Although many use marijuana as a way to get high, which is forbidden in scripture, there are legitimate and legal medicinal uses for it.  Among the many conditions that marijuana is used to treat (although these may differ from state to state), are ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many more.  According to the Cleveland Clinic’s website, scientists and healthcare providers can’t state any general benefits of medical marijuana with certainty. This is because there isn’t enough research yet about the medical benefits of these products, especially long-term effects. In addition, marijuana tends to affect different people in many different ways.

The Bible does forbid us from any mind-altering drugs or alcohol.  We read in Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”  We read in 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.”  Interestingly enough, the Greek word for ‘witchcraft’ here is “pharmakeía” from which we get the word ‘pharmacy’.  This indicates an abuse of drugs that is forbidden. 

Yet, if there are advantages to using marijuana to treat illnesses rather than to use it recreationally, I see no reason that one should abstain from that which a doctor prescribes as a way to at least alleviate some of the symptoms of different illnesses and diseases.  So, I think we can see that smoking marijuana can be considered a sin in Christianity if it leads to intoxication, loss of self-control, or dependence, but medicinal use would not be considered inherently sinful.  In the same way that marijuana can have a legitimate use, opioids are often used as medicines because they contain chemicals that relax the body and can relieve pain. Prescription opioids are used mostly to treat moderate to severe pain, although they can be, and are often, abused by many people.  That does not diminish its advantage when used appropriately and under a doctor’s care. The Lord Jesus stated in Matthew 9:12, “But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”  There are times when we need a physician (doctor), and we can normally trust and follow the advice of the doctor if he should think it appropriate to use marijuana. 

I do appreciate your concern and caution about using marijuana for treatment of certain illnesses.  I believe, based on the scriptures we have seen, that it would be acceptable for a Christian to use it.  If you still have doubts, I encourage you to pray about it until the Lord gives you a clear conscience about it.  (CC)  (744.4)