For many years, there have been much debate about the legalization of marijuana use. There is even a United States Marijuana Party, founded by Loretta Nall in 2002, commissioned to decriminalize grass roots movements in the country, and legalize usage. This continues to be a debate between opposers and advocates nationwide.
However, many people have come to a compromise on the topic of medicinal marijuana, primarily due to the reported benefits that it has given certain patients over the years. In fact, many have been strong proponents of its use, and feel that it can be a life-saving medicine. However, recent studies show that it may not be as useful and dependable as hyped up to be.
According to CNN, a group of researchers found 27 studies that examined cannabis use for chronic pain in adults. The studies concluded weak evidence that cannabis relieves chronic pain, and insufficient evidence that it was overall helpful to pain sufferers.
On the contrary, stronger evidence was found that it increased the risk of car accidents, psychotic symptoms, and short-term cognitive impairment.
While there are some Christians who believe that marijuana is a perfect remedy drug, the majority feel as if it is an unhealthy vice.
Christianity Today went into detail regarding why marijuana use should be avoided.
“Christians should be cautious about using marijuana. Marijuana is associated with vice and unseemly activity. Christians are called to be above reproach, ‘without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,’ shining ‘as lights in the world’ (Phil. 2:15, ESV). We are told to ‘not be conformed to this world’ (Rom. 12:2) and to ‘walk properly as in the daytime,’ avoiding sins of addiction such as drinking and partying (Rom. 13:13). In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Peter urges Christians to ‘abstain from the passions of the flesh’ and to keep their conduct honorable, so unbelievers ‘may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.’”
Ultimately, the bigger emphasis relates to keeping one’s witness as a Christian strong, and not giving anyone a form of confusion or an avenue to overindulge as a result of seeing a Christian exhibiting similar behavior.
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