What Does The Bible Say About Weed?

The Bible does not specifically mention the use of marijuana, but it does address the issue of intoxication. In general, the Bible condemns the use of drugs and alcohol because they can lead to addiction and impairment. However, there are a few key passages that could be interpreted as allowing for the use of marijuana in certain circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about weed.

What The Bible Says About Weed

The first thing to note is that the word “weed” does not appear in the Bible. The closest term would be “kaneh bosem” which appears in the Old Testament. Kaneh bosem was used for a variety of purposes, including as an incense, medicine, and even as a recreational drug. While the exact meaning of kaneh bosem is disputed, it is generally believed to be a type of hemp or cannabis plant.

So, while the word “weed” does not appear in the Bible, there are certainly references to plants that could be interpreted as marijuana. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the key passages that mention intoxication.

Bible Verses That Discuss Intoxication

Although there are no passages that discuss getting high specifically, there are a few key verses that mention intoxication and warn against its dangers.

Proverbs 23:29-35 says,

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, like one who lies on top of a mast. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'” Proverbs 23:29-35 (NIV)

This passage is often interpreted as a warning against the dangers of intoxication, specifically from alcohol. However, the same principles could certainly be applied to other drugs, including marijuana. This verse mentions the dangers of impaired judgment and vision, as well as how intoxication can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening situations.

Another key passage is Ephesians 5:18, which says,

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

Again, the word “wine” is used but it could also refer to any intoxicating substance, including marijuana. This verse is a warning against letting any substance control or impair our judgment.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists several sinful behaviors, including “drunkenness.”

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

This list is not exhaustive, but it does show that intoxication is generally considered a sin.

1 Peter 5:8 warns,

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

This verse is a warning against letting any substance control or impair our judgment. Like all intoxicating substances, marijuana if abused too much, can impair our judgment and make us more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.

Does God Allow The Use Of Medicinal Weed, Cannabis, Marijuana?

Nowadays, with the increasing acceptance of cannabis for medicinal purposes, the question of whether or not God allows its use has become more relevant than ever. While there are many different opinions on the matter, ultimately it is up to each individual to decide what they believe. However, it is important to consider all sides of the argument before making a decision.

Genesis 1:29 states,

“And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” Genesis 1:29 (NKJV)

This verse indicates that God intended plants to be used for food. While marijuana is not typically considered food, it could be argued that this verse allows for its use as medicine. Weed is derived from the same plant as cannabis, and it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

In addition, Exodus 30:23 says,

“Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus” Exodus 30:23 (NIV)

This verse indicates that spices were to be used for medicinal purposes. Some believe that kaneh bosem could be one of the spices on this list ‘calamus’. If so, this would indicate that marijuana was intended for use as medicine.

Genesis 9:3 declares,

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” Genesis 9:3 (KJV)

God created everything. From the animals to the plants, everything has a purpose. There are over 100 cannabinoids in marijuana that have medicinal purposes. So it is not far-fetched to believe that God would allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Our Bodies Are The Temple Of The Holy Spirit

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. This means that our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect. We should take care of our bodies and not mistreat them in any way. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and is a part of who we are.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us,

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)

This verse is often interpreted as a warning against abusing our bodies with drugs and alcohol. However, the verse can be applied to any area of our lives in which we are not glorifying God. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to take care of them as such. This means eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. It also means abstaining from activities that would harm our bodies, such as smoking or overeating. When we take care of our bodies, we are taking care of the temple of the Holy Spirit and glorifying God in the process.

Is It A Sin To Smoke?

So, what does the Bible say about weed? While the word “weed” does not appear in the Bible, there are certainly references to plants that could be interpreted as marijuana. In general, the Bible condemns the use of drugs and alcohol because they can lead to addiction and impairment. However, there are a few key passages that could be interpreted as allowing for the use of marijuana in certain circumstances. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to interpret the Bible and make their own decisions about drug use.