Religion and Marijuana. On Nov. 5, 2014, Alaska became the fourth state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, also known as cannabis. Some religious leaders and theologians are struggling with their stance on this issue. They are in the middle of a debate that pits traditional views on sin and morality against the evolving views of many people.
The Numbers by State
Voters in each state have varying opinions on marijuana use and the nationwide disparity in laws reflects those sentiments. Here is a general summary.
- Approved use of recreational marijuana: Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia
- Plan to put amendments on 2016 ballots asking for the legalization of recreational marijuana: California, Massachusetts and Nevada
- Approved use of marijuana for medical purposes: Over 20 states
- Reduced penalties for small time possession: Over 15 states
- Keep it illegal: The majority of residents in approximately 10 states don’t appear to be interested in changing their current marijuana laws. They include Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, South Carolina and Wyoming.
Differences Between Denominations
While 2013 polling by the Pew Research Center, showed 52 percent of Americans favored the legalization of marijuana and 45 percent did not, there were further discrepancies between Christian denominations.
- 58 percent of white Protestants and 54 percent of black Protestants felt it should be legal to smoke marijuana.
- 48 percent of Catholics supported the legalization of marijuana and 50 percent thought it should remain illegal.
- 69 percent of white Protestant Evangelicals were against the legalization of marijuana.
Purported Biblical References to Cannabis
Some Christians turn to the bible to bolster their claim God does not prohibit the smoking of cannabis. Here are a few examples.
- Genesis 1:12: “And the earth brought forth grass and herb yielding seed after its kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”
- Isiah 18:4-5: “The Lord said unto me, ‘I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches.’”
- Matthew 15:11: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
- Exodus 20: 1-17: The use of cannabis is not forbidden in the Ten Commandments.
Religions That Endorse Marijuana Consumption
There are several religions that support taking cannabis and have long histories of consumption.
- Rastafari
The Rastafari movement began in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its roots are in American, Caribbean and Ethiopian religious traditions. Rastafari practice the “spiritual use of cannabis” and consider it a sacrament that helps with meditation. While some people may associate the religion with Bob Marley, dreadlocks, reggae and getting stoned, it has been described as a serious philosophy and there are believers who choose not to smoke it.
- Hinduism
Some Hindus believe the God Shiva made cannabis from his body to purify the elixir of life. During the spring-time Indian and Nepalese ancient religious festival of Holi, some followers drink bhang, which contains cannabis flowers. Bhang is thought to cleanse the body of sins and unite believers with Shiva. Over consumption of bhang outside of religious rites is believed to be a sin.
It is not clear exactly what the future holds for the legalization of marijuana in the United States. Some Americans and members of the clergy are very clear on their position, while others are choosing to pursue more of a middle ground.