Does getting high get you closer to a higher power?
Yes, say the Sisters of the Valley, a controversial group of weed-toking activist nuns.
As you might imagine, these aren’t your average nuns. They’ve got the habits, they’ve taken their vows, but these nuns spend their days growing and cultivating cannabis in California’s Central Valley.
Combining the spiritual healing power of faith with the physical healing power of CBD, the Sisters of the Valley “are on a mission to heal the world through plant-based medicine.”
And with their values of “compassionate activism, spirituality and service,” they’re bringing spiritual and physical health to the people – through their online web store, where you can buy all manner of women-made CBD products, from oils to salves to CBD soap.
They provide an interesting contrast to other faith leaders across the United States, many of whom oppose marijuana legalization. Just last fall, voters in the state of Arkansas voted down recreational marijuana legalization, and many believe that the Bible played a part in that result.
When it comes to the intersection of faith and marijuana, where should the faithful fall?
Meet the Weed Nuns
The Sisters of the Valley have a couple dozen sisters worldwide, although many live in their Central Valley enclave, where they cultivate and grow their own hemp and marijuana to both sell online and consume recreationally themselves. Here they are hanging out with Aubrey Plaza:
These aren’t Catholic nuns, mind you.
They’d best be described as a new age feminist revival of the Beguines, a long-gone religious order from the Middle Ages. The Beguines were a Christian order of women who lived in enclaves together, but didn’t vow the traditional poverty or chastity vows required of many other religious orders.
Don’t mistake that for a lack of spirituality, however. One of the Sisters of the Valley’s primary goals is to bring spirituality to the masses, through cannabinoids.
“Christianity is dying all around us,” explains Sister Kate. “What are people going to do? They need spirituality in their life; we need it for meaning. We are very spiritual beings walking a physical path, and so for that reason we will find ways to connect. And we are just one example of that.”
“Our position is, if Jesus lived, he probably smoked weed,” she explains. And if it’s good enough for Him, it’s good enough for us.
The jury’s out on Jesus, but archaeologists have found traces of burnt cannabis at ancient holy sites in Israel, indicating that cannabis likely factored into ancient religious rituals.
Holy Practice or Holy Sin?
The Sisters of the Valley may be all in on marijuana, but many other faith leaders are firmly against legalization. A 2021 poll of Christian pastors found that a whopping 78% believe that consuming marijuana is “morally wrong”, and that a scant 18% believe it should be legalized for medical or recreational use.
If you’ve been paying attention, that’s not surprising. In the recent legal defeat in Arkansas, a group of Christian lobbyists enlisted Christian pastors in their effort to prevent legalization. They made the pastors pamphlets to explain the Christian argument against marijuana, including scripture that could be interpreted as anti-drug.
For decades, many evangelical leaders have fought marijuana legalization tooth and nail, believing it an addictive substance that ruins lives and families. Any medicinal value it might have, they argue, is overshadowed by its capacity to destroy communities.
Clearly, the ‘weed nuns’ don’t agree. But what do you think?
Is marijuana a spiritual sacrament, a destructive substance, or somewhere inbetween?
88 comments
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Jason Bellah
Marijuana should be legal for spiritual and medical use
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Lionheart
Did you have a particular spiritual religion in mind, or are you just referring to the nice feelings Marijuana, Peyote, Coke, Ayahuasca, Meth, Shrooms, alcohol, etc., gives to people, which is just a chemical function that the amygdala triggers to our cerebrum, that people like to pretend is the Holy Spirit feeling. 🤷🏼
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Rev. BH
Never pretended getting high had anything to do with the "Holy Spirit feeling" or any other religious mysticism. But of course self-flagellation purifies the soul, right?
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Lionheart
I wonder how one determines what is the Holy Spirit and what isn't? I wonder if it's the same feeling people get when they join other faiths, like Mormonism, Islam, etc,?
As for self-flagellation.......whatever floats ones boat I guess.🤪
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Warren Calvin Wall
I have used marijuana for pain management for several years now and it has most assuredly improved my quality of life. I have suffered from addiction to opiate pain relievers too many times and each time it was worse. I will not use opiates outside of direct application by medical professionals and in a medical setting. I have extensive spinal nerve damage and a full lumbar fusion. I have severe arthritis in all of my joints. I dose twice a day and my typical usage is about 5 grams per month. I see 3 different medical doctors (internal medicine, cardiologist and orthopedist) they are all aware of my use and approve of it along with my dosing schedule. I do not use recreationally. My asthma caused by 30 years of smoking cigarettes is completely gone. I quit smoking cigarettes about 10 years ago. The asthma persisted until I started using cannabis about 7 years ago. My primary physician, while not crediting cannabis will not discount it either. She is very impressed. When I quit cigarettes I was around 25% emphysemic. My lungs are now clear and my doctor says that my lungs are normal for a person 10 years younger. All of this is anecdotal of course and there is no scientific grounds for any of this. Yet the results are that my physical problems are much better than they were before I started using cannabis and could barely get off of the couch. To the point that it was where I slept. I now go upstairs and sleep in my bed with my wife. Take my story for what you will. If my medical use is a sin, then so be it. I'll happily be a sinner and will accept this blessing that is apparently gifted by the Debil rather than Jebus.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Wonder if they selling weed too? Meth has become a real problem in monasteries for monks. The addiction rate is skyrocketing.
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Warren Calvin Wall
Would you please note the Bible scripture that says marijuana use is a sin. I have yet to see it through my studies. I am apparently missing it. Perhaps I'm not using the correct version of the Bible. Thank you.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
My holy book says that the Bible is a sin, the pages of which are best used for rolling papers.
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MINDFULJOURNEYS
Pro medicinal & recreational marijuana. I am an ordained minister & a nurse in mental health. For end of life, we can do nothing but give faith ...why should we not relieve pain or provide solace to those in fear. there is much to say for plant medicine as well.
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MINDFULJOURNEYS
GENESIS 1:29 KJV "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth,..." “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
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Minister Carlos Ricardo Walls
Here's a good argument why marijuana shouldn't be legalized for recreational use."Only medical legalization.
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Rev. Kev
IMO they're just using religion to grow and sell weed. Probably get some sort of tax break by claiming it's part of their faith.
I'm not a fan of America's growing love affair -- and abuse and addiction -- with weed. And, yes, contrary to popular belief you can become addicted to weed and be harmed by it. Long-term medical studies of the new breeds of marijuana (which are much stronger than what they smoked at the original Woodstock) have shown everything from lung damage from smoking (it can deliver more tar than a cigarette and smoke of any kind damages the lungs) to brain damage. There is a growing number of people hospitalized every year from marijuana use. Some medical doctors have begun to reassess their views on using it. Let's face it: it's introducing a substance that causes chemical reactions in the brain and affects organs. It's going to take a toll when used with no controls. Too many people think its harmless. I've had cars drive by me with the smell of weed pouring out the windows. So someone is driving under the influence. Which can be very detrimental to others.
In the end, it's just another way people are trying to escape life through chemistry. But after that high wears off, the reality is still there. Nothing ever gets solved that way. And it's not real happiness. Maybe we'd all be better off if more people learned healthy coping techniques.
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Joy
Learn better coping skills? That is a very narrow-minded way to look at this. I welcome you into my mind and the mind of my husband’s. If you can find us a way to “cope” with the sights and sounds of war, I welcome it.
Pharmaceuticals react poorly with my husband. It makes it worse for him. It is a daily challenge to live with someone with PTSD as bad as his. The weed has helped him be able to deal with the visions in his head more than any man-made drug.
I am the opposite. I do not care for MJ. I am taking the pharmaceuticals because it helps me deal with what is in my head.
Our reality may still be there day in and day out. But I would gladly change with you even for one day to get this crap out of my mind. Next time you may want to consider giving grace to people instead of judging them.
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Danielle Edwina Marie Shull
Cite 😜 The people that are being hospitalized are probably the ones that used to large of an edible dose and can't get off the floor etc I think marijuana is not right for everyone but some people it is beneficial and if you can't not use it it is not beneficial if it helps you immensely it probably is beneficial and if you're not hurting anyone by driving under the influence it could be.
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Eric VanDuzer
Could you please site the studies you are speaking of?
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Danielle Edwina Marie Shull
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Jeffrey Lynn Mullins
Attention all Reverends, Ministers, Pastors, Preachers… here’s my take on Marijuana. Don’t stand in Judgment of people who can sustain a better quality of life with marijuana. If you had chronic pain daily then we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Some of us with chronic back neck spine pain don’t like taking pain pills because they can become addictive. But, marijuana is a plant that God made and there is no chemistry to making it. Just dry it out enough to smoke, roll it up and smoke it or make brownies or cookies etc. with it. And I’ll bet you’ve never smoked weed either because it’s against your beliefs or your parents beliefs but you wanna judge people that benefit from it’s medicinal purposes. Research it. Why do think so many starts are legalizing marijuana. Opinion from the Weed smoking Preacher Brother MOON 🌛 Sincerely, Rev. Jeffrey MOON 🌙 (Pro marijuana user from the Southeast - aka Bible Belt.
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Jeffrey Lynn Mullins
If you had chronic pain daily then we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Some of us with chronic back neck spine pain don’t like taking pain pills because they can become addictive. But, marijuana is a plant that God made and there is no chemistry to making it. Just dry it out enough to smoke, roll it up and smoke it or make brownies or cookies etc. with it. And I’ll bet you’ve never smoked weed either because it’s against your beliefs or your parents beliefs but you wanna judge people that benefit from it’s medicinal purposes. Research it. Why do think so many starts are legalizing marijuana. Sincerely, Rev. Jeffrey MOON 🌙
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Eric VanDuzer
Could you please site the studies you are speaking of?
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Laurel Phoenix
From the Sisters of the Velley website: "In order to be a religion, according to government regulation, one must be in the business of selling words only. In other words, a religion is defined to collect money by selling words. We have more to offer our people than words, so no, we are not a religion. We are not interested in spreading our spiritual beliefs. We are only interested in helping people heal themselves, and helping women realize economic independence, from which the whole society benefits. We believe that women are natural leaders, natural business women, we believe in the healing powers of plant-based diets and plant-based medicine and neither of these concepts are supported by current Christian leaders in the pulpit."
So NO they are not using religion as they are not one.
Also from their website:
"We do believe that the Universe was created by God, but we do not believe he sits on a throne in the heavens managing, interfering, or ignoring the people of the planet. God is manifest and alive in each of us. We are one with him/her."
I say, good for them. I've used the CBD salve (non-psychoactive) that they sell and it's great for pain
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Rev. BH
Some people smoke a joint, or have a beer, or sip some wine for a bit of relaxation and pleasure. Not to "cope" or "escape" or "solve anything". Relax.
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Rev. BH
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Rhondalee Marie Ahmad
Hmmm... maybe he should try some himself.
Marijuana has proven time and again to help from everything from arthritis Parkisons and even asthma. Yes! Asthma. It acts a bronchodilator which most people would think smoking it would make asthmatics worse.
I'd rather see people use marijuana for relaxation then valium that they are FOR SURE becoming addicted to. And if not...its because they are not taking them and selling them...to what???...BUY WEED!! No one has ever died from smoking pot and that means weed only. There are zero reports of anyone dying from just weed. Crime...yep...stealing bags of chips cause they have munchies maybe. No major crime has been committed by someone smoking weed because they're too busy chilling in front of the TV. Crime and issues come when it isnt widely available and or it's only for select few. And when it is illegal... it makes people do illegal stuff to get it.
Relax and open your mind
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REV PGH MA
Agreed but people can't see it that way. Weed can absolutely be psychologically addictive and can be harmful. There are some medicinal uses for it but they are largely overhyped and weed is this century's snake oil. Not sure why someone would advise an asthmatic to SMOKE weed because smoke from weed is actually equal to about 8 cigarettes. If it is a bronchodilator, it would be better ingested like liquid albuterol. Maybe you can't die outright from a weed "overdose" but you can certainly die from DUI or from cancers that may be caused by smoking. You really do not need chemical substances to relax. Coming from a family with substance abuse, I can say that chemical substances can cause way more stress than they alleviate.
And yes these woman are definitely using tax exempt religious status.
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Colleen McAllister
Weed is not spiritual anymore than heroin or whiskey. The reason? It loosens inhibitions and blurs the lines of critical thinking. Weed may help heal and make you feel better but that is not spiritual. To not be in total control of yourself is not spiritual. And sitting around smoking weed is not saving people's souls or witnessing of Christ. The so-called nuns are simply a group of women having a good time and trying to justify it.
Legalize Marijuana? Well prohibition didn't work. You can't legislate morality. People are going to do what they are going to do.
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Lionheart
Thank you, Colleen. For the most part I agree with you, however, mentioning “critical thinking” along with “saving souls or witnessing of Christ” is an oxymoron.
The witnessing of Christ, or any other religiously based construct of mankind, is hardly critical thought when evidence of said revered deities, leaves a lot to the imagination. Using logic and reason, with critical thought, allows us to weed out myth from reality.
“Feelings”, which is what people of “all” religions will use to determine what they see as truth should play no part in determining reality. Drugs of all kinds can do that, both medicinal drugs, or illicit drugs. Even our own bodies ability to create euphoric states, with chemical imbalances, can induce feelings of euphoria, enough to make people behave one way, or another, with no real evidence to determine truth. It’s how all religions are, Colleen, even yours.
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Rhondalee Marie Ahmad
Have you ever tried weed? Just like any inhibitor..they aren't all for everyone. Alchohol is worse than weed and the government would have liked you to believe otherwise. Do you know that the government patented the seed? With less and less people drinking, with doctors being on the hook for a prescription drug pandemic, means less pills for the pharmacy to push, government needs to make up the slack somewhere. Their only option is to legalize marijuana to make gains. Massachusetts charges 25% sales tax on recreational marijuana. They are making billions on that alone and will continue to legalize slowly while cutting old school thinking in government seats
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Nicholas J Page
Thought spiritual people were supposed to be drink and drug free
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Rhondalee Marie Ahmad
That's a myth. They drink wine in church all the time...so that's been debunked.
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Jason Bellah
Yes I believe weed is spiritual, and I believe in the use of marijuana for spiritual and medical purposes
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Lionheart
I’m sure those living on the streets on Skid Row will agree with you. They are so filled with the spirit they have difficulty standing up. 🤭
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Rolland Pitzer
In 1984 my wife and I lost our 5 year old son to a person driving under the influence. This is something that nobody should ever have to endure. Now ask me if I think that this is ok. This church is a false flag and should be shut down but it won’t be I’m sure. Anything that alters your sense of reason or reflexes is dangerous if you don’t care about yourself think about your possible consequences to others. This testimony probably will have no effect in this day and age but we have to live our lives due to someone wanting to be I guess cool and that’s not even the right word. Now if it is used for medical reasons there is a place for that but strict restrictions need to be in place so others can’t be harmed as a result
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Alcyone
First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences to you and your wife. There is nothing more tragic or painful in this world than losing a child. It infuriates me to no end that marijuana is now legal and being promoted as something good. I have been down the partying road in my younger days and I can tell you first hand that anything that alters the mind should be illegal and controlled under very specific conditions. Your horrific experience (and sadly so many others) is proof that this world is not responsible enough to take drugs and alcohol freely. As someone who has done this crap in my past, I can say with 100% certainty that it is an escape...and yes it replaces coping skills with denial and delusion. In my opinion, legalizing and promoting this is yet another way to dumb down the masses and make them more dependent. Dependency=control.
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Thomas J Maxwell
What happened to finding our own purpose and soul, and we are not to judge others ? Nuns can get busted, remember the one's at the border, in Cheech n Chong's Up In Smoke
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
One time Thomas I watched Up In Smoke three times in a row without moving, with my eyes seemingly transfixed to the screen. Talk about a spiritual experience! That was right after this then toke a day smoker ate eight brownies which contained eight buds of dro, in an hour!!! I spent 26 whole hours very intensely buzzing like a bee, and three more coming down, but never once saw Jesus, or a goddam burning bush!
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Wallace da Silva Santiago
Anything that alters your level of consciousness and still makes you dependent end your ordinary life, destroy your family, end your professional life or simply take you to a tomb
It's not something God wants for your life.
Imagine a president giving a speech totally drugged, imagine a surgeon going to perform neurosurgery on a child under the influence of marijuana
Brothers... methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, beer, whiskey or any of these things, will only bring disgrace to your lives... no need to take my word for it, go to any beggar and ask him why he became a beggar... .
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Rev. BH
How many beggars have you asked?
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Wallace da Silva Santiago
All the beggars we feed on the streets are either addicts or mentally ill or sometimes both...
in terms of numbers, I didn't say exactly for it would be a municipal or ecclesiastical counting task, but the number of people who felt free to tell me and my team why they stopped sleeping in tents under a bridge exceeds 5,000 and the reasons are always the same, a family dispute (because everyone has a family), which leads them to drugs, then job loss, emotional problems, and finally begging.
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Rev. BH
Not all street people are "addicts or mentally ill". A pretty simplistic and harsh summary from a supposedly god-fearing (loving?) man. Some of these "bridge people" have returned from terrible wars broken of spirit, some have lost jobs or loved ones, some have gambled money away. Some are released from jail without prospect. Some are runaway kids. Have more compassion and less judgement. Isn't that the Christian way?
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Wallace da Silva Santiago
If you analyzed your words better... you confirm everything I said. prison, war, etc... etc... it leads to mental problems, it leads to drugs or maybe both...
now if you want to use drugs, or make excuses to justify addicts hiding behind
Christian lovedon't need my approval, or become an evangelical hater trying to lecture me on moralsgo ahead and do what you want with your life
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Rev. BH
Wallace, I worry about you. Seems like everything you rant about has to do with drugs. "Methinks thou protest too much". Like Jerry Falwell Jr. preaching sexual morality.
Your second paragraph is just attack mode, and again not god-fearing, loving or Christian at all. You seem so accusatory. Peace , brother.
And of course, like you, I will do what I want with my life - only with a bit more open-mindedness towards others.
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Dr. Melly M.
As long as no harm is being done, smoke it I say. Reverend Melly. 👌🏽😎
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Very good concepts & ideas! I'll keep an open mind. Lol
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
I'd keep an open mind.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
All is well & good with the soul. I will keep an open mind. Holy Smokes!
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John P Maher
WHATEVER TURNs YOU ON SISTER !
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Weed is safer than alcohol. Yes, it lowers inhibitions. Which is to say it gives the user a new perspective on the socialization that has imposed unnecessary restrictions on how one behaves and thinks.
Weed for ‘religious purposes’ is nothing new. Just ask any Rastafarian. I’ve met lots of Jamaicans who say they are a Rasta. Many just like to get high and their actions aren’t truly Rasta. But I’ve met some real Rastas that just ooze a sense of calmness and love.
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Grahame Warren
We three kings of orient are Bearing gifts we travelled from far We know what you need So we're bringing you weed In mother superior's bra.
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Randall Clark
So your making fun of the birth of Christ. He came out of heaven he gave up everything he had up there to come down here to be born of a vigin birth raised up as one of us taught in the temples got beat and chastised for it then he willingly went to the cross and was crucified and died a horrible death then rose again and is now sitting at the right hand of God in heaven he did all of that for us and for the ones that put him on the cross so that we may know him and go and live with him in paradise one day in stead of that awful place called hell where u will feel every bit of pain and anguish in heaven there will be no more pain suffering crying death there will be no sin in heaven that's where I'm headed and I want to see yall in heaven one day too
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Lionheart
Oh, so do you have some real evidence that the Biblical Jesus fellow really existed, or are you just quoting what you’ve read in a book?
Spoiler Alert: The Harry Potter books are also fiction, just in case you think otherwise, and believe everything you read.
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Randall Clark
Smoking weed is a sin Jesus said today is the day of salvation. We all need to turn away from our sinful ways and get serious with God and make him the lord of our lives before its to late to do so Jesus is coming back no one knows the day or the hour but he's coming just like he said he was. I believe in God and the Bible whole heartily and there is nothing that's gunna change my mind.
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Warren Calvin Wall
Would you please note the Bible scripture that says marijuana use is a sin. I have yet to see it through my studies. I am apparently missing it. Perhaps I'm not using the correct version of the Bible. Thank you.
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Lionheart
How do you, or anyone, know what Jesus ever really said? That’s assuming he existed.
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Rolland Pitzer
In 1984 my wife and I lost our 5 year old son to a person driving under the influence. This is something that nobody should ever have to endure. Now ask me if I think that this is ok. This church is a false flag and should be shut down but it won’t be I’m sure. Anything that alters your sense of reason or reflexes is dangerous if you don’t care about yourself think about your possible consequences to others. This testimony probably will have no effect in this day and age but we have to live our lives due to someone wanting to be I guess cool and that’s not even the right word. Now if it is used for medical reasons there is a place for that but strict restrictions need to be in place so others can’t be harmed as a result
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JT of the plains
Sorry for your loss.
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Elizabeth Ashley Woods
Just wait till those nuns get their hands on some magic mushrooms!! It’s going to crack them wide open.
Anything can become addictive to a certain person. It is the intention behind the use that makes something helpful or harmful for that individual.
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Kevin James Bogan
Haha! That’s a good one, Grahame!
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JT of the plains
I am a retired RN, so I know there is a medical use for cannibus, but NOT delivery via smoking. Smoking ANYTHING is harmful to a person's lungs, and should never be encouraged. Smoking is morally repugnant and leads to suffering, pain, isolation, and death. Multitiudes of people have died prematurely and with added suffering because of tobacco smoking, so why would anyone wish to inflict more agony and people by promoting smoking. It is evil, not righteous.
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Rev. B
I checked out their website and did not see anything available to smoke. Creams, teas, coffee, certainly, but the closest thing I saw to smoking was sage and all cannabis products were CBD, not THC. May I please ask what I missed?
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Barrett Green
God blessed Noah and his family. Just as all moving things shall be meat for you even as the green herb I have given things. That’s in the promises of God. Sure he used it.
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Lionheart
We all know from the Noah fable that he was a drunkard, so I’m sure that character would have loved the high from weed as well. Possibly his daughters too, which could explain why they wanted to be permissive with their dad.
Weed moves in mysterious ways, ask anyone on Skid Row in the city of LA. They are all wandering around the sidewalk filled with the spirit 🤭
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Barrett Green
I wrote about legalizing two herbs. It’s in the Promises of God. The name of it is Reel of String on Amazon for $6.99
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Rev. J. Blaine
I'd be more concerned with their belief in invisible, imaginary gods and Jesus fables rather than their smoking habits. Maybe if more Christians smoked weed, they'd be less critical of everyone else!
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Sheila Ann Murrey
Agree with Colleen McAllister. In fact, I wrote a book called, Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life! And my website was originally named, Take It Upon Yourself. I very much believe we are here as spiritual being in a human body and need to be in control of our body, lest any other entity, soul or such enter in (of course if one is given over to the Holy Spirit then I can’t imagine there’s room for anything else, but I digress).
I was married to a marijuana addict for several years (nearly 30 years ago). If marijuana wasn’t available he would use crack or whatever else was available. He smoked morning, noon, and night, and worked for himself as a house painter (functional addict). I had no idea initially how bad his addiction was until he got saved and went to rehab. His psychiatrist told me he was chemically dependent on THC, that few are but my husband was. I learned a lot through those years and like most hot topics, I learned what I will and won’t put up with—but never judging anyone and always offering compassion. I left him and five years after I left he went to prison for 12 years. Life’s tough for those that cannot control themselves for whatever reason.
I naturally healed my body of lifetime asthma, thank God and alternative medicine, prayer, and dietary changes, so I stand ready to help anyone heal that’s sincerely ready. The light bulb has to want to be changed (as the joke goes). And that’s why I believe you can’t legislate morality.
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Karla K Thomas
If God were not accepting of Cannabis - would he not have created the plant in the first place? It is a medicinal plant, even the government knows this, but has kept that hidden from public knowledge, to keep us obedient to them by not allowing our pineal gland (3rd Eye) to expand. You cannot say it is the "Forbidden Fruit", since most are on board with it being an Apple. If anyone would research the human brain, you would find out that it creates its own THC, naturally. It is the active compound that affects your mind's eye (pineal or 3rd eye) when ingesting the cannabis plant. Some people do use cannabis to help when there is a low supply or no supply of THC in their brain. I'm being very serious here, Folks. It IS a medicinal plant when used correctly, as one would an arthritis/back pain medication. Or recreationally in a safe environment. It is not a 'bad or dangerous drug'. It is not as dangerous as alcohol, cocaine, meth, fentanyl, heroin, etc.. those are man made drugs - marijuana is a plant the body can break down easier because it's natural. The fibers are also used in the production of things like car parts, replace plastic bags, food containers, bricks, homes, clothing, shoes, jackets, hats, writing paper and even ink for pens - plus so much more.. which helps the Earth because of its biodegradation (for bags, clothing and the like) because it's organic material. It can make you lazy, hungry, happy, numb, thirsty - or with new partakers, it could cause anxiety, moodiness - but never thoughts of suicide or hurting anyone, unless it's mixed with other drugs whether that be prescribed or illegal. People need to rethink cannabis, because it can replace cotton which actually harms the earth's soil.. cannabis cotton is softer and a natural fiber. Research this please. You might see all of in a brighter light and not be so afraid or stand-offish of God's Creation. Should also add, there are some animals that also ingest this plant when it is still green and not dried out... chickens, ducks, pigeons, pigs, cows ... on and on. If it were so bad, would animals eat it? Love and Light to All. Many Blessings.
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Alcyone
Respectfully, I disagree with your comment. As someone who has smoked pot I can tell you the information that is found throughout the internet is false and misleading. I have worked for companies that did studies to support their products and I'll tell you right now, studies are nothing more than biased documentation to support an agenda. Perhaps we need to re-evaluate the "documentation" that is blasted all over the internet, seeing it for what it is...just another source of creative marketing and brain washing. When will the masses learn to rely on life experience rather than trends, marketing ploys, escapism and herd mentality?
"...It can make you lazy, hungry, happy, numb, thirsty - or with new partakers, it could cause anxiety, moodiness..." why do it then?
As to the 3rd eye reference...only an an objectively examined life can do this...not a mind altering "plant medicine".
I was a hippie, I tuned in, turned on and dropped out for many years. What a load of crap that was! All it did was distort my reality, keeping me from realizing the monumental truths and traumas that I needed to face to free myself of my inner darkness and ultimately learn a wealth of wisdom from them.
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Ronald David Viles
the bible says it's what comes out not what goes in the body that defiles it. so it looks to me that how you react to weed is the question . Just because you have no adverse reactions to weed doesn't mean you should encourage others to partake
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Donald, as long as you aren't preaching to children to children it's good to spread the word about the spiritual and health benefits of marijuana. Why would you not want to?
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Larry Mager
This has been an interesting discussion overall. I am probably one of the VERY few persons who could smoke weed and NOT get high! I realize that sounds strange, but, smoking it reminded me of Dad and Mom burning leaves when I was a kid.
Suffice it to say, I now use prayer to make my connection with the Holy One. It works for me where pot never did.
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Rev. BH
Which spiritual people? Catholics with wine? Indians with peyote? Pretty broad categorization.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
And don't forget about the book of Genesis, with their mandrakes, which is a very powerful hallucinogen! Nobody needs to smoke weed while on that, although it wouldn't hurt.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Wouldn't it be cool to be Catholic and Indian at the same time, BH? Alcohol & peyote sounds like a really good buzz to me!
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Rev. BH
And don't forget the Rastafarians with ganja.
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Darren Finch Sr
We sometimes get Gods will and human nature confused! The very thing that God said in the garden of Eden was that they could eat of all the trees of the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil! Stop making everything so complicated about God! Was one of His 10 Commandments about weed? We have bigger issues in life than this!
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Charles Robert Deming
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, GOD BLESSED MAN, AND GAVE HIM EVERY CREATURE AND EVERY SEED. ON LAND ,IN THE SKY AND IN ALL THE WATERS AND THE SEA'S EARTH TO USE IT HIS DISPOSAL.
IF A PERSON'S GOT TO BE INTOXICATED OR HIGH TO BE CLOSER TO JESUS AND GOD. SO BE IT!!!!! WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE ANOTHER WHEN IT'S US WHO WILL BE JUDGED
JESUS SAID FOLLOW THE OLD TESTAMENT AND YOU WILL BE LATE TO DEATH DIDN'T COME TO TAKE AWAY ANYTHING FROM THE OLD BUT TO SHINE LIGHT ON THE NEW AND THE BEAR THE BURDEN SO PROPHECY IS FULFILLED BUT WHY WOULD YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THE REASON I WAS SENT TO SAVE MAN THEN HE ANSWED IT IS NOT WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH AND TAKE INTO YOUR BODY THAT DEFILES YOU. ITS WHAT COMES OUT FROM YOUR MOUTH THAT DEFILES YOU.
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Lionheart
So, do you possess some special knowledge that tells you what Jesus actually said 2000 years ago, assuming of course that he was real?
🦁❤️
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Rev Mark D
That one of the pictures cute. I wonder what she's doing later. Tell her I'll bring Cheetos.
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Lion on the Beach
When I lived in Jamacia the Rastas always said the three-part blessing while assembling the Chalice.
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Scott Henning
As Christian Believers in Christ Jesus and our Father God in us. We have been given our freedom of choice. I have use Weed recreationally before I became a Christian as the good book describes we are born again the old self passes away and a new person is born. For some reason I lost the desire. Jesus describes Mans need for things of this world to stimulate our senses like this. You can not mix water and oil together or put new wine in a old wine skin. Something in you changes and you do not desire the things of this world to stimulate yourself. Your freedom to choose must used very carefully because not all of our decisions are beneficial. Every person is on his or her spiritual journey and we are not to pass judgment on someone else for using weed. I have always said God is easy however humans are not so easy and quick to pass judgement. Remember God created us in his image and blessed us. We are a living breathing temple of God.
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Paul David Rine Jr
That I can recall, there is no mention of Jesus smoking weed n the Bible. However, it does mention that you should not consume anything that alters your mind. Also, it does mention the constant use of wine at the table. Wether that wine was fermented or not, I'm not sure. with this being said, I do approve of the use of weed for medicinal purposes but not for recreational use. It has been proven to have may medical benefits but abuse can severely alter the mind if consumed for recreation.
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Meghan Marie Dwyer
I am a celibate Hindu and I have my medical marijuana card. My condition caused me so much such suffering. Nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, anxiety. It all went down by 80%. I was in so much pain I wasn’t going to survive. Medical marijuana not only helps the nightmares and anxiety. It’s allowing me to feel relief so I can deal with my issues safely and finally heal. God is helping me. This plant saved my life. And I’ve never been better. Anyone that says the use of this plant is morally wrong, I advise you to please, at least do some minimal research on how and why it works. Especially for ptsd. I was a husk of a person before the therapy. My soul was dead. I wasn’t going to make it. It relieves suffering so you can feel open to the Holy Spirit again. It aids in regeneration of the soul.
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Louise Hudson
I appreciate the story, but when does a Lifeway Church "poll" provide an unbiased survey of pastors' opinion about marijuana use?
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Beth
It is an absolute certainty that Jesus never smoked marijuana. MJ is a new-world plant - it did not exist in Palestine 2000 years ago, nor was it available by trade. There were certainly other drugs available - alcohol and opium (via trade with the far east). Jesus is frequently depicted in the Bible drinking wine, enjoying parties where there was wine, and even said to have miraculously turned water into wine when they ran out.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
All are welcome! & any measure of reaching people to bear witness to God & build faith is a divine intervention. Happy New year 2024! Bring magic peace hope & love to everyone in the new year.
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Eileen Mary Flores
with great freedom comes great power, with great power come great responsibility.
then comes the epic failure and the great fall.
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Mountainsage
For info on cannibis reducin inflammation and pain, refer to NEWSWEEK, Jan 2024, “Hemp Heals the Body,” p88. Aso, “Ginger Reduces Inflammation,” p88. Pharmaceutically, we have limited resources for intensive pain relief that is not addictive and affordable. I say, all things in moderation, even prescriptives.
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Douglas Wayne Schuetz
Before using I would pray about this.i know a lot of people including pastors that use it with great success. I know it’s a individual conviction.im all for it if it takes opiates out of the equation.
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Gary Michael Steele
No worse than alcohol and probably better. A lot fewer people get violent on weed than on alcohol.
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Wilhelm Cramer-Wille
Well! God Giften the free will to every human bringen. Somit belive to animals too. So why not? Nothing at all is impossible for God! Why should we reduce god's love an power to make Him a smaller god? Let These sisters have their weed or whatsoever. Let'em even habe Sex, if the like. Nothing wrong on that.
May God Blessuren YouTube all.
It was a Catholic priest who first concluded that religion is the opium of the masses; then Karl Marx followed up in the 1850’s observing the same thing.
As H L Mencken noted “there is nothing spiritual in the Universe that the human mind can comprehend,” so it’s safe to hypothesis that both Karl arc and the Catholic priest hit the nail on the head.
Read Freud’s “Future of an Illusion” to find out why some brains are receptive to religious-silliness, than others.