Dr. Mark E. Shaw with TAC Team
More research is revealing just some of the dangers of cannabis products. At the same time, using marijuana has been slowly being dismissed as not so problematic since the 1960s.
INCREASED LEVEL OF CONCERN FOR MINORS WHO TRY CANNABIS
What is really at stake in amendments that attempt to legalize cannabis products at the state level? Much more than you may have considered. The Florida amendment proposed but failed in November 2024 would have resulted in a major increase in access to cannabis products for minors. This would not be a good outcome.
To be fair, the amendments don’t define minors having access as an intended outcome. But minors would naturally have greater ability to obtain the gateway drug of marijuana if it became legal for adults in the area. More access than ever before. (A gateway drug is a drug that has been shown to lead to the use of other more harmful drugs, thus opens the gate for increasing use of illicit substances that bring harm. But that is not the focus of this post.)
Awareness of the dangers of marijuana is increasing, as seen in this article from the Journal of Clinical Psychology where researchers found an increased development in schizoprenia after adolescents used cannabis (2022). The results of this long-term research study found significance in both high- and low-frequency users of cannabis. Heed this warning! Kids need to be careful and avoid all cannabis use. Parents need to be informed. The underlying message to minors that,
“Cannabis is ok—it’s legal in many states after all!” will impact young minds who may never hear the opposing message that,
“Cannabis makes you lethargic, apathetic, and lazy,” contributes to lasting losses in the ability to reason and think well, or worse yet:
“Cannabis might contribute to schizophrenia later in life.”
LIES ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF CANNABIS
Please don’t try marijuana or cannabis products. They are not harmless fun. They are not an answer to relational discord. Marriages and families are NOT helped by marijuana use. Your life will not be better, and it could be catastrophic after one use. Whether cannabis is legalized or not, the human heart’s desires are the greatest concern for addiction biblical counselors in our network.
BIBLICAL TRUTH IN LOVE ABOUT OUR PURSUITS
Galatians 5:16-17 teaches the believer to walk in the Spirit so as not to gratify the desires of the flesh. That’s our pursuit as followers of Christ—the heart of the issue! Not political means or political outcomes—but the process of relational disciple-making that seeks to grow a Christian into someone who seeks to glorify God in all areas of life.
The Addiction Connection’s podcast #182 discusses marijuana and other drug use.
THE POLITICS OF MARIJUANA
Marijuana legalization and legal pardons for past offenses are common talking points. Not surprisingly, several hundred thousands of voters were in favor of marijuana legalization in Florida in November 2024. Residents of the sunshine state witnessed very unwise advertising in favor of legalization of a drug that brings more harm than good. Some radio ads even made the absurd claim that marriages will be helped and fewer divorces because of marijuana. How ridiculous a notion. The heart becomes more selfish with drug use—not more loving or others’ focused.
According to this NPR report, 5.9 million people in Florida were voting for legalization of this very dangerous drug that has been shown to cause major mental health problems, including an association with schizophrenia and other very negative long term consequences. The Web MD article entitled, “Schizophrenia and Marijuana: Trigger or Treatment,” (updated September 17, 2024) explains that there is a link between pot and psychosis:
“But it’s unlikely that self-medication alone can explain the relationship between marijuana use and schizophrenia. One thing that marijuana and schizophrenia have in common is psychosis. It isn’t a mental illness — rather, it’s a symptom. When you have psychosis, your thoughts are disrupted in a way that makes it hard for you to tell what’s real and what’s not.”
WARNINGS, PREVENTION, AWARENESS, AND EDUCATION
Yes, at The Addiction Connection, we are sounding the alarm about the dangers of marijuana or any type of cannabinoid product. But addictions biblical counselors, like us at The Addiction Connection, focus less on the politics of drug use and legalization measures, and focus more on the heart level motivations of each individual person who is choosing to use.
That is NOT to say that we do not talk about the laws that are trying to be passed at the state level these days. We care about the future of our children. We promote the wellness of our society. And we stay informed about proposed laws that affect the human condition on this planet.
LAWS CAN ONLY GO SO FAR, BUT JESUS CAN CHANGE HEARTS
We conclude though that laws alone cannot change the human heart. Only Jesus can change the motivations of the heart of individuals. And Jesus Christ does continue to transform individuals from law breakers into new creations in Christ Jesus. Jesus can change our selfish desires into desires that long to please Him and love others. Jesus transforms marriage partners who are mired in selfish living to individuals who will live to serve and please the other spouse. God gives us the will to obey Him by giving us the power to obey Him. Phil 2:13. It’s all a work of His Holy Spirit in us, not by our own doing.
ADDICTIONS BIBLICAL COUNSELORS OFFER INDIVIDUALIZED CARE
Because each person’s driving desires are unique to that person, we address each person in a personal disciple-making manner through our mode of counseling. Disciple-making just means we are showing someone how to follow Christ’s way of living to please God and bring Him the most honor.
Scores of people are being transformed across our country. Here are 30 inspiring stories of how God has radically changed lives and marriages. We compiled these during National Transformation Month – September 2024.
LEGAL OR ILLEGAL CANNABIS: THE HEART OF THE MATTER
There will never be a law for or against the heart change that Jesus Christ brings.
For decades, marijuana proponents have argued things like, “Smoking weed makes you less angry and less likely to fight—unlike alcohol consumption.” I (Dr. Shaw) have heard the comparison between marijuana and alcohol for years by marijuana fans and they always choose a favorable outcome for THC over alcohol.
Whether cannabis is legalized or not, the human heart’s desires are my concern. Galatians 5:16-17 teaches the believer to walk in the Spirit so as not to gratify the desires of the flesh. That’s our pursuit as followers of Christ—not political means or legal outcomes. But the process of relational disciple-making that seeks to grow a Christian into someone who seeks to glorify God in all areas of life.
Dr. Shaw’s resources are found at Focus Publishing and Christian Book Distributors. He can also be found at amazon.com/author/markeshaw
The Addiction Connection is Here for You!
The Addiction Connection is a network of ministries who offer hope in Jesus for those struggling with addiction of any kind. Our network of encouraging resources, ministries, and biblical programs that stretch across America and the world will always point people to truth in Jesus Christ for answers.
Quick Links
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