What Does the Bible Say About Marijuana and Cannabis?
What Does the Bible Say About Marijuana and Cannabis? The Bible doesn't mention marijuana specifically but provides principles about sobriety, self-control, and not being 'brought under the power' of any substance.
Key verse: 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
The Bible doesn't mention marijuana specifically but provides principles about sobriety, self-control, and not being 'brought under the power' of any substance.
The Bible doesn't mention marijuana specifically but provides principles about sobriety, self-control, and not being 'brought under the power' of any substance.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
While cannabis isn't named in Scripture, relevant biblical principles include: 1 Peter 5:8 urges believers to 'be sober, be vigilant.' Ephesians 5:18 warns, 'Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit' — a principle extending beyond alcohol to any mind-altering substance used for intoxication. 1 Corinthians 6:12 teaches, 'I will not be brought under the power of any.' The Greek word 'pharmakeia' (sorcery/witchcraft in Galatians 5:20) is related to drug use in ancient religious rituals. Romans 13:1 also instructs submission to governing laws. While some argue for medicinal use under proper supervision, recreational use of marijuana for intoxication conflicts with the Bible's call to clear-headedness, self-control (a fruit of the Spirit — Galatians 5:23), and the stewardship of our bodies as God's temple.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Drugs & Substance Abuse?
Biblical wisdom on drug use, sobriety, and the call to be clear-minded.
Key Scripture References
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Peter. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Peter on day 347 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Marijuana and Cannabis?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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