“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Subscribe On: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | iHeartRadio
For years now, one of the nation’s leading newspapers, The New York Times, has been influential in advocating for legalizing marijuana use. In 2014, the Times’ very liberal editorial board published a six-part series explaining its position of support for legalizing marijuana, touting that the drug’s use would bring forth very few downsides.
In the publications that supported marijuana use, the editorial board described marijuana addiction as a “relatively minor problem.” It also promoted the views of other marijuana advocates that suggested the drug was harmless and possibly could even improve one’s overall health. But now, the New York Times is changing its tune stating that it is “now clear that many of these predictions were wrong.”
In a stunning turn of events, the editorial board has published an op-ed titled, “It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem,” retracting some, but not all, of its support for marijuana legalization. The new editorial cited the enormous rise in marijuana addiction in recent years. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the publication stated that in 1992, less than one million Americans used marijuana almost daily. In 2012, six million Americans used marijuana almost daily, but now, eighteen million Americans use marijuana almost daily. The editorial board also cited the enormous health and addiction issues that are intrinsically connected to marijuana use like, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, paranoia, chronic psychotic disorders, driving safety issues, and the increasing harms to the health of children.
The Times concluded the editorial by writing, “The unfortunate truth is that the loosening of marijuana policies — especially the decision to legalize pot without adequately regulating it — has led to worse outcomes than many Americans expected. It is time to acknowledge reality and change course.” It is indeed time to change course and realize that marijuana use only brings harm to our society.
Similar to the ever-growing predatory gambling industry, “big marijuana” has a financial incentive to addict its users and downplay harms, as it rakes in billions off “heavy users” of the drug. Unfortunately, in 2023, the Republican-led Kentucky General Assembly decided to follow New York, instead of common sense, and joined with Gov. Andy Beshear in passing so-called “medical” marijuana legislation in Kentucky that has paved the way for increased calls for full legalization in the ongoing 2026 General Assembly. The truth is marijuana was a dangerous drug in 2014, and it remains an even more dangerous drug today that should be illegal.
For our “Let Us Pray” devotionals during the 2026 KY General Assembly, we will be taking time during the legislative session to encourage you to pray, by name, for our elected leaders (see below). Let us commit to praying regularly for our Kentucky governmental leaders to act in ways that bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ and are a blessing to our Commonwealth.
LET US PRAY…
Father, may we collectively as a nation seek to be people who fulfill our Biblical command to be self-controlled and sober-minded. Lord, open the eyes of every American and Kentuckian to see the undeniable harm associated with marijuana use. Father, may our nation change course on the attempt to legalize marijuana and empower our society to live fruitful lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Join us in praying for our elected leaders throughout the 2026 Legislative Session!
KY Legislators
Sen. Robin L. Webb
Sen. Stephen West
Rep. Adam Moore
Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser
Rep. Amy Neighbors
Rep. Jason Nemes