The Destructive Power of Marijuana

For decades, marijuana advocates have touted how supposedly safe cannabis or marijuana is for recreational use, even in the face of many studies showing otherwise. This mistaken approach has led many states and nations to decriminalize its use. Yet, even as usage expands, new research findings continue to build a powerful case for the many dangers of this psychoactive drug. A study from the University of California, San Francisco, for instance, shows that “chronic smokers of marijuana have poorly functioning blood vessels similar to chronic smokers of tobacco” (LiveScience, June 3, 2025). While this may not seem surprising, the study’s lead researcher, Matt Springer, also warned of the negative health effects of marijuana edibles (brownies and gummies), noting, “THC edibles also appear to be associated with this problem.” Cannabis use is also associated with increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Marijuana has been proven to be an addictive drug that negatively impacts memory, learning, attention, muscle coordination, and reaction times. It damages the lungs and is linked to social anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Its use is also linked to decreased male fertility. Among pregnant mothers who use marijuana, it is linked to lower birthweight in babies, “which puts the baby at risk of having a harder time eating, gaining weight, and staving off infection. Cannabis use also increases the odds that a baby will be stillborn” (Maine Department of Public Safety, June 2025). Ultimately, THC makes marijuana a psychoactive drug—meaning that it alters brain function and interferes with one’s thoughts and emotions.

Marijuana use, like drunkenness from alcohol, results in intoxication. The Bible clearly states that drunkards—those seeking intoxication—will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10) and teaches that the body is the “temple” of God’s Holy Spirit (v. 19). Such strong admonitions make it clear that we should not put dangerous substances into our bodies that will destroy them. While proponents of recreational marijuana use proclaim its virtues, the facts reveal that it is a dangerous and destructive drug. To learn more, you can read or listen to Marijuana: What They Aren’t Telling You.