by with spirit and truth. The Pharisee denomination of Jews tried to do that and Christ scolded them for it.

Cannabis can be used for sin by making you intoxicated. It can also be used for sin by making you addicted to it, and we are not to be ruled by other than God. It can also damage brain cells. We used to hire young men to work for us, and those who used cannabis for recreation became useless as employees. When I checked with doctors about this use for me, I was told that the help it gave nothing compared with the dangers of the drug. There are usually other much safer ways. For instance, biofeedback works wonders for pain and there are no negative side affects.
 
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Jordache

Guest
#9
Arguing about marijuana drives me crazy. First off, calling it "Cannabis" doesn't make it sound any better than calling it weed or pot or (insert term here). It doesn't matter what you call it, it's wrong. I'm rather sick of people claiming there are no ill-effects for using weed. I have two brothers who grow it to sell to pharmacies. I have a mother who completely rejected all her children because she made her life all about weed and men.
Weed has consequences. It makes you lazy. It eats away your brain cells. I'm surprised my mom still knows my name. Weed is addictive. It's becomes a social vice. It's true that the bible doesn't directly address marijuana. But that doesn't matter. The principles are still there and filling your body with a mind altering substance is ridiculous.
 
Sep 8, 2012
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#10
All herbs were given for some reason.
None were to get addicted to.
Pot is a pain killer.
You need to not use painkillers for mental anguish.
But if you busted your leg and didn't have access to opium, you might need some whiskey.
But these aren't for mental stress.
And certainly not for pleasure.
 
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Bryancampbell

Guest
#11
I don't agree with taking drugs like marijuana on a daily basis to get high, but where in the bible does it say plants got corrupted by the fall of man? I think God did make it the way it is, I think it's the abuse of it.
 
Mar 20, 2013
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#12
You might want to educate yourself a little more. Cannabis is not addictive. I and many others know from experience. There are no withdrawls (as with Coffee or Alcohol). It may be habit forming, but then again so is food. Habits are made and broken by choice. Alcohol is intoxicating and will make you high at work if you drink before or at lunch, which is probably what your employees were doing. Drinking or taking cannabis or anything else is never recreational if you're under the influence on the job. Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. They're naturally occur in our physiology. Alcohol and many prescription drugs however, have been proven "cause" brain damage as well as an entire host of dangerous and deadly side effects. Ever watch a commercial for a drug that didn't give you a list of the health risks at the end? Yet, we choose to use them when suggested by the pharmaceutical industry. Energy drinks are extremely dangerous and bad for our bodies, but they're sold in stores for children to access freely.
I'm curious what this means "the help it gave nothing compared with the dangers of the drug." What dangers and side effect exactly? No one has ever died, unless of course alcohol or drug was involved. Cannabis is an herb, not a drug. If you think "smoking" causes brain damage then consider that eating it doesn't. If a "drug" is defined by making you "HIGH" maybe you'd like to explain the effects of coffee and other caffeinated drinks; SUGAR; Allergy medicines, Prozak and other anti-depressants that get you "HIGH". I took anti-depressants for a short time, I quit because they paralyzed my ability to feel, care and think for myself...I just didn't care. You could blow up the world and I'd say "good thing". THAT'S "HIGH". Some strains of Cannabis don't cause a heady feeling either, Did you know that?

Many doctors are well aware that they represent the "Drug Industry" using drug therapy instead of healing. Nature offers us many more safe, yet illegal ways to heal. Cannabis is not the only plant that drug companies won't let you have access to. We can be lazy and buy into propaganda, or we can educate ourselves. And that applies to everything in this system of things.

As always, we are first obligated by God's command to be lawful citizens. So like everything we must be within the law of the land. Please don't let my views cause stumbling, I am in a legal state and city and I have no case with God's healthful provisions.
 
Mar 20, 2013
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#13
If alcohol isn't for pleasure then why is it available everywhere. How is it that there are bars and restaurants serving alcohol for anything other than pain killer? Are you saying that you don't consume alcohol at all unless you suffer pain? As for mental anguish people are way more effective chemicals prescribed by their doctors. But for mild depression, cannabis can be much less invasive than chemical "Drugs". It's not addictive. There's a difference between Addiction and Habit.
 
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Bryancampbell

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#14
You might want to educate yourself a little more. Cannabis is not addictive. I and many others know from experience. There are no withdrawls (as with Coffee or Alcohol). It may be habit forming, but then again so is food. Habits are made and broken by choice. Alcohol is intoxicating and will make you high at work if you drink before or at lunch, which is probably what your employees were doing. Drinking or taking cannabis or anything else is never recreational if you're under the influence on the job. Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. They're naturally occur in our physiology. Alcohol and many prescription drugs however, have been proven "cause" brain damage as well as an entire host of dangerous and deadly side effects. Ever watch a commercial for a drug that didn't give you a list of the health risks at the end? Yet, we choose to use them when suggested by the pharmaceutical industry. Energy drinks are extremely dangerous and bad for our bodies, but they're sold in stores for children to access freely.
I'm curious what this means "the help it gave nothing compared with the dangers of the drug." What dangers and side effect exactly? No one has ever died, unless of course alcohol or drug was involved. Cannabis is an herb, not a drug. If you think "smoking" causes brain damage then consider that eating it doesn't. If a "drug" is defined by making you "HIGH" maybe you'd like to explain the effects of coffee and other caffeinated drinks; SUGAR; Allergy medicines, Prozak and other anti-depressants that get you "HIGH". I took anti-depressants for a short time, I quit because they paralyzed my ability to feel, care and think for myself...I just didn't care. You could blow up the world and I'd say "good thing". THAT'S "HIGH". Some strains of Cannabis don't cause a heady feeling either, Did you know that?

Many doctors are well aware that they represent the "Drug Industry" using drug therapy instead of healing. Nature offers us many more safe, yet illegal ways to heal. Cannabis is not the only plant that drug companies won't let you have access to. We can be lazy and buy into propaganda, or we can educate ourselves. And that applies to everything in this system of things.

As always, we are first obligated by God's command to be lawful citizens. So like everything we must be within the law of the land. Please don't let my views cause stumbling, I am in a legal state and city and I have no case with God's healthful provisions.
Well I wouldn't really compare???? Drinks like tea and them actually are beneficial, but weed kills brain cells and affects your body, especially carbon monoxide in take which damage the immune system and lungs even if it helps you medically...My grandfather smoked it for medical reasons.
 
Mar 20, 2013
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#15
I didn't start this thread to argue. I started the conversation because there's a lot of uninformed, judgmental people, who are depriving their brothers and sisters of a God given option to treat their health problems.

Cannabis is the name of the type of plant. It does not "eat away your brain cells" matter of fact, our brains have cannabinoid receptors. CB[SUB]1[/SUB] receptors are found primarily in the brain, to be specific in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system, including the hippocampus. And CB[SUB]2[/SUB] receptors are predominantly found in the immune system, or immune-derived cells[SUP][8][/SUP] with the greatest density in the spleen.
Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain.- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid
more info. Cannabinoids - What are Cannabinoids?

Your mother's problem wasn't weed, it was her "self". It does not make everyone lazy and it's not addictive. When you're willing to hear what grown up people using it say, they will tell you that makes them more able to do certain activities, more focused, less depressed, less sick, etc. Athletes use it and they are considered "lazy". "Lazy" people don't win Gold medals, teach at Universities, practice Law, become world renowned artists and writers). "Lazy" is another personal issue.
As with any medication, some strains may cause drowsiness depending on dose. It depends on what it's used for, is it Sativa, Indica, Hybrid? They have different effects. It can be discontinued without withdrawals or side effects that come with alcohol or even caffeine withdrawal.

If filling you body with mind altering substances you should consider what your breath and eat, because studies show that we are being destroyed by the everyday things we consume and are exposed to. Everyone in the world is functioning with altered minds. That's what imperfection is.

To judge "Cannabis" as "wrong" is judgement you do not have the education or authority to make. It is an emotional retort in response to how someone you know abused it. Will you say that all Pharmaceutical drugs are "Wrong" since so many people are abusing them too?
 
Sep 8, 2012
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#16
To overlook addiction as a serious problem is neither being educated nor authoritative.
The root cause is deeper than the chemical. - (Herbs are made up of chemicals)
THC being the mind altering chemical compound found in pot.
Chemical compounds that effect the body for a certain specific purpose are also known as drugs.
THC is of the 'psychedelic' class of drugs.
 
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Jordache

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#17
Sorry, you can judge me all you want, but I know dozens of pot addicts... Yes addicts. There may be 1 out of the whole bunch who is an optimally functioning member of society. Just because your brain has receptors does not mean "cannabis" has no negative effect on the brain. You can negate all you want with Wikipedia and anti-government propaganda, but I have personally seen the effects of marijuana on people. And you cannot negate experience.
 
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Shiloah

Guest
#18
This is such a touchy subject with people. From what I've seen, smoking marijuana for relaxation and enjoyment doesn't work out well. True. It seems that it does make people lose their drive, or lose initiative, and it also makes them kind of stupid. But I also hear of Christians that use it for cancer treatment to help with nausea and such. In addition, I know people that smoked it until I thought they'd never be ok again, but they did stop for good when they had families, and they did recover completely, at least it seems (mentally, I mean). I'm sure the ill effects have much to do with how much people smoke. When it's dispensed for medical purposes, I don't think they give people as much as they would smoke on their own.

I guess all I'm saying is I think people often times make too much of it, and yet, if it's not constructive for us, we shouldn't be using it anyway. But I'm not going to judge people with chronic pain because I know hydrophone, morphine, and other such drugs are far more addictive. I know that from personal experience. It's awful hard to break lose of pain pills after one recovers from surgery if you have to take them for any length of time. I got physically ill when I quit hydrophone after recovering from surgery, and I'd only been on it for about 6 weeks, and I never took more than what they doctor prescribed.

I'm just talking about for people with chronic pain. It seems a better choice than much more addictive drugs.
 
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RachelBibleStudent

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#19
Who says Christians don't? I don't, but I know a few Christians that do for bad arthritis or physical issues that cause chronic pain and alike. Christians think differently about this issue.

P.S. I hardly think smoking marijuana, which is a drug, for pain has squat to do with practicing witchcraft.
the -intent- may not be to practice witchcraft...but likewise the intent of someone using tarot cards might be 'just for fun'...does that make tarot cards ok?
 
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RachelBibleStudent

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#20
If I get a compound fracture and the doctor gives me morphine while I await surgery, I'm practicing witchcraft? Hm.
no because morphine wasn't used by any ancient shamans in their pharmakeia rituals...