Smokin' the Mohasty (Is smoking weed a sin?)

Dear Josh,
"Where does it say in the bible that smoking pot is a sin?"
sincerely Mr. Canigetstonedwithouttheguilt.

I love this question, especially because I had this crazy dream, last week, about one of the trustees at my church being high at a church event. It was one crazy and very funny dream. There are a lot of mixed messages out there about smoking pot. You have the whole "legalize it" agenda vs the pot smokers "go to hell" group. Such polarizing sides blur an honest discussion. I'll try to keep it as honest as I can.

The Bible speaks about the issue and it should be noted that drugs have been around for a long time (a shroom called fly agaric was a favorite in biblical times), so it probably was a relevant topic back then as well. I think there are two main concepts in the drugs and God topic. Titus 3:1 says, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good..." So until Joe Rogan and the legalize it brigade win out in Washington, and smoking the peace pipe becomes legal, the bible says don't do it, its wrong because it is against the law.

There is another issue that comes into play here...is smoking pot bad for you? This debate rages on and on with both sides taking scientific facts and spinning them to their side. Everyone who has ever tried to deal me the stuff claims its great for you and should be taken with your morning cereal. One the other team you have "The Man" (government) and lets be honest they have been making their share of mistakes. Here are the scientific truths: Marijuana smoke contains carcinogenic toxins. For those of you who don't know the big words yet. Carcinogenic means cancer causing. One of the guilty parties is called acetaldehyde which actually changes your DNA making you more prone to cancer. Many independent scientist agree that smoking 3 joints is causes the same amount of lung damage as 20 cigarettes. The chemical in marijuana that connects with your brain, and gives the user the high is THC. For a long time Marijuana use was thought to have no physical or biological addictive properties. We now know that THC is addictive as it alters the brains normal function, and over time with extended use, the brain becomes dependant on THC to maintain its new sense of normalcy. THC is also easily stored in fat cells. Your brain is made up of mostly fat. Some think that this can influence the tendency for some users to become "pot heads" where use of the drug affects motivation, drive, desire, excitement and hope. The scientific verdict on fat/pot head syndrome is still out.
I once had a pot head friend who was motivated just enough that he wanted to want to do something with his life, but smoked out enough that getting to the lunch appointment with me was all the further he ever made it on the issue. Those were the stupidest conversations I ever had with a person. He would admit to you that the lifestyle is also addictive. Smoking pot also affects the heart. The heart beat begins to rapidly clime, while pressure drops. This means that a user is 4 more times likely to have a heart attack the 1st hour after use. That is why my semi-motivated friend quit. He was convinced he was having a heart attack went to the ER and doctor's think he may have had a small one.
All of this to say, 2 Corinthians 7:1, "let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

I hope that answers your question. But I am more interested in why you asked it? I understand a little something about drug use and my feeling is that something else is going on besides just the desire to get a little smashed up. Are you escaping something, some kind of pain or pressure? Are you unhappy with your life? I'm not saying there is something there, just asking that you be honest and take a look at what is going on inside of you.

Peace (just without the pipe) Mr. Canigetstonedwithouttheguilt,

Josh