Cannabis in the Bible: How to Decide Whether or Not Smoking Weed Is a Sin

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Helping you determine if Christians can smoke weed based on Bible verses

Co-authored by Liz Cooledge Jenkins and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 28, 2024 References

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What is weed?

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What the Bible Says about Weed

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Is smoking weed a sin in Christianity?

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Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding to Smoke Weed

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

As marijuana use becomes more and more mainstream, many Christians find themselves wondering: is smoking weed a sin? What does the Bible say about weed? And how can I, as a Christian, make the right decision for me and my faith? While smoking marijuana is a personal choice, there are some guiding passages you can take from the Bible to help you choose whether or not you’d like to use marijuana in your daily life. Keep reading to learn what God says about weed and how you can make the right choice for yourself.

Things You Should Know

The Bible does not mention marijuana by name. However, it warns against using substances to alter your state of mind or distract you from God.
Smoking weed may be considered a sin if you use it to lose self control. It may not be a sin if you use it in moderation or for medicinal purposes.
Ultimately, smoking weed is still a divisive topic in the Christian community.

Section 1 of 4:

What is weed?

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Weed, or marijuana, is a dried form of the cannabis plant. Typically smoked, this drug can also be brewed into tea or made into an edible form. Many people use marijuana as a recreational drug, but it can also be prescribed medicinally for a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety and pain management. ^{[1]
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- The legality of marijuana varies from state to state: in some states, you can walk into a dispensary and purchase it from a storefront. In other states, it is not legal to possess marijuana at all, even on your own private property.
- Keep in mind that “marijuana” can cover both THC and CBD. THC is the property that gets you “high,” or alters your state of mind, while CBD is the property that relaxes you and helps manage pain. These properties can be combined into 1 plant, or they can be separated from each other.

Section 2 of 4:

What the Bible Says about Weed

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As you dive into the Bible to look for arguments for and against cannabis, it’s important to note that weed itself is never mentioned in the Bible. ^{[2]
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Research source} However, most other drugs are not mentioned, either, but most people still view taking hard drugs as a sin in Christianity.
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The Bible advocates for obeying all laws, and in some states, weed is illegal. There are many verses in the Bible that state that you should always follow the laws of wherever you are. If marijuana is not legal in your state, then the Bible does not advocate for using it. ^{[3]
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- Titus 3:1: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,”
- Romans 2:13: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”
- Romans 3:31: “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
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Using a substance to lose self control is a sin. In the Bible, it clearly states that “drunkards” are to be looked down upon. A drunkard is someone who uses drinks to lose control of their facilities or their behavior. Many Christians assume that if marijuana is used to lose control, then the Bible looks down on it. ^{[4]
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- 1 Corinthians 5:11: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:10: “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
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Using a substance to alter your state of consciousness is a sin. Similar to losing self control, any substances that alter your state of being (or get you high) are not considered a good thing in the Bible. The Bible mostly references strong drink, but many people assume that this means drugs are a bad thing, too. ^{[5]
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- 1 Peter 4:7: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
- Ephesians 5:18: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”
- Isaiah 28:7: “These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.”

Section 3 of 4:

Is smoking weed a sin in Christianity?

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While smoking marijuana or not smoking it is a hugely personal decision, the Bible mentions multiple times that using any substance to alter your state of mind goes against God. This is because your mind should always be steady and able to focus on Him. ^{[6]
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There are multiple reasons that people use marijuana, and not all of them are to get high. If you use marijuana for medicinal purposes or you can use it in small amounts without feeling dependent on it, then it may not be considered a sin in Christianity. ^{[7]
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Section 4 of 4:

Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding to Smoke Weed

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In many cases, you can use marijuana without altering your state of mind completely. Think about it like having a glass of wine with dinner: in such small amounts, most Christians do not view drinking alcohol as a sin. It’s the same thing with marijuana—if you can use just a little bit that doesn’t alter your state of mind completely, then it might be totally fine.
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Am I using marijuana for medicinal purposes? Medical marijuana is a fairly divisive topic in the Christian community. Some people believe that marijuana prescribed by a doctor is okay, while others still view it as a sin. ^{[8]
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Research source} However, if you are using marijuana to treat a medical issue, it’s important to talk to your doctor and do what’s best for your health.
- In some cases, it may be better for your medical condition to take CBD instead of THC. CBD does not alter your state of mind, so it might be the right choice for you and your faith.
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Am I becoming dependent on marijuana? The Bible does not advocate for any substance that makes you dependent on it, whether that be drugs or alcohol. If you find that you’re relying on marijuana to get you through the day or you’re using it every single day, it might be time to take a step back and reduce your usage. ^{[9]
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- While marijuana does not make you physically dependent on it, it can make you emotionally dependent on it. Marijuana can still be considered addictive, even though it does not give you the typical withdrawal symptoms that other drugs do. ^{[10]
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Is marijuana alienating me from God or other people? Christianity states that the first priority in your life should be God and your faith. If you find that marijuana is keeping you from going to church or talking with God, then it may not be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. ^{[11]
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- For instance, are you using pot to relax instead of meditating on Bible verses or talking to God? Are you skipping church services to smoke weed instead? If so, your marijuana usage may be getting in the way of your faith.
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How much do I know about weed? Whether or not you’d like to use marijuana is totally up to you, and it’s a very personal decision. Be sure to get all the facts about marijuana, including the safety of it and any side effects you may experience. Listed below are some reputable, unbiased sources you can use to learn more about marijuana and what it does to the body.

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Am I going to get punished for smoking weed?

Liz Cooledge Jenkins
Christian Theology Expert
Liz Cooledge Jenkins is a Christian Theology Expert based in Seattle, Washington. She is a freelance writer and preacher. Liz’s writing is focused at the intersections of faith, feminism, and social justice. She is the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism. She also blogs at her own Substack, and has written for outlets such as Sojourners, The Christian Century, Premier Christianity, Christians for Social Action, Red Letter Christians, and Feminism & Religion. She worked as a Chaplain for King County Fire District in Burien Washington. Prior to that, she served as College Ministry Director at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California. She received a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She earned a BS in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University.

Liz Cooledge Jenkins

Christian Theology Expert

Expert Answer

There is no particular verse in the Bible that speaks of smoking marijuana, but many Christians look at broader biblical principles to determine if it is something they should do. The Bible teaches people to take care of their bodies, calling them "temples of the Holy Spirit." For some, this can also interpret the use of marijuana, especially if it's used recreationally to alter one's state of mind. Punishment in Christianity is not the same as in a legal system where certain actions lead to certain penalties. Instead, it is based on the relationship between an individual and God.

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So I should follow all laws even if they are of opressive and unjust nature?

Mr c

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Following laws is generally a good idea for keeping society running smoothly. But if a law goes against basic human rights or is unjust, there's room for debate. Sometimes standing up against unjust laws can bring about positive change, like in the civil rights movements. It's a balance between respecting the law and fighting for what's right.

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Will smoking weed keep you from entering into heaven?

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Different religions and beliefs have different views on this. Some say it might affect your spiritual journey, while others focus more on how you treat others and yourself. Ultimately it's about your personal beliefs and how you live your life.

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Cannabis in the Bible: How to Decide Whether or Not Smoking Weed Is a Sin

Things You Should Know

Steps

What is weed?

What the Bible Says about Weed

Is smoking weed a sin in Christianity?

Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding to Smoke Weed

Expert Q&A

Tips

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References

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