I recently read that a politician was trying to use the Bible to defend the legalization of marijuana in her state. She cited Genesis 1:29, which says, “And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them as food.’”
1. Notice the statement, “You shall have them as food.” This statement does not demand that all parts of the plants be eaten, nor does it necessarily demand that all of the plants be eaten. It means that man finds food in the plant kingdom. For example, one might eat an apple from an apple tree, but never eat the tree trunk, limbs or leaves. One might eat peas from the pod of a pea plant, but not eat the pod or the plant. Or, one might eat the peas and the pod, but not the plant. We eat corn, but not the cob, husks or stalk.
2. Every part of God’s creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but not necessarily “good” for eating. The poppy plant produces opium, from which morphine is made. We don’t eat poppy plants, but morphine serves a good purpose when it is used to save people from debilitating and even deadly pain that can follow surgeries, or when treating end-of-life patients. However, morphine (and heroin) serve a bad purpose when they are used for mere recreational purposes. The same is true of marijuana. Medical research shows it to have certain medicinal value. However, study upon study show that marijuana use impairs brain function and development, particularly in youths.
3. Ignoring the obvious fact that cannabis is typically smoked rather eaten as food, one misuses Genesis 1:29 when he cites it as proof that all seed-bearing plants that are presently known to man are edible. This passage obviously doesn’t encourage the consumption of the fruit of Castor Bean plants (which produce the poison ricin), or Mistletoe, Honeyvine, Giant Hog Weed or dozens of other plants that are known to be toxic to man. Genesis 3:18 describes the subsequent creation of whole new plant groups (thorns and thistles) that were specially designed by God as a punishment for man because of his Garden sin. These thorns and thistles were not intended as food, but as an obstacle requiring man to exert more effort in the acquisition of his food. He would obtain his food “in the sweat of his face.”
4. While there is no proof that marijuana (or poppy, for this matter) was a part of this later plant creation, we do know that cross-pollination allows for changes within plant kinds. For example, the plant genus Solanum contains both toxic and non-toxic species (Horse Nettle). By means of artificial selection, plant breeders are constantly working to produce more potent strains of cannabis. Why? To produce stronger and longer-lasting highs.
It is in relation to this “high” that the Bible issues its warnings: We are told to be “sober-minded” and “watchful,” because our adversary, the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 1:13; 5:8). Psychoactive drugs affect one’s judgment and his ability to reason clearly. Those who do not think clearly are vulnerable to deception, temptation and sin. Rather than weaken our minds with chemical substances, we should strengthen our minds with spiritual knowledge. Galatians 5:20 lists “sorcery” as one of the works of the flesh. The word involves the use of drugs and potions (poisons) as was done in first century ritualistic ceremonies among heathens. Despite the politician’s efforts, no Bible passage defends the recreational use of marijuana or any other drug — including alcohol (but that’s another study…).
Tim Haile