Marijuana decisions are ‘unwise policy choices’

I write as a former marijuana user and a concerned member of our community to strongly oppose the legalization of marijuana and the proposed opening of a retail store here. These steps are not merely unwise policy choices -- they are dangerous, both practically and spiritually.

From personal experience I know that marijuana dulls the mind, weakens judgment, and opens the door to habits and influences that are difficult to reverse. What begins as recreation often erodes clarity, motivation, and spiritual discernment. Introducing a commercial outlet that normalizes and profits from this substance will only multiply those harms among our neighbors, especially the young.

Scripture itself warns against such substances. In the King James Version the Greek word "pharmakeia" -- the root of our modern terms "pharmacy" and "pharmaceuticals" -- is translated as "witchcraft" or "sorceries." In the ancient world it referred to the preparation and use of drugs, potions, and herbs employed in magic, idolatry, trances, and deception.

The apostle Paul lists "pharmakeia" among the "works of the flesh" in Galatians 5:19-21 and declares that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Revelation repeatedly condemns it: those who refused to repent of their "sorceries" (Revelation 9:21); the nations deceived "by thy sorceries" (Revelation 18:23); and sorcerers excluded from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8; 22:15).

Biblical scholars note that ancient practitioners used mind-altering mixtures precisely to induce altered states for contact with spiritual forces opposed to God. The same principle appears in Deuteronomy 18:10-14, which forbids sorcery, mediumship, and every practice that surrenders mental and spiritual sobriety to ungodly influences.

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug. Legalizing it and inviting a retail store into our community is therefore not a neutral commercial decision. It is a public endorsement of a substance Scripture links to spiritual rebellion and deception.

I urge our local leaders and fellow citizens to reject both the legalization and the store. Our community's physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being are worth far more than the temporary revenue or false freedom such a policy claims to offer.

Jim Giatas is a Fredonia resident.