What does the Bible say about marijuana?
It’s not a topic you hear about too often, but it does come up every now and then. I’ve come across many who assert the Bible is pro-smoking marijuana. The verse that’s often used to suggest this is Genesis 1:29.
The verse states:
“And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” (Genesis 1:29 ESV).
But is this verse actually promoting the use of marijuana? Particularly when smoking it? Let’s take a deeper look into what the Bible says about marijuana.
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The True Meaning of Genesis 1:29
Those who assert Genesis 1:29 means smoking marijuana is okay are reading it in context.
When reading anything, please read it in context with the chapter and book. Scripture should interpret scripture.
Genesis 1 details the creation story. After creating everything, God gives instructions. These instructions include Genesis 1:29.
If you take a close look at the verse, it says he has given us every plant and tree yielding seed for food. It doesn’t say he’s given us every plant and tree yielding seed for smoking.
Genesis 1:29 is talking about food. Not smoking.
What does the Bible say about smoking herbs?
Okay, so Genesis 1:29 isn’t talking about smoking. What about the rest of the Bible? What does the Bible say about smoking herbs?
The Bible doesn’t speak of smoking herbs or any other type of smoking for that matter. However, we can get an idea of whether smoking herbs is something we should do from other passages.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV).
This verse says we shouldn’t be mastered by anything. This means nothing in our lives should become an idol (be put above God).
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV).
I know this verse isn’t dealing directly with smoking herbs but I do believe it can be applied.
This verse calls us to be sober-minded. This means you shouldn’t have anything inhibit your judgment or thinking. Smoking herbs does that to you. It affects your brain. It can also be unhealthy.
What does the Bible say about getting high?
Like smoking herbs, the Bible doesn’t talk of getting high. Still, I believe we can pull from scripture to piece together an argument.
Bible verses that shed light on getting high:
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 — “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (NIV).
- 1 Peter 5:8 — “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV).
- Genesis 3:17 — “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.” (NIV).
- Ephesians 5:18 — “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (ESV).
Is getting high a sin?
I believe getting high is a sin. Much like drunkenness, getting high impairs your senses.
Because drunkenness and getting high affect people’s senses similarly, I would treat getting high the same as drunkenness. The Bible prohibits drunkenness so I believe getting high is prohibited as well.
Drinking alcohol is okay in moderation, as long as you don’t allow it to get to a state of drunkenness. So, does that mean smoking marijuana in moderation is okay?
I would argue not. It doesn’t take very much THC to get high. With drinking, it’s a little different. For instance, you can have a glass of wine and not be drunk.
For this reason, I think it’s best to stay away from marijuana altogether.
Can a Christian consider CBD oil?
CBD oil is different from marijuana. It doesn’t contain THC which means it isn’t used for getting high. CBD oil is primarily used for pain relief.
For this reason, I think it’s okay for a Christian to consider CBD oil.
Is CBD oil a sin?
CBD oil doesn’t make you high and isn’t used for any ill practices, so I don’t believe using CBD oil is a sin. CBD oil can help alleviate pain and anxiety. I think it’s fine, as long as you don’t rely on it heavily.
Anything can become bad or unhealthy when overused. Be wise when considering these options.
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