This is a question sent in by anonymous on the “Ask Aaron Anything” link:

Why is it ok to drink, and not ok to smoke marijuana. Lets hypothetically say its legal, would it be ok to smoke marijuana in moderation?

My answer:

I hate answering these kinds of questions because I can already tell it is going to cause a posting frenzy.

To begin with, Christians are under a biblical mandate to respect and obey the laws of the land (Deuteronomy 17:2; Ecclesiastes 8:2-5; Matthew 22:21; 23:2-3; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 2 Peter 2:9-11).  Contrary to popular belief, simply disagreeing with a law does not constitute a license for breaking that law.  I know you said “hypothetically it was legal” so I will try and approach it from another angle, but in our country this is a good enough reason.  

Scripture does not mention marijuana or any illicit drug, so to say “thou shall not” will not work unless you are looking at the spirit of scripture.  Illicit drug use is an extremely effective way to destroy your health, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.  There is nothing in alcohol that has health risk on your body if done in moderation.  With any drug or even smoking there are health risks.  Most doctors or experts  would say that smoking any sort of drug or cigarette is a health risk for your body or your mind.  So I would think you would be violating scripture if no matter how much you smoke you are effecting your mind and your body. 

Here is my problem with putting illicit drugs on the same level as alcohol.  I have never met anyone who does not use marijuana as an escape… I do not know someone who smokes marijuana or any illicit drug and does not get high and their mind is not altered.  So in your attempt to justify something just make sure that you understand the level of addiction both mentally and physically.  I do understand that alcohol and food can be an addiction for people and they can be unhealthy if not consumed in moderation but what is moderation for marijuana?  I would say there is no moderation because even the slightest amount effects your health and sobriety.

You can all have  fun with this!  The battle for balance is a constant war, make sure you stay focused on the cross.