Plundering Leviathan || Episode #14

Now that "recreational cannabis" (i.e., marijuana, weed, pot) is legal in many states, including Minnesota, how should the church respond? Is it permissible for Christians to smoke a joint or to eat a THC gummy? Is there a link between cannabis and biblical pharmakeia (i.e., sorcery, witchcraft, drugs)? What are the effects on the brain? Is it a question of moderation, or is it something that followers of Jesus should avoid altogether? Within the realm of "recreational drugs", can Christians take what the enemy means for evil and use it for the glory of God, or is this a leviathan that needs to be slain?

For nearly a century, the church in America has felt little need to wrestle with this specific question because cannabis was illegal at the federal level (1937). Since the Bible calls us to obey the laws of the land, it was a closed case. Yet, as of today, the use of "recreational cannabis" has been fully legalized in over 20 states, making this a question that the church MUST engage (like it or not).

Does the use of recreational drugs fall within the parameters of Christian liberty, wisdom, and moderation? Or is this one of "the high places" (pun intended) that must be destroyed?