To Whom It May Concern,

 

It has come to the unfortunate attention of the Moriel Board that a divisive issue has been wreaking havoc

among some Moriel subscribers in several countries concerning the issues of cannabis and medical

marijuana. Nothing was published by Moriel or on any Moriel-approved website. Correspondence does

indicate, however, that it was promulgated and addressed to Christians whose identities and details were

specifically gleaned from Moriel outlets.

 

• There is a pharmacological and clinical distinction between "medical marijuana" and recreational

cannabis. There are four primary differences between the two as follows:

• One is prescribed by licensed physicians, and the other is not.

• One is legal in many jurisdictions and countries, while the other is not legal in most. (There is a

further complication in the USA, where the Federal government does not give FDA (Food & Drug

Administration) approval to medical cannabis, but many states do. This is a matter of legal and

scientific dispute in the USA.)

• One has a low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, while the other has a high intoxicating THC

content.

• One is used under professional medical supervision for clinical reasons as a prescribed medication

(e.g., reducing intraocular pressure for glaucoma patients or increasing appetite among cancer

patients battling dietary side effects of chemotherapy), while the other is used recreationally for

hallucinogenic euphoria ("getting high").

 

Hallucinogenic effects are scripturally deemed to be demonic in nature, called "pharmakia" in the New

Testament, and constitute an organically induced mysticism psychologically and spiritually. God's Word

defines it as sin.

 

Moriel has no mandate from the Lord, from our registered charter, or from the Body of Christ to take any

position in the legal and scientific controversies regarding any prospective benefits of medical cannabis. It

is beyond our qualification and outside of our calling. We are only concerned with the spiritual, theological,

and doctrinal aspects of 'pharmakia.' This is the only aspect of this sad situation that Moriel can address.

 

We document that a younger believer, saved from a background of substance abuse (as several of us

were), was sent cannabis gummies by apparent international post. Gummies are a gelatinous form of what

was once termed 'hash oil.'

 

To our understanding, these were not medically prescribed and were, therefore, not legal in the UK or most

other countries. Although a minor instance, their shipment and unauthorized import can technically be

construed as drug smuggling, even though it was not perpetrated as a commercial enterprise. Gummies

generally have an intoxicating THC content and, while lawful in some places, are illegal in most places.

 

This is wrong. It caused considerable distress to this new believer struggling spiritually with illicit drug use.

It may have been illegal, and it must be defined as 'pharmakia.'

 

Moriel urges any and all of our subscribers to recognize the evil nature for what God's Word calls it. We

additionally counsel to avoid any illegal activity related to the consumption, shipping, or export and import

of such substances as gummies.

 

Use of medical marijuana or any psychopharmaceuticals should be prayerfully considered and taken only

under the prescribed issuance by licensed, professionally educated, trained, and authorized medical

personnel.

 

We regret this incident, which, in our estimation, never should have transpired.

 

Among its subscribers, Moriel has a gamut of born-again believers from varying faith-based cultural

traditions. These can range from observant believing Jews to tribal Africans and Asians to those in Brethren

or Mennonite traditions (head coverings, horses, and buggies—whatever). Such voluntary outward

observances have nothing to do with regeneration or the unity of the Spirit among those of varying church

cultures. All are respected and welcome irrespective of these things, provided such practices are not, in

any legalistic sense, seen as essential to salvation and discipleship, nor made incumbent upon others.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). We are accepting, not judgmental.

 

Sincere Blessings in Christ,

James Jacob Prasch