Jennifer Wallace has created a haven for Christian cannabis users at www.ChristiansForCannabis.com. Once a skeptic of the plant, she started her pot research out of concern for a friend who was a user. Being a devout Christian, Jennifer even conducted a Bible study. Contrary to her notions about the dangers of "reefer," or "the devil’s weed," marijuana was not a menace. In fact, the Bible did not support the idea that use is wrong or sinful. Jennifer found that cannabis should be celebrated by Christians with a clear conscience. An encouragement to Christians alienated for their appreciation of cannabis, the site spawned a movement among religious circles to end marijuana prohibition. Said one visitor: “It’s about time we had a voice…”

Because of this voice, soon religious leaders everywhere could be faced with the hypocrisy of their stance, hopefully to return to the teachings of Jesus.

The group’s true number is difficult to measure because many still live in fear of persecution from peers and authorities. Following Jennifer’s lead, Christians For Cannabis are speaking out and making a difference in the battle for drug policy reform. They are active in spreading the doctrine of Jesus as stated by Paul: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law [of God].” Romans 13:9b-10 (KJV). Prohibition laws are undeniably “working ill” to society, and the Christians For Cannabis movement is crucial to exposing and changing that. Joined by a handful of denominations including The Presbyterian Church (USA), the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Progressive Jewish Alliance, these Christians are working for a more compassionate approach to fighting drug abuse, hopefully ending the violence of prohibition. Kati Medford reporting from West St. Paul, MN

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