As a former drug and addiction counselor, current catholic, and someone fighting stage 4 cancer....eat it, drink it, rub it on, vape, and use it like a medication. That's what I have picked for my pain management because I can still pray and it manages it well enough. Opiates are killers and I can't pray when I am on them. Before I went on it I spoke with my pastor, and also made myself accountable for dosing. The things we hide are the things that become sin and kill us

You can’t 100% condemn smoking weed without condemning alcohol. It’s hypocritical.

The number of views is going to be really "High" on this episode. I had to use the pun. I couldn't help it.

This has been a struggle for me in my Catholic Faith. I feel that sometimes it makes me more spiritual and other times it takes me from our Lord because of the Guilt that I feel .

I'm a nurse in a substance abuse for veterans so I see these situations every day. Many people self-medicate for symptoms of PTSD.

I don’t always roll a joint, but when I do, it’s my ankle.

Very compelling discussion. I've been smoking MJ moderately and occasiionally on and off for 55 years. I also drink alcohol although I gave both up for 15 years. I once read that "not all marijuana smokers become junkies, but every junky has smoked marijuana." Moderation. Awareness,

It was verified to me several times by medical professionals that it’s helpful for some of the troublesome effects of chemotherapy. I will be going through that shortly for breast cancer. Please, please pray for my complete healing, 🙏🏼💕😢

Near to my heart. My sons have all struggled with addictions with alcohol and drugs. Their dad with cigarettes and alcohol, my youngest died at sixteen while struggling with marijuana. My middle son uses it for pain control from accidents and my oldest died five years ago from suicide after episodes of depression, alcohol and drugs. I’ve struggled but not in this way. Prayers for resolving addictions are always appreciated. I haven’t ever smoked weed; however while listening to you I had popcorn and two Coca-Cola’s. I enjoy your program.

Thanks, but I think I’ll stick with my Latin mass incense lol

Doing Exodus90 helped me to see how addicted to social media I was

I am in my 50s and I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis along with several injuries from car accidents and I was a battered wife for 10 years which also has left me with permanent physical damage.Needless to say my pain often is intolerable. Especially at bedtime. I use gummies that contain THC sometimes when I really can’t sleep due to pain. Meds don’t help anymore and they have caused significant damage to my stomach so I’m all for the gummies.

I am a disabled combat Veteran. I have many issues. The medication I took wasn't helpful and causes dementia and many other issues. After, talking with my doctor and priest I use at night for insomnia, depression, anxiety, inflammation and pain. By using cannabis I have come off of Ambien, Trazodone, Robaxin, etc. My thought is Ambien is a narcotic and psychoactive so what is the difference of that or cannabis at night? I don't have side effects from the cannabis. I am not hung over in the morning like I was with Ambien. I go to daily Mass now because my depression and anxiety are controlled and it helps so much with severe chronic pain. I am now able to concentrate on my Carmelite formation. I micro dose in the day with edibles and I don't feel high at all. I feel worse taking one Benadryl. I also understand that an addict is an addict. If you just smoke to get high it's the same thing as getting drunk or stoned off of pain medication. I took opiates and never abused them. I didn't like the nasty side effects. I also understand that nothing takes the place of good therapy and God and having a relationship with Jesus. I did years of therapy but what really healing my PTSD was weekly confession, Eucharistic Adoration and Communion! I still struggle with sleep disorder, pain, and anxiety. CBD helps with all but sleep and I either vape or consume edibles at night. I did a lot of praying, research and spiritual direction before I made the decision to use cannabis products. It has been a lifesaver. I don't like taking anything and if I could function normally without it I would but it has definitely helped with debilitating issues.

“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.” - 1 Peter 5:8-9 I questioned this with myself for a while when I started going back to Church last year. I just turned 30 this September & had smoked since I was 13 but decided that I don’t want it to be an anchor or a crutch in my life anymore. I tried many times on my own to give it up & could not do it. In March this year I put my addiction in God’s hands & have not looked back since. I never thought I could do it & to be honest it wasn’t me, it started out that way but I couldn’t do it alone.. in the end it is my faith in Christ & the willingness to let Him work through me that allowed me to give it up. I still enjoy the smell of it & have had cravings since but have not slipped in over 7 months now. Just about all my friends smoke but I am able to be around it at this point & not give in, it doesn’t bother me & for that I am thankful because God has strengthened me to overcome an addiction I didn’t think i could let go of. “With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26

I like that this isn't just dudes saying, "Well, you know, the Catechism doesn't clarify BUT DON'T YOU DO IT". This should be reflected upon and scrutinized.

Beautiful statue of our Blessed Mother - Our Lady of Guadalupe. Please take care of all of us!

Thank you for providing a space for Catholics, I've been trying to watch more faith based content on YT, but everything reverts back to "Catholicism is wrong/evil". Oddly enough the Catholic channels I have come across are way more articulate, patient and their message to people trying to get right with God is WAY more heartfelt while still emphasizing the sins we encounter on a daily basis. God bless and praise Jesus Christ

So much respect for each one of you guys. Great show as usual!

Thank you for your courage in bringing up difficult topics Father Rich! You guys are incredible!! This was a great episode and helpful for those who may be struggling with this question.

WoW!!! What a great show and topic! I will share it with others. Thank you, guys!

Amazing topic ! So much angles & perspective to approaching this widely used product. Cheers to this team for the work they put into the presentation.

I hesitated before listening to this podcast, but I'm glad I did. Great points about intentionally darkening the intellect and will. I'll listen to this one again. Cyber man-hugs all around.

This is one of the most important conversations to take part in. Especially in today’s society. I appreciate you guys for this. 🙏🏻❤️✝️

As someone that did several marijuana consumption between my 17 and so.. I became a pretty committed catholic music minister for almost twenty years.. I moved from my country just when the pandemic situation begun and started to live in concubinage.. I have been struggle with many problems and the fact that I can take communion and recently started in a new job on selling CBD and I have this dilemma on my faith and my job! It’s such a relief to hear all you guys...

Loved your show! The biggest detriment from regular use of Marijuana is one’s separation from God. When under the influence it creates that barrier that shuts out God’s influence on our decision making and actions.

Finally… I have been waiting for this episode

Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for addressing the topic of opioid/fentanyl addiction. We are heartbroken but appreciate the courage, guidance and prayers offered for our family. May God continue to bless you and expand your ministry. Peace be with you 🕊️🙏🏼❤

I agree that alcohol abuse has caused tremendous pain and loss in so many families. I have insomnia and anxiety and often can't sleep. I pray and am always able to fall asleep. I do not like how sleep aids or medicines for anxiety make me feel.

I am wholeheartedly anti drug use. However, as a migraine sufferer (debilitating pain), I find that a tiny puff of marijuana keeps me from needing “harder”meds. And the best part? I don’t get high! I never have. Go figure! I have something in my system that keeps me from feeling any effects of it other than pain relief. I see it as divine intervention. A blessing!

Oh my goodness guys, that thumbnail though 😂 Fantastic show as always, thank you for all your shows!

Recently quit smoking cannabis completely. After a decade of smoking it I am finally starting to experience life clearly.

I really love you guys and all I’m learning from watching you. Thank you for giving of yourselves so others can grow. May God continue to bless you.

Thanks for keeping conversation going!

Great episode...a lot of important issues has been covered and very helpful. With regards to prayer life, i made the decision that the 1st thing i will reach out as soon as i wake up is my prayer book.🙏🙏🙏God First🙏🙏🙏

Hi awesome dudes, Fr Rich, Ryan D, Ryan S. God bless you three, always ❤️

I can't stop laughing at this title, whether Catholics can smoke weed! Hahahaha...very funny and hearty talk!

This was one of the best episodes of CTS that you guys have ever done. Instead of focusing on just one issue, you tied it all together in the First Commandment. So many worldly things crowd out our relationship with God, and this episode really provided an opportunity to discern what they are. And yes, Fr Rich... a lifetime of sobriety is so worth it 😀

I think most of the time we know whether or not we are using worldly creations for good intentions or just to satisfy our own selfish intentions/pleasures..if we are truely honest with ourselves discernment becomes easier to achieve.. This is a great episode..I have been watching the show for almost 2 years now & i have loved every episode..I havent had a chance to comment but I'm glad i finally get to.. Nice one keep it up..

I understand the need for care, but I still don't understand the difference between having a toke or two versus having a couple of beers.

Good talk thank you I passed it along to all the smokers in our families 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️👏

I actually love smoking cannabis, but I don’t really enjoy being high in recent years. It definitely turns on you after a while if you keep smoking, and I’ve been smoking for nearly 20 years. I just get anxious, paranoid and somewhat depressed. However what I do notice is it forces me into a state of humility and contemplation. It’s not “fun”, it doesn’t give me a high in the way alcohol does where my ego gets inflated and I start over-sharing. It in fact has nearly the opposite effect. So I smoke usually a hit of weed and then sit with it for a while and I contemplate my mortality. I notice it doesn’t help me be in tune with the Holy Spirit. It can help, I can do the opposite - I haven’t quite figured out whether or not it serves me anymore. It’s a shame because I love the way the smoke tastes - I smoke pipe tobacco sometimes for the same reason, but it’s just it’s own delicious, enjoyable smoke… until the high kicks in. In terms of substances that actually bring me closer to God the only example I have are magic mushrooms. It’s the opposite of an addiction in that I commune with God and see my concupiscence. I take them medicinally a few times a year and bask in the presence of our Lord.

Hahaha what an amazing topic. Give it to us straight father 🙏✅🌹🌹

I once did an edible after reading Mark and then went on a prayer walk through nature. I guess it depends on if you consider yourself a mystic or not. I think any abuse of any pleasure is bad and Catholicism rightfully expresses the importance of asceticism and making specific times for these pleasures puts a higher purpose on them.

first time watching the show. Loved it.

Loved this talk. Thanks guys.

Father tom the other day said “ put that in your bowl and smoke it” after the last reading lol

One day at a time, brothers

this episode felt like an encyclical... yes im haha first episode for me and honestly, really like the show and this format with that content and nice range of personalities, styles but talking together - pls can I shout out the Ryan (the one with the 7 kids), special. I've thought about this issue in lots of scattered way (esp. when anxious), but this was such a linear journey that clarified the logical arguments, bolstered with your real life stories and of course that catholic lens of personal, communal, natural morality and human flourishing question with kindness. i really like the monologue part too - to hit home this thing as a societal issue and our collective responsibility and journeying, and to empathise with those/families who have this cross to bear. gna rewatch. wish y'all added the angle of the law and our governments supporting these companies that are driving profit via addiction; and socio-economic angles of

I gave up weed last lent. I have had some extra cash in my pocket, and can drive at any time now. However, I do find myself less charitable. While high, I was always more comfortable donating my money, making food, care bags, and passing them out to the poor.

I am a realy radical catholic but i am fighting with one specific struggle and that is weed because i have no rest in my head and it help me a lot in meditatian prayers reading etc i am fighting with it but it is really really hard and i feel very quilty for it but it is a real war because i used it for more then 10 years. But i realy also helpt me a lot on focussing reading the bible and focussing on prayers

Don’t forget your snacks for this episode! I predict there will be munchies.

Thank you for a great episode. I can feel the fraternity from here. Just before I was tempted to go purchase some cannabis to smoke. Thanks for helping me with the virtue of moderation

The biggest problem at the grassroots level is parents and adults being fake and acting as “holier than thou puritans” that scream judgement rather than, hey…I struggled with it too, and this is how I overcame it.

I could go on for days educating people about this.

Amazing. Well said!

You guys came out looking reasonable in your thoughts on this topic. 😁😁🌈 Good Job! Keep Howard away from the brownies!🤣❤

Thank you so much father for mentioning Cenacolo community. My brother had a serious drug addiction, and the Lord sent us people from the community, through pray. He was inside the community for almost 3 years, and today has his life back. Mother Elvira is truly God's loving child, working through His miracles to help people beat addiction ❤️✝️ we were Catholic our entire lives, but this experience has brought us closer together as a family, and confirmed and strengthened our faith even more.

dellacrosse adjusting the boys @39:12 😂

I almost got fired from tutoring because I smoked weed. A few weeks later, I quit that bland job anyway.

At 6:49 that was so important for me. Thank you Jesus for this. Y’all are helping us and it has to make him smile! Thank you and I love you all. I love being catholic what a gift! Y’all were firm but gentle. That’s a gift from above.I am able to digest and take food for thought.

Howard and the "magic brownies" 😆

There are numerous medical conditions that are helped by MJ, especially those with chronic pain. Come on Catholics, let’s not be too judgmental here, folks. It literally depends on the situation. Should you go out and get high just to get high? No, but lots of folks have their medical conditions helped by a reasonable amount of MJ.

This is a very good question for me. I have rheumatism and a LOT of pain. I hate taking medicines and have not been to a rheumatologist yet because I am terrified of the meds they give you for it.

Genesis 1:29-31 God gave every herb bearing seed for our use. God saw it was Good. Moderation in all things.

39 minute mark or so Fr Rich talking about taking something daily that will help your life… all I could think about was the Eucharist as a substitute in jest. Good episode. My position in addition to yours, levels of influence of marijuana on the system have always sounded subjective, since little ability to test level like BAC. Even if legalized I think a step further would need to be taken to better standardize and understand level of effects. Of course to get a better standardization it will probably have to be more legalized.

Weed is very helpful when used appropriately, like coffee

Exactly Padre. I see some benefits but saw what happened to my state when it was legalized.

I use weed for medical purposes, and have had my share of scruples because of things I have heard. I take small doses before bed and do not do anything inappropriate because it is in my system nor do I drive. I have abused it in the past and have gone to confession but I now use it in moderation for healing.

I smoked for 9yrs and stopped due to drug testing for work 30yrs pot free but retirement coming up and plain and simple I smoked just to get high !

Not on this topic, but could you do a future show about your opinions on Fr. Malachi Martin? His books, etc ?

Im thinking about becoming Catholic and was curious what a conversation about cannabis use would sound like. As someone that does consume cannabis I found this conversation respectful and found they tried to cover a lot of ground and not just throw shade and say cannabis use period is evil and immoral. For me I find it helps, it helped pull me off 11 years of anti depressant use and really just relaxes me and balances me out before bed. Found this conversation very interesting

I started working at Total Wine as a result of being laid off due to a combination of alleged budget cuts and a toxic new marketing director who had it in for male subordinates (that's a different issue though), and the pandemic that followed that layoff left retail the only option for me several months later. A perk of working at Total Wine is access to quality wine at generously discounted prices (same for beer, though not as discounted because the focus is on wine). This can also be a bit of a curse as can lead to the overabundance and consumption of alcohol. When my best friend suddenly passed at the beginning of this year at just 33 years old, you bet your ass I utilized that employee discount something fierce, but I've calmed down a lot since then consumption-wise. To the saints they mentioned at the end, I've taken to looking towards Venerable Matt Talbott as his path isn't far from my own in terms of figuring out the alcohol issue, as he fell into the tidal waves of abuse working in the alcohol industry early on. But a real negative to what I'm doing now is seeing the abuse that still carries on. Since the pandemic, alcohol sales have been further through the roof than they ever have before. Don't get me wrong, I love wine and craft beer. The dedication, craftsmanship, and creativity that comes with creating such amazing beverages is nothing short of admirable. But since the pandemic, alcohol abuse is way up, and it has nothing to do with the exploration of flavors on the palate. Every week I see the same customers coming to the store multiple times in one day. One guy will shuffle in twice in a day for the same 6-pack of Guinness Extra Stout, and if he needs it before we open, he goes to the Giant next door for it. A tall, older white comes in almost every day for the same 12-pack of Coors. If my calculations are correct, he's pounding 80 beers every week, minimum. We've just started implementing Uber Eats in our delivery service, and I've seen the same name order the same 12-pack of beer every other day. Drug abuse is way up across the nation, particularly, as mentioned in the episode, fentanyl. But with the legalization and glorification of marijuana use everywhere, I have a ton of Doordashers coming into the store to pick up delivery orders or shop for customers just absolutely bathed in skunk. And there is nothing I can do about it except pray. I have never smoked weed in my life. In fact, no one has even offered a joint for me to refuse. Just the skunk smell is enough for me to determine that it's terrible. As the good Padre said, we are in a really bad spot when it comes to our addictive natures, and we need to get cracking in figuring out more effective ways to help people come to terms and heal from their brokenness, remedy their addiction and end the glorification of numbing our sense of reality to the point of death.

I believe using cannabis descriminatly with discretion and proper etiquette can be something used to grow ourselves with and grow closer to Christ Jesus our Lord and only Saviour.

Best thumbnail ever 😆

Why is this even a question? And it doesn't matter whether you're Catholic or protestant, we'll stand before the same God. The answer is a resounding No. You didn't see Paul struggling with his infirmity by getting high in dope. So why should we use that excuse? Pray, believe in God to heal us and keep moving forward in our walk

Jesus suffered on the cross and he wants us to carry our cross and offer up our pain to him.

You all are such a riot!!

Good show. A problem I think with marijuana nowdays is the strength of the THC in the product. (Not the pot of the '70's back in my day). Many times it is like drinking Everclear instead of Merlot. More addictive and destructive per amount consumed. Studies are showing it can result in changes in the brain especially in people younger than 25. Unfortunately can add to anxiety, depression, and isolation rather than taking it away. Medical research at UW in Washington State (where it has been legal for several years) are finding the strength can even lead to schizophrenic tendancies. Not to mention cyclical vomiting of THC poisoning. So many are affected by tragedy, and even not living up to potential because of the effects. By the grace of the Blessed Mother and the 54 Day Rosary, I believe my precious loved one was saved and turned his life around. Thanks be to God. Prayer for all who are struggling.🙏

I use medical gummies for occasional pain. I’m 67 and Do Not want to take opioids. We are talking 3 or 4 times a month for arthritis, back pain and nausea.

I personally feel much more connected to myself in a humbly godlike way in which I'm connected with the world. Other than minorities having psychological adverse reactions it's really not that bad it does help.

I dealt with muscle spasms and neurological issues regarding my own health cause of a snake bite ten years agora,. I would love to see people grow from using cannabis plant instead of as using it as a gateway drug. I understand the moral implications with cannabis which can be used to help treat a wide range of illnesses. I believe if we really educate people and have an open mind and tolerance on subjects we can definitely change our cultural norms around this subject. Remember the definition of an a addiction is a repeated behavior that does not get your desired result.

High on God not weed...

I'm lit man!!

I've struggled mightily with the drink, so I need to avoid it completely. As far as everything else, I think we need to cut way down on the public events it's offered at, along with myself, I've seen the damage it causes to marriages and families. I'm not sure the path forward on this, I'm just elated we're talking about it!

Dear Ryan will you please ask Fr Pagano to bless me and please pray for me for complete healing from TNBC breast cancer 🙏🏼😢💕 Thank you 🙏🏼💕

You guys got this! There are others ways... finding techniques to get you through anxiety, and through some kinds of pain. Why take anything - weed, alcohol or meds if you don't have to!! I believe God wants us to improve ourselves, not just hid the issues with these things. As an elderly woman, with many aches and pains, I pray and constantly remind myself what Jesus endured for us and then offer my pain for the salvation of others. If the day comes and I can't get out of bed, I may relent.

I was a crack addict for 11 years. It started with weed and then crack and pcp. I was arrested 13 times and spent many weekends in jail. I was doing want i was doing and one day i wasn't feeling good and i knew i was about to drop dead because i heart was beating out of my chest. I heard a voice say to me " I'm going to give you another chance" and in a instant i was better. It was a long hard road to recovery but by the grace of God only, i was healed for my addiction. That was 19 years ago. It certainly wasn't anything i did. Why my creater choices to save me IDK, but each and every day i am grateful. I believe and i know all things are possible for God. Jesus the Author Of Life saved me in every way a person can be saved which is truly a miracle. All praise glory and honor to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He is the Great I Am and Lord and Savior. Maranatha!

God given plant ✝️🌿🙏🏼

Thanks be to God 🙏✝️❤️🕊️

Everything in moderation. The Church has a long history of embracing altered states of consciousness. Even the prolonged chanting of monastic traditions is a form of breathwork which harmonizes brain waves and produces psychedelic effects. The difference between healthy licit spiritual use and harmful abuse comes down to Set, Setting and Intent

When I had my hip surgery to replace my hip! I only used the pain killer maybe 2or3 times!

I started smoking weed in my late teens. That started a pathway for more mind altering substances. Long story story I became a drug addict and battled with it for 21 years of my life. Now soder and back in the true faith.i owe everything to Jesus and Mary. I was one of those that couldn't do drugs because of the brokenness of my interior. My advice if you try it and it becomes your everything stop, because it will lead you straight to the front porch of the devil's house.

I’m only watching this because my mother sent me a link to your guys podcast

I use it medically since a car accident left me with nerve damage, I can see the pros and cons of it though.

This was an interesting one! I live in a state where Mary Jane is legal and I work with people with disabilities. I have seen seizures and behavioral outbursts reduced or stopped completely because of creative use of legal substances. On the flip side, the stats Ryan mentioned are a sad reality. I feel like I could write an academic essay using my personal/professional experiences alone. I stay away from the recreational drugs as a precaution. But so many do not and it is so dangerous. Prayers for all affected by overdose of any kind.

I'm in pain 24/7 due to a terminal disease. I use THC for pain management but had to be talked into it. I refuse to take pharma pain meds and God is my pharmacist for pain. It doesn't take the pain away but it makes it tolerable. Believe it or not, it gives me insomnia! How is this for irony...my dad was an undercover cop and is an ordained Deacon for over 20yrs. I was petrified to tell him!

So much respect to you guys, really enjoying this one

I’ve never smoked weed. I’ve thrown up my toenails from imbibing alcohol, but I’ve never smoked weed. 😂 Yep, real finger pointing virtue there. 🥴

There is a time and place for everything cause we should always recognize stages of people's development and all empathy and compassion is and should be our form of Love.

Enjoying the video. Can you do a show about mindfullness? I work in education and they are pushing something called koru. Thanks.