In response to RoyLennigan's post above...
I write from a Christian worldview that acknowledges there is a Supreme Being who is our Creator and to whom we are beholden for our existence and continued well being. Our knowledge of Him comes from many avenues but principally from revelation in Scripture and the life of Jesus who is the human expression of God. From this perspective I add the following to this discussion.
God's law is always the highest authority. There is none other that is higher. Christians are to obey the law of the land, but should that put one in conflict with God's law, then obedience to God's law takes precedence. The Christian is always under God's law. That remains true wherever in the world one happens to live, including British Columbia. Yes, a Christian may be politically active to work to bring national laws more in line with God's overarching laws. Many indeed are so.
There are already a range of highly effective pain relief medications available. Marijuana is one that is not legal in many countries, but it's legalization for medical purposes would give one additional option alongside many legal ones that already exist. All drugs have risks as well as advantages, and these need to be weighed up carefully in their prescription. Marijuana adds risks that have to be considered in proportion to whatever advantages it may offer, and given the range of other drugs already available, these risks are not seen to outweigh overall any additional advantages it may have.
It is also 'vain desire' for those who stereotypically antagonize and persecute users of certain substances. They do more harm to those they discriminate against than the discriminatees do to them.
Protecting others from harm is often seen as patronizing and interferring by those who don't want that protection, but the reality often is that harm does occur and that others get to pay the cost - such as the citizen who, abiding by the law, suffers from the actions of those who have just broken it. We do not live in isolation from each other, and the actions of one invariably affects another. It is a matter of finding a balance between safeguarding citizens from the actions of others (and any self-harming ones of their own) and allowing freedom of choice. It may well be far more harmful to put no obstacle before those who would take a particular action than it is to try and stop them. Also, the cry of discrimination is frequently heard these days by those who would renounce responsibility for any harmful consequences to others in the pursuit of ill-considered self gratification. Discrimination occurs constantly, and often for the good of everyone. If we do not discriminate, then we can make no proper decisions at all.
I know very many christians who smoke weed. It does not lessen their faith to God or Christ, in fact, I would say it strengthens it. I think it is crude and unchristian for you to label such people as you did without even knowing them. Your harsh and unforgiving words make me think that it is they who are more worthy of Christ's love than you.
If smoking weed is a sin, then it goes without saying that those Christians you know are committing a sin. Where smoking it is illegal, then it is a sin by definition in that we are to abide by the law of the land where it does not transgress God's law. I have seen a lot of damage done by the smoking of weed and any self-harm is in opposition to God's will for His dearly loved children. I doubt very much that such an activity strengthens Christian faith. The strengthening of Christian faith comes through living according to God's will and by the grace of the Holy Spirit. It has nothing to do with weed. Indeed, weed may give one the false impression of wellbeing and peace which is not God-given at all. That some Christians do something certainly does not make it right. Sin is defined by God, not by ourselves. None of us are worthy of Christ's love - not one of us, weed smoking or not. We receive it solely by the goodness and grace of God, by His mercy, not by any doing on our part.
Speaking of God's will for us as Christians may make a Christian sound harsh and unforgiving, but that is a reaction possibly arising from indignation and guilt (if it "struck a cord" so to speak). God rebukes those who offend, and it is His words that are heard - His words found in Scripture and spoken aloud. Christians are to hold each other to account, and we do so in love such that we may be reminded of our need for repentance and forgiveness from God. It certainly isn't comfortable, but it is vital to spiritual growth.
Did not God say to make no graven images of him? Do you not idolize him as a man on a cross? or as an old white guy with a beard? Do you not idolize so many aspects of your own beliefs? What is the difference? God made cannabis, after all.
Images are ways of beholding God - such as art, poetry, music, and even our simple thoughts that we have of God. How we conceive of Him in our minds naturally make use of images. These are not what is meant by idols. An idol is a false god, something that is put up and worshipped (or held in utmost importance) instead of God. It is important to be clear about the object of worship - the piece of wood and plaster, or beyond that, the reality that is God Himself. I personally don't know any Christian who worships a piece of wood and plaster, nor do I know one who believes God is "an old white guy with a beard". You made mention earlier of stereotypes, but here you revert to one that is archaic and totally unworthy. Michelangelo created some wonderful works of art, but he did not create God Himself. Most Christians are quite clear about that.
Yes, God created the cannabis plant. But please show me where in Scripture He said we were to smoke it. He also created hemlock.
I swear I'm not taking medicinal Marijuana.
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