Law change grants use of marijuana 

In a world dominated by the thoughts of sex, alcohol and drugs, finding clarity and direction can be difficult. For teens and young adults especially, staying on the right path can prove to be a challenging task.

At the end of 2016, California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts became the latest states to legalize the use of marijuana. This now means that over half of the United States has legalized marijuana in some shape or form. In 2015, over 11 million people between the ages of, 18-25, used marijuana.

Smoking or consuming marijuana will almost always have an immediate effect on the body. The brain, sense of perception and heart rate are all effected while long term effects such as, bronchitis, red eyes and memory loss have been known to happen 

Often times, teens are greatly influenced to do things based off of their friends’ actions. However, the Bible tells us that there is always a way out of the temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reads, “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. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

A recent change in law now states that anyone over the age of 21 may obtain marijuana. While it is legal to posses the drug, it is illegal to use it publicly, or drive after consuming it. However, the Bible warns us about the use of not only drugs, but of anything that may destroy our bodies. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reads,

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

The Bible will only help teens so much. Each decision that one makes is entirely up to them. It takes morals and knowledge of future consequences to understand what the right thing to do is. Whether it is politely refusing to participate or even leaving the scene, there is always a way out of temptation. 

Often times when teens leave high school for college, a new world is opened to them. A lot of students leave home, forcing the decision making to be entirely up to them. It can be hard to find help but teens must know that even if it were to seem as if no friends or family were there for them, that God is always there. Deuteronomy 31:6 states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Despite the recent law change, any teen facing the temptation of drugs or anything else must realize that God is in the midst of everything and will always be there.

For the last editorial, read: Editorial: Students struggle to push through, find motivation. 

For another article, read: COLUMN: Learning from losing.