With the changing views on marijuana use in society, many Christians are asking what the Bible says about smoking weed. While the Bible doesn’t mention marijuana specifically, it does provide principles on how we should treat our bodies and what it means to live a life that honors God. These biblical principles can help guide our decisions about using substances like weed.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About crystals
What Does The Bible Say About smoking weed
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
This verse highlights God’s provision of plants and fruit for food. While marijuana may be a plant, it is important to note that the context of this verse is referring to plants as food, not for recreational use or drug consumption. As Christians, we are called to use discernment and consider the laws of the land when it comes to recreational drugs.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
This verse warns against the overindulgence of alcohol, emphasizing the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead. Applying this principle to the use of substances like marijuana, it could be argued that getting high or intoxicated can lead to debauchery or a loss of self-control. As Christians, we should strive to find our fulfillment and satisfaction in the presence of God rather than in substances.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
This verse reminds us that our bodies belong to God and are temples of the Holy Spirit. Taking care of our bodies and honoring God with them includes making wise choices about what we put into them. Smoking weed may have negative effects on our physical health and hinder our ability to honor God with our bodies.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
While this verse does not explicitly mention smoking weed, it does refer to the acts of the flesh and warns against engaging in behaviors that are contrary to God’s will. Depending on the circumstances and intentions behind the use of marijuana, it is important to evaluate whether it aligns with the desire to live in accordance with the Spirit rather than the flesh.
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on others, especially fellow believers. If smoking weed becomes a stumbling block for someone or causes them to fall into temptation or compromise their faith, it is better to refrain from it out of love and respect for them.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
It can be argued that this verse applies to any substance that has the potential to alter our state of mind. The use of marijuana, like alcohol, can lead someone astray if it becomes a source of dependency or if it impairs judgment and self-control. As Christians, we are called to use wisdom in the choices we make.
Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
As Christians, we are called to be the salt of the earth, influencing and preserving the world around us for the glory of God. If smoking weed causes us to lose our saltiness or diminishes our ability to be a positive influence, it is important to reevaluate our choices and consider if it aligns with our purpose as followers of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
While the use of marijuana may be legal in certain places, it is important for Christians to consider what is beneficial and constructive for their lives. This verse reminds us that even though we may have the freedom to do something, it does not mean it is the best choice for our well-being, relationships, and spiritual growth.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
As believers in Christ, we are called to renew our minds and align our thinking with God’s will. This includes evaluating the influences and patterns of the world around us, which may include cultural acceptance or normalization of recreational drug use. It is important to seek God’s guidance and discernment to make choices that are in line with His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
This verse encourages us to be vigilant and clear-minded, aware of the enemy’s tactics to tempt and lead us astray. While the impact of marijuana on one’s mental state may vary, it is important to consider if its use hinders our ability to resist the enemy’s schemes and walk in the truth and righteousness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
As followers of Christ, our lives are to be lived for the glory of God in all aspects. This verse reminds us to evaluate our actions, including the use of marijuana, and consider if it aligns with our purpose to glorify God. It challenges us to examine if it enhances our relationship with Him, reflects His character, and brings honor to His name.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
This verse encourages us to be awake and sober, not conforming to the ways of the world around us. It emphasizes the importance of being alert and aware of the spiritual battles and temptations that surround us. Choosing to be sober-minded may involve refraining from the use of substances that impair our judgment and clarity of thought.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
This verse calls us to purify ourselves from anything that contaminates both our physical bodies and spiritual lives. If the use of marijuana compromises our health or hinders our pursuit of holiness, it is important to consider whether it aligns with our desire to live a life that honors and reverences God.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
As followers of Christ, everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus and with a heart of gratitude to God. This verse challenges us to evaluate our choices, including the use of marijuana, and discern if it aligns with our commitment to honor and glorify Christ in all aspects of our lives.
Romans 14:22-23
So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
This verse reminds us that personal convictions and decisions regarding matters that are not explicitly condemned or condoned in Scripture should be kept between ourselves and God. It also highlights the importance of acting in faith and not allowing our actions, including the use of marijuana, to condemn or cause doubt in our own hearts.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
This verse reminds us that as believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to consider how our choices and actions, including the use of substances like marijuana, may impact our bodies, which are intended to be sacred dwelling places for God’s Spirit. It encourages us to honor and protect our bodies as vessels of God’s presence.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
This verse advises us not to rely on our own wisdom but to fear the Lord and turn away from evil. When it comes to the use of marijuana, this verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance and wisdom rather than trusting solely in our own understanding or societal norms.
1 Timothy 5:23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
While this verse specifically mentions wine, it can be applied to substances in general. It reminds us that moderation and wisdom should guide our choices regarding substances that have potential health benefits or risks. It encourages us to evaluate how the use of marijuana may impact our physical well-being and overall health.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
This passage urges us to be alert and fully sober-minded, focusing our hope on the grace to be revealed through Jesus Christ. It challenges us to break free from the desires of our former ignorance and to live lives that are holy and set apart for God’s purposes. Applying this to the use of marijuana, it encourages us to consider if it aligns with our call to holiness and being obedient children of God.
1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
In the context of exercising our freedom and rights, this verse emphasizes the need to consider the impact of our actions on those who may be weaker in faith or easily influenced. Applying this to the use of marijuana, it challenges us to evaluate if its use may cause others to stumble or compromise their own convictions, and to act with love and consideration towards fellow believers.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It challenges us to evaluate how the use of marijuana may align with our pursuit of God’s plans and purposes for our lives. It reminds us that God will provide for our needs as we put Him first in our hearts and actions.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
While this verse emphasizes that everything God created is good, it is important to note that marijuana’s recreational use is not explicitly addressed in Scripture. Applying this verse, it is necessary to exercise discernment and consider whether the use of marijuana aligns with our desire to honor and obey God’s Word and to be consecrated by His truth.
Romans 6:12-14
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
This passage reminds us of the transformation we have experienced through Christ’s redeeming work. It challenges us to live as instruments of righteousness, offering ourselves fully to God. When considering the use of marijuana, it is essential to evaluate if it aligns with our commitment to honor God with our bodies and not allow sin to reign over us.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
This verse encourages us to focus our thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. It challenges us to consider if the use of marijuana contributes to our ability to think on these positive and edifying things. It reminds us to guard our minds and thought patterns in a way that brings glory to God.