Cannabis

Is The Catholic Church Adjusting Its Marijuana Stance

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2023

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The Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality assembly delved into two crucial themes recently: the accompaniment of LGBT individuals and the topic of a female diaconate. Additionally, the assembly discussed the structure of the Church, all with the aim of shaping a more updated future for the Church. As societal norms evolve, institutions like government and religion haven’t always been quick about catching up to the times. Often enough, traditional institutions like churches and government entities are among the very last to enact reforms based on societal changes.

Women involved in the church has caused global discussions for their millions of followers. Communion after divorce is also on the table. But is the Catholic Church adjusting its marijuana stance? The answer might just surprise you.

Why Southern States Are Still Pushing Back On Marijuana Legalization — Photo by Patrick Fore via Unsplash

Medical Marijuana Use Is Not Condemned By the Catholic Church

Before recreational use became widely accepted, there were first efforts to prove its medicinal effects. In fact, medical marijuana use in the United States can be traced back to as early as the mid 19th century. Since that’s the case, it’s understandable that the Catholic Church has a fairly lenient stance towards using marijuana for medicinal purposes. Over the course of the last few years, some prominent church leaders have come out in vocal support of medical marijuana use. While the Catholic Church has come out in support of medical marijuana, the main caveat is that the substance is used for therapeutic purposes exclusively.

Recreational Marijuana Use Is a Different Story

Although the Catholic Church supports the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, their stance is clear that using marijuana for fun still falls under the category of drug use, which is a sin. Pope Francis reiterated this stance in a 2014 speech where he railed against the increasing amount of efforts to legalize recreational drugs like marijuana.

RELATED: The Jewish Faith And Marijuana

The stance taken by the pope has been the common refrain used by the Catholic Church when it comes to the topic of recreational marijuana use ever since. Since many cannabis users see consuming marijuana in a similar light to alcohol consumption, the hardline stance against the substance doesn’t seem entirely fair.

Hypocrisy Of Allowing Alcohol Use While Condemning Marijuana

“Any merely emotionally motivated choice to use some substance, including cannabis, is an abuse.” In other words, Father Ryan said, if a person is doing it without some good in view, and is simply seeking the altered state of consciousness as an end in itself, then that itself is unreasonable use.

Even though marijuana is strictly prohibited by the Catholic Church, alcohol doesn’t face the same restrictions. That fact is ironic considering the damage alcohol can do to individuals, families and communities. Drunk driving alone is responsible for more than 10,000 deaths per year in the United States which is more than can be attributed to legal cannabis. If cannabis can be banned by the Catholic Church because of any danger it presents, it seems as though alcohol should be prohibited, too.

Will Their Stances Change Anytime Soon?

While their position is fairly hardline right now, the fact that the Catholic Church is receptive to medical marijuana should instill hope that their stance on recreational cannabis use could change over time.

The reality is that medical marijuana is still a relatively new concept to many people, including to the decision makers within the Catholic Church. It’s likely fair to assume that as those decision makers get younger and grow up in a world where medical cannabis is more commonplace, that this could be the factor that contributes to attitudes about cannabis changing in the Catholic Church for good.

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Cannabis Can Help With Holiday Stomach Issues

Published

20 hours ago

December 24, 2024

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It is the time for indulgence…but too much may cause issues…cannabis help with bloating, nausea and more

Cookies, appetizers, eggnog, the holiday is filled iwth treats BEFORE the feast. Families, friends and more will gather together for turkey, beef, carbs and more. But for some, the overindulge comes at a price, stomach issues. A 2022 survey found over 50% experience gastric issues during Christmas. In addition, for some fatty and sugary foods slow digestion, which can lead to bloating. While traditional remedies exist, some are turning to a plant older than Santa as a potential solution for holiday-related digestive discomfort. Cannabis can help iwth holiday stomach issues.

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating digestive processes. Cannabinoids can help improve poor digestive motility, a common feature of gastrointestinal disorders that can contribute to bloating. By interacting with ECS receptors, cannabis may help regulate the movement of food through the digestive system, potentially alleviating the feeling of fullness and discomfort associated with overeating during holiday meals.

One of the most notable benefits of cannabis for digestive issues is its potential to alleviate abdominal pain and bloating. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of certain cannabinoids may provide relief from the discomfort caused by excessive food intake. Many users report a significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating when using cannabis, which could be particularly beneficial after a large Christmas dinner.

The holidays can be a stressful time, and stress is known to exacerbate digestive issues. Cannabis possesses considerable stress-relieving properties that can be highly beneficial for those coping with digestive discomfort. By promoting relaxation, cannabis may help ease tension in the digestive tract, potentially reducing bloating and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

While cannabis is often associated with increased appetite (the “munchies”), its effects on eating habits can be more nuanced. Some strains of cannabis may help regulate appetite, potentially preventing overindulgence during holiday feasts. Additionally, for those who experience a loss of appetite due to digestive discomfort, cannabis may help stimulate hunger and promote better nutrient absorption.

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AARP

A New Cannabis Christmas Tradition For Santa

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2024

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He is known for working hard and this new tradition is helps him relax. Why not give Santa this special treat at Christmas?

A new holiday tradition is taking root in regions where cannabis is legal: leaving cannabis-infused treats for Santa Claus. This twist on the classic milk and cookies is gaining popularity among adults who want to add a festive and relaxing touch to their Christmas celebrations. As cannabis legalization spreads, more people are incorporating it into their holiday rituals. Instead of the traditional glass of milk and plate of cookies, some households are opting to leave Santa a special treat that might help him unwind during his busy night of gift-giving.

The tradition may have originated with the feast of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. Children would leave food and drink for St. Nicholas and his attendants on December 6, and in exchange, they would receive gifts. Over time, this tradition evolved into leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. The new playful adaptation of a beloved custom reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis and its increasing acceptance in mainstream culture. In fact, BDSA, a leading analytics firm which covers cannabis, shared over 50% of people who use marijuana has had an edible. In fast, even the AARP has embraced medical marijuana since so many of their members are using it for a variety of issues.

Cannabis-infused edibles, particularly cookies, are a popular choice for this new tradition. These treats not only provide a tasty snack for Santa but also offer a potential moment of relaxation during his hectic Christmas Eve journey. However, it’s crucial to remember that these treats are strictly for adult consumption and should be kept safely out of reach of children and pets.

For those interested in trying this new tradition, here’s a recipe for Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Santa (and other adults) might enjoy:

Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups flour
1 cup cannabutter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
Red and green sprinkles (optional)

Create:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream together the cannabutter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hemp hearts, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie
If desired, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This new tradition of leaving cannabis treats for Santa adds a modern twist to holiday celebrations in areas where it’s legal. Make sure they are accessible to adults only. Have a merry holiday.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2024

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Before Santa Claus, there was cannabis…the history of cannabis and Christmas.

Today’s Christmas is a spectacular affair with music, gifts, lights, and weeks of buildup. The history of the holiday has involved thanks to Coco-cola, the Catholic church and the retail industry. But in the beginning, cannabis has a history with Christmas. T’was teh time before Christmas and all through the lands, marijuana was accepted and part of the plan.

Long before Christianity, various cultures celebrated winter festivals around the time of the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a popular holiday honoring the god Saturn, initially observed on December 17th but later extended to last up to a week, ending on December 23rd. This festival involved role reversals between masters and slaves, feasting, and general merrymaking. Another significant Roman festival was Sol Invictus, dedicated to the “Unconquered Sun.” Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of Sol Invictus in 274 CE, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Cannabis played a significant role in ancient pagan winter celebrations, particularly during the winter solstice and Yuletide festivities. These traditions, which predate Christmas, incorporated cannabis in various ways. It was part of a nine-herb blend to smudge homes and stables. This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and calm the gods during the 12 Raw Nights”(December 25 to January 6 – today, the 12 days of Christmas), when the Wild Hunt was said to occur. It was also seen as one of the sacred plants used to symbolize the return of green life after winter. Evergreens and other plants were brought into homes to represent rebirth and the coming of spring.

And some ancient pagans used cannabis to enhance their spiritual experiences during winter solstice celebrations. The psychoactive properties of the plant helped deepen connections with nature and the changing seasons.

Some scholars believe early Christians adopted the date of December 25th to make their faith more appealing to pagans. However, this theory is contested. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th appears in the Philocalian Calendar from 354 CE. Interestingly, the Donatists, a group of Christians opposed to any pagan compromise, seem to have been among the first to celebrate Christ’s birth on this date around 312 CE.

Cannabis contributed to creating a green, jolly, and festive atmosphere during the darkest days of the year. Its use in rituals and celebrations helped mark the transition from darkness to light as the days began to grow longer after the solstice. Today, in over 50% of the population, marijuana will again help bring a little chill and joy to the season.

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