Matters of Mary Jane
Man, if teenage me knew one of the biggest debates on the political floor of our State’s capital these days was whether or not the legalize Mary Jane (marijuana) he would be stoked, pumped, or whatever phrase we used back then for excited. Okay, technically not talking about Mary Jane, but THC a specific psychoactive compound found in marijuana – close enough (at least for teenage me).
Among the debated factors was the concern that many of the products containing THC are packaged in fun and clever ways to attract consumers, specifically our youth. While this was something perhaps better discussed before they let ole’ Mary Jane out of the bag, it is a fact and one to be concerned about.
However, the same could be said about alcohol with its clever names and attractive marketing; while illegal before a certain age, we still hear so many stories of our youth gaining easy access to alcohol before they even get out of high school. And yes, I know alcohol is technically not a drug it can have a mind-altering effect just as Mary Jane.
So, is the debate about health, safety of our youth, or any of us? Or is all this based on the revenue for big business and the deep pockets of medical professionals targeting those who have pain, life-long conditions or even terminal diagnosis? Someone is making money on this, while I personally have never been to a dispensary, I am sure they are not giving it away.
I want to be clear - I don’t dispute the ability of THC to combat chronic pain or even cure terminal diseases. In fact, when my joint pain gets so bad I can barely move I may be open to visiting a medial dispensary and giving it a try. It has not been so many years that I don’t remember how it can be a stress reliever (as well as a munchie maker).
What I am against is the leveraging facts and twisting marketing campaigns that lead people (youth to elderly) down the wrong path. The idea that there is nothing that will make you feel better, there is nothing that will heal you, there is no better option than to dance with the devil.
If we turn to the scripture we find 1Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." I think we can all agree, it is hard to be alert when you are using mind-altering agents.
Whether using THC recreationally or for medical purposes, you must know you are opening a door that can be hard to close. For most of us, after we realize a little can make us feel better we fall into the temptation and before you know it a little more is never enough. We seek comfort in that we have bought (or been sold) when the real reward in life comes when we seek Jesus.
You see Jesus has already overcome. He has the power and He will give it to you (ol’ Mary Jane never gave me anything but the munchies). If you don’t believe me, look at 1 Corinthians10:13 “ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
So, as I said, I am not so vested into whether or not Mary Jane is legal or illegal, but I am vested in people. My desire is to see our youth and those who are hurting or need comfort (and everyone else for that matter) seek Jesus. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Now that is a door you want to open and enter with a clear non-altered mind.
If you really want to know who maters it is not Mary Jane, it is not the lobbyist, manufacturers, or the business operators. It is actually not even the youth or sick or elderly who are purchasing the product. It's Jesus – and he is free and fully legalized.
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