For much of the twentieth century, marijuana was illegal in the United States under both federal and state law, and marijuana use, although often tolerated, was viewed as part of the counterculture. Recently, however, a significant shift has occurred both in public attitudes and in the legal landscape. Although marijuana is still illegal under federal law, thirty-nine states allow medical marijuana, and twenty-four states have legalized recreational use.[1] Not only is marijuana increasingly tolerated but, in many places, it is advertised and promoted. Unless trends reverse, marijuana is well on the way to becoming mainstream. How should Christians respond?
CHRISTIANS SHOULD UNDERSTAND WHY MARIJUANA USE IS WRONG
The first issue is whether marijuana use is wrong. To answer this question, we will look first at what marijuana and related substances are and how they operate on the nervous system. We will then examine the relevant biblical teachings.