Should Christians use CBD products? Is smoking Pot wrong? What can I do to break the habits? (pdf of this article)

Our world is constantly changing and media has lead many the wrong direction. We have been asked that question many times. While David has had personal experience with it, he understands how addictive it can be and how it can be misused, and can be a gateway to lead a person to stronger drugs as the body craves a high it can no longer get with a small quantity of it.

We also know it is often recommended for physical relief from pain in some states where it is legal, but there are still regulations on the quantity you are allowed to posses. Any substance that can put a person into an altered state is dangerous because it causes a person to loose control of their spirit or soul. This is often how the entities from the enemy often enters people who have done this.

Proverbs 25:28
(28) He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

This passage warns us about boundaries and some walls or rules are meant for our protection. I think the use of these products could fall into the category of these scriptures.

1 Corinthians 6:12
(12) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Expedient means: G4851
s?μfé??
sumphero̅
soom-fer’-o
From G4862 and G5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), that is, (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as noun) advantage: – be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit (-able for).

Notice it says “brought under the power of any” and there is the problem – that MJ (pot, or CBD) controls you, not the other way around.

Colossians 3:23
(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

And in this scripture we see that God is to be included in everything you choose to do. You cannot hide anything from God and if you are concerned, pray and seek wisdom from Him. You need to be willing to stand before the Lord with all you do.

I have always thought that God put all the things we need to use for healing on this earth, but we need to know exactly what it is, how much to use, and for what purpose to use it for. Some people have some knowledge, but most of us have to read the opinion of others. However, there can be dangers in using some herbs as they do things to our bodies. We realize that there are many people who have been told to use MJ for pain and other physical and emotional reasons.

I also found some other info on the subject.

If God Made Everything Good, Why Shouldn’t I Smoke Pot? By Ryan Snuffer

In Genesis 1:31, God called everything he’d made “very good.” So does this mean we can use the earth and its resources however we choose? We must keep in mind that God pronounced creation good before the curse of sin. When Adam and Eve rebelled, they brought sin into the world; this resulted in many negative consequences ranging from the entry of death to the rise of thorns (see Gn 3:6-24). However good the world was before the fall, it became less good after it. God’s good works are now tainted (see Rm 8:19-22).

Some people justify the recreational use of pot on the basis that marijuana, Cannabis Sativa, is a herb God made. The plant from which the drug is obtained is a variety of hemp. Hemp is a useful plant that can still be called “good” in many ways. Its fiber is one of the strongest in the plant kingdom and is often used to make fabric and rope. Hemp is a hardy plant that can grow in many different climates; it’s good for the soil; and it’s easy for farmers to grow and harvest. Hemp seeds have tremendous nutritional value and only contain trace amounts of the chemical tetrahydroccanabinol (THC) that can cause one to get high should a person consume the chemical in abundance. Hemp seeds are used in dozens of food and personal hygiene products. Furthermore, THC itself has potential as a medicine to benefit people with ailments ranging from glaucoma to cancer to AIDS. Clearly hemp itself is good, but like many good things on this planet cursed by sin, the plant gets misused and abused.

When marijuana is ingested or smoked, it can impair users’ minds, leading to foolish and reckless actions. Such use may even prove toxic, and it can have several negative consequences:

1.Possession of any amount of marijuana is illegal in many states and countries and can result in fines and jail time. Christians should not break the law unless that law is inconsistent with Scripture (Rm 13:1).

2.Getting high on any psychoactive drug, including marijuana, may impair one’s judgment. Christians should remain sober and clear headed in order to avoid spiritual deception (Rm 12:2; 1Pt 1:13; 5:8).

3.The abuse of pot is known to keep people from reaching their potential. We should give our best to God; we exist for his glory (1Co 10:31).

4.Although not physically addictive, pot can be habit forming. Using drugs will not make one’s problems disappear; in fact, doing so will often create more problems. No problem is too great for God to handle. Christ is our help (Mt 11:28-30). Wise is the individual who takes his frustrations to the Lord.

From: https://tecartabible.com/share/2203/2484

What do you mean certain CBD products might contain THC?

Most CBD products aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, it’s difficult to know what’s in them — even if these products are legal in your state.

Factors such as where the CBD extract comes from and how it’s harvested might make THC contamination more likely. Certain types of CBD are less likely to have THC in them than others.

From: https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-show-up-on-a-drug-test#thc-in-cbd

What We Know — and Don’t Know — About CBD

Q: A JAMA study in which you participated shows that nearly a quarter of the CBD/hemp products sold on the internet contain THC even though THC wasn’t listed on the labels. What does that mean for the public?

A: Most people who use CBD are completely unaware of the possibility of THC exposure. My lab just completed our first CBD study, which showed that a single instance of vaping cannabis that has 0.39% THC in it (similar to the legal allowance in hemp of 0.3%) can result in a positive drug test for THC. We’re interested in determining whether using CBD may affect the outcomes of workplace drug tests and roadside tests for driving while intoxicated or under the influence.

We need to ensure there are evaluation mechanisms that can differentiate between someone who is using a legal drug versus an illegal drug. Similarly, we need to be able to recognize the difference between a drug that can impair your ability to operate a vehicle versus one that does not.

With the legalization of hemp — which is simply cannabis with less than 0.3% THC — and hemp-derived products containing CBD, there’s potential for those products to have a significant impact on drug testing programs. Also, depending on the amount used and route of administration, these products have the potential to produce impairing drug effects.

From : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/what-we-know–and-dont-know–about-cbd

Many people justify the use of these products with scripture.

Mark 7:14-23
(14) And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
(15) There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
(16) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
(17) And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
(18) And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
(19) Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
(20) And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
(21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
(22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
(23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Jesus was addressing the people who were judging him because He was not following the traditions of men. However, if we understand the truth in this passage we can come to the conclusion that some of the things that cause us to sin could be the result of misuse of these products.

My suggestions for breaking the habits of smoking Pot, taking CBD products, or even some prescription drugs are these.

1. Educate yourself on the items
2. Pray for wisdom, pray for cleansing and forgiveness, and self control.
3. Pray to find the right professional advice (Do not quit cold turkey from prescription drugs unless that is what is advised) We offer links on our Links Page for Christian and Secular counseling.
4. Seek help from others who have successfully overcame the addictions.
5. Start keeping a journal and record what the circumstances in your life when you are tempted to use one of these Calgon Take me Away products. You can find out if certain surroundings, or people cause that desire. If you keep a journal it will help you realize why you are tempted and when your guard is down and the enemy sneaks in to try to destroy you.

Conclusion: My research is not all the information on this subject However, the best answer we can give you is to Seek the Lord, Do research, Pray for wisdom, and Ask the Lord for His opinion. What makes any addiction a sin is when it controls you and you cannot control IT. And if you have used it and feel conviction from the Holy Spirit, repent, pray for cleansing and strength to resist temptations.

August 10, 2023