Date: 1/28/2024
Why are we reviewing this report?
- In November of last year, Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana use in our state.
Who is this report for?
- Originally it was written for the elders of Gateway, but it’s never been a private document. It just wasn’t publicly announced as, at the time, legalizing recreational marijuana use wasn’t on a ballot.
What are some key takeaways you want everyone to know?
- This paper was written in 2018. The committee consisted of two elders and a staff member. One committee member is a medical doctor and another is a physical therapist.
Of all the topics Session ever has or could publish a report on, marijuana may not be the first thing that comes to our minds. What was the original objective of the research committee? – page 6
Marijuana has actually been around for a long time. What are a few key points that are good to know when it comes to the history of marijuana? – page 6 and appendix B
It can be difficult to keep up with the laws regarding marijuana use. Can you walk us through things to consider from a legal perspective?
- Federal – page 8
- State – page 8 (obviously this has changed since the writing of this report)
As people who seek to live under the authority of Scripture, we don’t just want to rely on our laws to determine what is right or acceptable behavior. I’m pretty sure the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about marijuana use, so how should we think biblically about this issue? pages 9-10
How do we connect what the Bible has to say concerning alcohol use and drunkenness to the context of our marijuana discussion? – page 11
Give us the bottom line…what does the committee recommend we do?
- Medicinal use – pages 12-13
- Recreational use – pages 13-15