When it comes to questions like smoking weed or drinking alcohol, many of us want a straight yes or no from the Bible. But the truth is, Scripture doesn’t always mention modern things by name, like marijuana, yet it gives us principles that guide how we live. God’s Word is timeless, and it still speaks to our choices today.
The body is God’s temple and one of the clearest reminders we see in Scripture is that our bodies are not our own. Paul writes: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
This means how we treat our bodies matters to God. Smoking weed or abusing alcohol can harm our health, cloud our minds, and open doors to addiction. When we engage in these habits, we’re not honoring the temple God gave us, we’re misusing it.
The Bible is very clear about the importance of staying sober-minded: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Sobriety isn’t just about avoiding drunkenness, it’s about keeping a clear head so we can discern God’s voice, resist temptation, and make wise decisions. Both weed and alcohol, when misused, affect our ability to think clearly and open us up to choices we may later regret.
Alcohol is directly addressed in Scripture. While the Bible does not say drinking itself is a sin, it repeatedly warns against drunkenness: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). The issue isn’t the drink itself, it’s losing control. God wants us filled with His Spirit, not controlled by substances. Being high or drunk replaces God’s influence with something counterfeit.
Sometimes people turn to weed or alcohol as an escape from stress, pain, or emptiness. But when we rely on a substance to numb us or make us feel whole, we’ve created an idol. God alone is meant to be our refuge: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Turning to weed or alcohol for peace or joy shows that we’re looking to the creation instead of the Creator. True peace, freedom, and comfort only come from Christ.
Some argue, “God gave us plants, so weed is natural.” But just because something exists doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. Paul reminds us: “I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
The real question is are you free, or are you in bondage? Substances often start as a choice but can quickly become chains. God wants us walking in freedom, not controlled by addictions. When we look at weed and alcohol through the lens of Scripture, we see it’s less about the thing itself and more about wisdom, stewardship, and holiness. Ask yourself: Does this honor my body as God’s temple?Does this keep me sober-minded? Does this draw me closer to God or numb me away from Him? Is this truly freedom, or is it potential bondage?
But here’s the beauty of God’s love, you don’t have to “come clean” before you come to Him. He already knows your struggles. He doesn’t wait until you’ve fixed yourself, he wants you just as you are. Bring your addictions, your habits, your mistakes, your mess and lay them at His feet. When you come as you are, God begins a work in you that no substance ever could. He will renew your mind, transform your desires, and give you the strength to let go of whatever is holding you in bondage. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God isn’t out to rob us of fun, He’s protecting us from harm and calling us into something better. When we choose to live sober-minded and Spirit-filled, we experience the kind of joy, peace, and freedom no substance can provide.
So while the Bible doesn’t say, “Thou shalt not smoke weed,” the principles are clear. God calls us to honor our bodies, stay alert, avoid drunkenness, and let Him, not substances, be our source of comfort and strength.
If you’ve struggled with weed or alcohol, know this: God’s grace is bigger than your past. You don’t have to fix yourself before coming to Him. Come as you are, and He will do the renewing. He can break chains, heal wounds, and fill you with His Spirit in a way no substance ever could.
Are you trying to clean yourself up before coming to God, or are you willing to come as you are and let Him transform you?
Holy mess 