Weed or cannabis is still a big problem amongst the Muslim youth. I have seen brothers with beards even smoking it which is a shock.

Now, I personally think part of the reason it’s slightly more accepted is because it’s not seen in the same light of alcohol – most Muslims understand drinking alcohol is a grave sin and it’s generally looked down upon. But for some reason, weed is not in the same bracket.

Our youth need to know that smoking or eating cannabis is an *established* ḥarām act and one which is considered from the major sins. The Prophet (saws) said in an authenticated ḥadīth (actually one with a golden chain);

كُلُّ مُسْكِرٍ خَمْرٌ وَكُلُّ مُسْكِرٍ حَرَام

‘Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is impermissible’. 

In another ḥadith, it’s narrated that the Prophet (saws) prohibited every intoxicant (Abu Dāwud) and from this Ibn Ḥajar cites this as a direct evidence on the unlawfulness of ḥashish. Ibn Taymiyyah cites consensus on this, but goes further mentioning that one who declares it ḥalāl may also commit kufr. Of course there are conditions attached to this last statement, but you get the idea of how serious this is. 

Cannabis clouds the mind and makes one lose control of their senses and intellect. I have heard many stories of continued use leading to psychotic mental illnesses, to an extent one person was suffering from ongoing schizophrenia. 

Add to that those ‘dealers’ who go around selling £X bags thinking they are just helping someone get high. They will share in the punishment of every single person that they provide a bag to and any actions or illnesses that occur as a result of this person facilitating.

If we know someone who is taking or dealing in cannabis, we must advise them to stop immediately and repent back to Allah (swt). As for the stronger substances, we ask Allah for his assistance.

Note: Medicinal marijuana is exempted from the above with conditions.