Former Pastor Launches Campaign In Mississippi to Legalize Marijuana: 'It's God's Medicine'
A former pastor is launching a state-wide campaign in Mississippi to legalize marijuana, saying the drug is "God's medicine" that has helped him as a paraplegic.
Al Pollard, a former pastor living in Mississippi, is reportedly starting a campaign to convince local mayors and lawmakers to legalize marijuana. Pollard tells WDAM-TV that he became a parapalegic when his was 18 after suffering a diving accident, and although he was initially prescribed potent prescription painkillers, he believes all of his ailments have been healed by the use of marijuana.
Pollard told WDAM-TV in a recent interview that he believes marijuana is "God's medicine" that should be received by all Mississippians with graciousness. "If you don't believe in what God created is good for us, how can you truly believe in God? Today's medicine kills and destroys you with side effects; however, this herbal plant, proven by the ADA, Health Board, gives us a chance of being healthy with longevity."
"This natural herb treats every symptom known to man, and I believe it is Gods natural medicine to man if we embrace and receive it with thanksgiving," the former pastor added.
"If you believe in God, you have to believe in cannabis," Pollard, who reportedly purchases his marijuana from California, added.
The pastor even told the media outlet that he has previously performed sermons while under the influence of marijuana, saying the drug aids in his creativity when discovering new sermon topics.
Another Christian previously made a similar argument regarding the healing effects of marijuana. Aimee Curry, the 39-year-old daughter of an ordained minister, told CNN in March 2014 that she believes marijuana is a "gift from God."
"It states in the Bible not to abuse a drug, it doesn't say you can't use it," said Curry. "If you ask me, cannabis is a gift from God."
