A Shift in Public Opinion on Marijuana: The Millennial Effect

I was born in 1946.  That makes me a baby boomer.  Boomers were born between 1946 and the mid-60's.  Dad's came home from World War II ready to settle down and start families.  The average married couple had four children.  My generation impacted our society in a way no other generation had.  To begin with, we comprised the largest population group in American history.  We flooded the educational system: As an example. the community colleges were initially created to serve us.   Now a new generation, that outnumbers even the baby boomers, is impacting our culture.  In shear numbers the millennials, those born between 1984 and 2002, will dwarf my generation, and we are just beginning to feel their effect.

I was reminded of that again last week when I read a new report by the Barna Group.  According to their research done earlier this year, for the first time a majority of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana.  The margin is small, 51% in favor and 45% opposed, but the shift has begun.  I can say that because of the significant 11% swing in public opinion in the last two years.  You might ask: How can that be?  More and more millennials are becoming part of the adult population and according to the Barna folks, 65% of millennials favor the legalization of pot.  Warning: Before you start throwing stones you need to know that 50% of baby boomers also support the legalization of marijuana.  Another indication is the fact that 24 states have already taken steps to decriminalize the drug. 

I am not here to take a stand on the issue, although I do have an opinion.  I can see the issue from both sides.  As long as pot is illegal those desiring to use it will have to deal with the criminal element to get it.  That means supporting the Mexican Drug Cartel and well, you get the picture.  Marijuana is a gateway drug and the folks to peddle it will be glad to sell you something stronger.  To legalize it takes away that risk, but I also know the marijuana is a drug.  It promotes a lifestyle that I struggle to see as God-pleasing.  It also comes with health risks.  Let the debate go on.

I do know that we can never allow the court of public opinion influence who we are a God's people.  It's up to each of us to dig into God's Word and determine how it applies to our walk of discipleship.  To be honest, I don't believe God is going to condemn someone one to hell for smoking a joint, in the same way he is going to have mercy on those who commit other vices.  So, what should we be doing:

Be open to the opinions of others. Learn to listen and to love them for who they are,  I think that's what Jesus would want us to do.

Don't be so quick to judge.  Remember, we are all sinners in God's eyes.

Our actions will always speak the loudest.  Teens and young adults are watching to see how we run our lives.  At all times we need to be an example of hope, unconditional love and discipleship.