As believers, we are called to honor God in every aspect of our lives, including how we treat our bodies and minds. The question of whether a believer should smoke marijuana to get high must be approached with Scripture as our guide. While the Bible does not mention marijuana specifically, it speaks extensively about being sober-minded, avoiding drunkenness, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s influence above all else.
Being Sober-Minded and Spirit-Filled
The Bible repeatedly commands us to be sober-minded and not to be under the influence of anything other than the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 states, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” This principle applies not only to alcohol but to anything that alters our consciousness, such as marijuana. When someone uses THC to get high, they are deliberately altering their state of mind, which runs counter to the call to remain sober.
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.” A mind clouded by substances is not equipped to resist temptation or discern the will of God effectively.
Additionally, Galatians 5:16-17 instructs us to “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” Pursuing a high from marijuana is fulfilling the desires of the flesh rather than seeking the Spirit’s leading.
The Effects of Marijuana on the Mind and Body
Marijuana alters the brain’s chemistry, impacting judgment, memory, and perception. Romans 12:2 commands us to, “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A mind clouded by marijuana cannot be renewed or focused on the things of God.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” When we introduce substances into our bodies that harm or alter its function, we dishonor the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Heart of the Matter: Why Seek Escape?
The deeper issue with marijuana use is not just the act itself but the heart behind it. Many turn to THC to escape stress, pain, or emotional burdens. However, Scripture teaches that our refuge and peace are found in God, not in substances. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him in Matthew 11:28-30, saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” True rest and healing come from Jesus, not from temporary highs.
Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” If we trust God, we will seek His peace rather than the fleeting escape offered by marijuana.
The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect Christ’s holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” Smoking marijuana to get high does not align with a lifestyle of holiness and devotion to God.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Can getting high glorify God? The honest answer is no. It is an act that serves self-gratification rather than God’s purposes.
My Final Thoughts
The issue of marijuana use goes beyond the physical or mental effects; it strikes at the heart of our relationship with God. As believers, we are commanded to be sober-minded, filled with the Holy Spirit, and to glorify God in all we do. Marijuana use to achieve a high runs counter to these biblical principles, clouding our minds and seeking escape in something other than God. If you are struggling with stress, pain, or other burdens, turn to Jesus. He alone provides the peace, healing, and rest that your soul longs for.
Let us choose to honor God in both body and mind, seeking His Spirit and holiness in every area of life. As Romans 14:19 encourages us, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
