Book Review: Cannabis and the Christian
Todd Miles’ new book, Cannabis and the Christian: What the Bible Says about Marijuana (B&H, 2021), is timely and compelling. Although the Bible never directly addresses marijuana, Miles affirms “God has given us all the divine words we need to faithfully navigate the issues surrounding marijuana and the church” (5). This book continually appeals to the authority of Scripture since Miles is writing to help professing Christians think about the issue. I put this book down with a renewed commitment to pursue biblical wisdom in order to glorify God in my lifestyle, and to help students do the same.
The most informative chapters for me were chapter 1 (“What is Marijuana and How Does it Work?) and chapter 6 (“How Does Medical Marijuana Work?”). The medical explanations regarding marijuana’s permanent impact on brain development in adolescents should not be overlooked. Despite the claims we often hear, marijuana isn’t necessarily safer than alcohol or nicotine because of these long-lasting effects on adolescents. Miles also raises concern about the unregulated potency-levels of marijuana today, especially when compared to that which was smoked by the hippie-generation in the 60’s and 70’s.
Miles presents an honest and thoughtful look at the medical uses of cannabinoids. While some claim that using medical marijuana for pain relief might help the opioid epidemic recede, the facts show two things: the FDA has yet to approve medical marijuana as a pain relief treatment; and states who have legalized marijuana actually suffer from higher opioid-related deaths. At the same time, he is not quick to dismiss the medical potential of cannabis, writing, “I don’t see any morally significant difference between the relief of suffering via THC and the relief of suffering via a prescribed psychoactive drug” (131). In short, this is an important topic for pastors to consider as an increasing number of Christians consider using cannabis-related products for a variety of medical reasons.
In terms of ministry to students, the conscience clarifying questions Todd Miles recommends in chapter 5 on “discipleship and marijuana” was the most pastorally helpful section of the book. These are questions to help professing Christians discern whether or not certain actions or lifestyles that are “grey areas” can be practiced with a clear conscience. Buy the book and write these questions down for you and your youth leaders to memorize. One such question is, “Can I engage in the activity without being a stumbling block to my brothers and sisters in Christ? (Rom. 14:13, 15, 20-21)” (109). These are good discipleship questions for youth workers to consider for their own godliness, and then to consider implementing in the way they disciple students.
After reading Cannabis and the Christian, I can honestly say that I’m better equipped to talk with students about this complicated subject. There have been times when students have initiated the conversation with so much confidence, it put me on my heels and I stumbled through my response. As an increasing number of states legalize marijuana, it is wise to prepare ahead of time for this conversation. The book is short, well-written, and would be a good book to give to students who are asking questions about marijuana.
