The Bible does not directly address the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. However, there are several biblical principles that can guide Christians in evaluating whether recreational marijuana use is wise and honoring to God.
1. The Bible calls Christians to sobriety and clear-mindedness
Several passages in Scripture speak against intoxication and warn about substances that can cloud judgment and impair discernment. For example:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them with rags” (Proverbs 23:21)
While marijuana may not always cause intoxication like alcohol, it does have psychoactive effects that can alter perception, decision-making, and awareness. Recreational use often involves getting “high.” Christians should carefully consider whether this lines up with the Bible’s call to be sober-minded.
2. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
Christians believe that their bodies are not their own, but have been bought with the price of Jesus’ blood on the cross. The Bible calls the body the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As such, Christians have a responsibility to care for their bodies and use wisdom.
Like any substance, marijuana carries health risks. While medicinal use under a doctor’s supervision may be warranted at times, recreational use solely for pleasure’s sake may violate the responsibility to properly steward the body God has given.
3. Marijuana is currently illegal in most places
In many locations, marijuana use remains against the law, medical or otherwise. The Bible calls Christians to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). While working to change laws through appropriate channels can be warranted, disregarding and disobeying the law simply because one disagrees with it is difficult to justify biblically.
4. Potential for addiction and lack of self-control
Marijuana, like other drugs, carries a risk of addiction. Some studies estimate that about 10% of marijuana users will develop an addiction. The Bible consistently warns against lack of self-control and addiction (1 Corinthians 6:12, 2 Peter 2:19).
Christians should carefully consider if recreational marijuana use will lead to over dependence or get in the way of living freely for God.
5. Potential impact on relationships and Christian witness
The Bible encourages Christians to be wise in the way they live and careful about the example they set for others (1 Thessalonians 5:22, Philippians 4:8-9). While some cultures may accept recreational drug use as normal, many still view it as taboo or even sinful.
Christians should thoughtfully consider if using marijuana recreationally will enhance their witness for Christ or undermine it. They should also consider how it might impact relationships with other Christians and non-Christians.
6. Potential for financial waste and irresponsible stewardship
Marijuana use can become an expensive recreational habit over time. Christians seek to handle money wisely and generously based on biblical financial principles (Proverbs 21:20, Luke 14:28, 1 Timothy 6:10). Lavish spending on marijuana for personal pleasure could violate standards for responsible stewardship.
7. Motivations behind use: is it for selfish pleasure or God’s glory?
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” All Christian activities should aim to honor God.
Using recreational drugs like marijuana simply for pleasure, convenience, or social acceptance is difficult to justify in light of verses like this. However, if marijuana use serves a purpose that aligns with God’s values and brings Him glory, it may have a place.
Christians should carefully examine their motivations and goals behind marijuana use.
8. Potential to become a stumbling block for others
The Bible warns Christians against causing others to stumble by misusing their freedom in Christ (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). For many people, marijuana use represents a vice or sin issue.
By participating, Christians may normalize the behavior for struggling individuals and contribute to their addiction. Christians must carefully consider how their marijuana usage affects others.
9. Associations with the drug culture and other sins
Marijuana often serves as a “gateway” to involvement in a drug culture rife with substance abuse, crime, violence, and many other sins. While marijuana itself may not be immoral, its associations in society often run counter to Christian values.
Christians should be mindful of these associations and carefully consider if recreational marijuana use contributes to an ungodly culture.
10. Priorities: does it distract from pursuing God?
The Bible calls Christians to wholeheartedly pursue God as life’s top priority (Matthew 22:37-38). Recreational habits like marijuana use can potentially distract from spiritual growth. Time, money, attention, and focus given to marijuana may exceed what is given to God.
Christians should ensure marijuana does not overtake God’s rightful place in their hearts and lives.
In summary, the Bible does not forbid marijuana outright, but it does call Christians to live wisely and honor God with their bodies, relationships, finances, legal obligations, motivations, and priorities. Used recreationally, marijuana carries significant spiritual and practical risks that Christians should carefully weigh before proceeding.
Rather than looking for loopholes to justify marijuana use, Christians are wise to default to sobriety and avoid recreational drugs absent a compelling biblical case otherwise. While medicinal use may be warranted at times, recreational use demands very thoughtful spiritual reflection.
God graciously gives Christians freedom, but also calls them to self-control and Christlike living. When used responsibly, that freedom brings God glory. But when misused, it leads to bondage.
With recreational marijuana, lines between responsible freedom versus irresponsible license can blur quickly. Christians should proceed with wisdom, carefully evaluating their motivations in light of God’s Word.
The Bible does not condemn medicine, fun, or relaxation. But it does condemn foolishness, addiction, greed, and excess. Christians must ensure that if they use marijuana recreationally, it does not contribute to these pitfalls.
Rather than assuming marijuana is permissible until proven otherwise, followers of Jesus do well to assume abstinence until a compelling case can be made biblically. Prayerful caution and Spirit-led wisdom should mark the approach for Christians considering recreational marijuana. Upholding God’s values must win out over selfish desires or social pressures.
In decisions like these, Christians recognize they belong to Jesus Christ. They want to honor Him with all they do, say, think, spend, and pursue. That includes decisions about substances like marijuana.
By God’s grace, Christians have freedom in Christ. But that freedom is best used when it builds others up, serves them in love, and brings glory to God. May Jesus Christ and His Word guide His followers as they wrestle with what recreational marijuana use should look like in light of His truth and lordship.
