High on Weed or Filled with the Spirit? A Hard Question for Christians
When culture says “relax” but Scripture says “be sober,” who wins?
A lot of Christians are staying silent on this one. Weed. Yeah. Let’s go there.
I know. This probably wasn’t the direction you expected this to go.
Marijuana is legal in a lot of places now and some Christians even joke about it like it’s no different than a craft beer after work. “It’s just a plant,” right? Wrong. Here’s the uncomfortable tension:
The Bible says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
So let’s ask it straight:
Are we chasing a chemical calm… or the presence of the Holy Spirit? So before you click away or start building your defense… let’s slow down.
High on weed or filled with the Spirit?
Related Article
It’s Legal… But Is It Wise?
It’s legal now. That’s usually the first defense. Then come the excuses:
“It’s natural.”
“It helps me relax.”
“It’s not like I’m out robbing a bank.”
And honestly? I get why those questions keep coming up. Marijuana isn’t taboo like it used to be. A lot of states have legalized it and companies have marketed it as helpful. There’s just one problem with that:
The Bible says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
So, Paul here makes two different contrasts: do not be drunk with win and be filled with the Spirit. Doesn't work both ways. And that’s where the issue lies.
Weed alters your mind and slows you down. Doesn’t matter if it’s mild or intense. That’s the point. Scripture is never okay with anything mind altering.
So the question isn’t, “Is it worse than alcohol?”
The question is, “Why do I want to be altered?”
Scripture also tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8)
We live in a time when spiritual compromise rarely feels dramatic. It feels casual. Sad isn’t it? We’re comfortable with avoiding repentance but not wordly things.
“It’s just once in a while.”
“It’s only at night.”
“It’s medicinal.”
And to be fair, medical use for severe pain under a doctor’s supervision is a different discussion than recreational escape. The motive and context matters. But here’s where we need honesty.
If you’re reaching for marijuana to numb anxiety instead of bringing it to God… that’s a heart issue.
And listen, I get it. I’m a former addict. I’ve done it all. Weed was especially one of my favorites. But it doesn’t honor God. Not at all.
Freedom in Christ or Quiet Dependence?
Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean, “Can I get away with this?”
It means, “Does this bring me closer to Him?”
Paul wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
I love that last line.
“I will not be brought under the power of any.”
When something becomes your source of peace, comfort, or escape… it slowly becomes your functional savior.
So here’s something we need to ask ourselves:
When life feels heavy, what do you reach for first?
The lighter…
Or the Lord?
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I do use edible THC/CBD. I take a gummie before bed about 45 min prior to the crash. I’ve a lot of rheumatic/ auto immune issues. I am physically disabled more or less from a work injury. The pot helps me to sleep at least 6 hrs a night and I don’t even realize any real time effects. Next day no lasting effects after rising. It is cheaper than prescription pain killers and seems to help, without any addiction because I use it only when I am really hurting. My rheumatologist of course wanted to prescribe me OxyContin or other opioid drugs of course all are addictive and time released” Take them everyday, you’ll be find” yeeeah no I’ll pass on that! I smoked Pot in my youth fully realize the detrimental effects of chronic use. I quit even before I was married and had children. Never used it again until I was in my late fifties, drank infrequently since my thirties because it’s contraindicated to my biological injections that combat my diseases. Is it OK with God? I do not know. It is a natural plant, has been used medicinally for eons as the herbs, oils the wisemen brought to Jesus were used. Frankincense, Myrrh were gifted to kings, used as perfume and as anointing oil. Hyssop is also used frequently in scripture for purification and was used to apply the lambs blood during the first Passover. If you are not using it to provoke debauchery and depraved acts but instead as spiritual purification is it OK or as and to relaxation, pain management ? 🤔
Weed was my "medicine" for 25 years. Once I got a taste of the Holy Spirit, everything changed. Haven't had a desire for it at all. What I couldn't do, Jesus did for me.