Cannabis Linked to Depression and Bipolar Disorder

But, of course, since the Bible does not specifically prohibit using cannabis then, because of Christian liberty, Christians can use cannabis.

Of course I wouldn’t recommend using cannabis (or any similar drug) recreationally, but for medicinal purposes, I don’t think that drug should be any different from any other strongly controlled substance (like opioids).

Before she passed away last year, my sister struggled with lung cancer (and she didn’t smoke) for about 7 years. The chemo they gave her had a side-effect of pretty severe encephalitis, which obviously caused her some issues. She tried a number of different regular drugs, but finally was convinced to try one of the cannabidiol oils. That helped her tremendously with her pain as well as some of her brain issues. From that, I can say that cannabis, like other drugs, can be used rightly and in the appropriate circumstances.

Who is the authority for what is to be prohibited regarding matters which the Bible does not address?

The Bible is the authority. Many Biblical principles address topics not specifically discussed in the Bible. Here are some:

Is This Beneficial & Helpful or Will This Control Me? 1 Cor 6:12

Will This Glorify God? 1 Cor 6:19-20; 10:31

Can This Cause Problems For Other Believers? 1 Cor 8:9

What Can I Learn From Other People? Pr 15:22

Am I Trying To Avoid What I Know? Ps 11:1

Which Option Is Most Consistent With What I Know?

Attitude Is Very Important Ps 25:4-5; 27:11; 31:3; 119:105,147

Discipline Of Myself Will Not Be Easy 1 Cor 9:26-27

Is What I Am Considering Wise? Entire book of Proverbs

The Bible is the authority. Many Biblical principles address topics not specifically discussed in the Bible. Here are some:

Is This Beneficial & Helpful or Will This Control Me? 1 Cor 6:12

Wally has convinced me... All of you dependent on drinking coffee in the morning must give it up.

If someone is dependent on coffee, then that person does have some tough decisions to make. Someone making light or funny about it is not helpful.

Wally has convinced me... All of you dependent on drinking coffee in the morning must give it up.

When I was 16 years old, I realized I was addicted to the caffeine in Pepsi. As a Christian I did not want to be addicted to any drug, so I quit cold turkey. I can now drink caffeinated soda in moderation and not get addicted, but I still make it a point to be very careful how much and how often I drink it. A few years ago I started to drink Dr. Pepper now and then. Suddenly I was developing a very strong craving for it. I got curious and looked up the caffeine levels and realized that Dr. Pepper had one of the highest levels of any soda. I seldom drink Dr. Pepper now because I do not want it to control me.

On a side note, I figured out why Plexus is so popular and why people feel so terrible once they stop taking it. Simply look up how much caffeine and sugar it has in it. It essentially has the same effects on people as Dr. Pepper and Pepsi were having on me. I am really glad I never started taking that. Sadly, most of the people who were pushing Plexus were my old Bible College classmates.

If someone is dependent on coffee, then that person does have some tough decisions to make. Someone making light or funny about it is not helpful.

I agree. I know many Christians who openly express their dependence on coffee and it's treated as no big deal. I don't drink coffee, so I joke with them that they are addicted. It usually gets a good laugh.

Mary Jane is supposedly safer than other drugs, with a lower addiction rate than caffeine and no risk of overdosing.

Does it have a lower addiction rate or is it less addicting? Part of the reason caffeine has such a high addiction rate is because it is so socially acceptable and has little taboo in our society. Removing the taboo on marijuana could lead to a much higher addiction rate.

Wally, I agree. The Bible is our authority. The question remains, who has authority to tell others what is allowed if the Bible does not say? Your list is a good review for personal reflection and decision. But I question if anyone else has the authority to decide for others that something (like cannabis) is sinful for them. Christian liberty teaches that each person must decide such matters for himself. It is between them and God, not for the pastor to decide.

Just to be clear, I do not use cannabis, nor do I recommend it. I am personally opposed to its recreational use. However, I am not allowed to decide for someone else. I can give my advice as a personal opinion. (I have a daughter with an inoperable brain tumor. She has used cannabis to help the side effects of chemo. I am happy that it helps. When I was going through chemo many years ago, I was given a drug made from cannabis. If it had helped I would have continued. It didn't so I stopped.)