Men, Marijuana and Mental Health PT 1

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“Smoke Screens: When Marijuana Becomes the Mask for Men’s Pain”
By Chaplain Michael Hall, Be-More Alive Ministries

In barbershops, on the block, in the quiet of their own homes—more and more men are lighting up. Not always for joy. Not even always for stress. Just… because.

For many men, especially Black men and returning citizens, marijuana has become a silent therapist. A familiar crutch. A way to numb the noise of life without ever having to speak on what’s really going on inside. We’ve been taught that showing emotion makes us weak, that crying is something boys grow out of, and that therapy is for “them,” not us.

So instead of talking, we toke.
Instead of healing, we hide.

Yes, marijuana can be a form of harm reduction in some cases, but when it becomes the only way we cope, we’re not reducing harm—we’re avoiding healing.

This is where mental health becomes spiritual warfare.

Too many men are trying to fight emotional and spiritual battles with smoke and silence. And the enemy knows—if he can keep you numb, he can keep you from purpose. Marijuana may calm the surface, but it doesn’t address the storm inside. That requires something deeper. That requires biblical therapy—truth-based healing that speaks to the spirit and soul.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But how can we receive that closeness when we’re constantly trying to quiet our brokenness with weed instead of the Word?

At Be-More Alive Ministries, we believe that healing starts with facing what hurts, not just masking it. Through our programs, groups, and biblical support systems, we walk with men as they break the silence, process their pain, and learn emotional discipline rooted in Christ.

This is more than behavior modification—it’s identity restoration.

Brothers, you don’t have to keep smoking to silence your soul. There is a better way.

Let’s stop medicating what only God can heal.
Let’s choose wholeness over numbness.
Let’s be more alive.

Join us.
For support groups, biblical therapy resources, and one-on-one coaching, visit http://www.bemorealive.org or reach out directly to mike@operationgateway.org.


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