Canada’s Widespread Use of Marijuana

The Canadian Bureau of Statistics recently reported that “Canadians spent $6.2bn (£3.5bn) on marijuana in 2015, almost as much as they did on wine”—and this was when marijuana was illegal (The Independent, December 20, 2017). According to this report, about 13 percent of the entire population reported consuming marijuana in 2015, with two-thirds of users being over the age 25.

The recreational use of marijuana nearly always results in what health experts refer to as “marijuana intoxication” or “getting high.” However, this is not the only problem with recreational marijuana use. In recent years, dozens of studies have reported many short- and long-term negative side effects from marijuana use, including psychological impairment and addiction (SAM, November 18, 2016). Sadly today, governmental leaders of states and nations are legalizing marijuana while turning a blind eye to its many risks.

Marijuana intoxication is similar in many ways to alcohol intoxication or drunkenness—a condition long recognized by society as a problem, and a condition that the Bible clearly condemns (Proverbs 23:21; 1 Corinthians 5:11). God warned the British-descended nations (which would include most Canadians) at the end of the age, “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower… to those who are overcome with wine!” (Isaiah 28:1). As more nations legalize substances that cause people to lose self-control and become addicted to the substance rather obeying God’s instructions, we will reap what we are sowing. To learn more about this ancient and controversial drug, read our article “Marijuana: What They Aren’t Telling You.”