Q: If in middle school you made a vow to never use marijuana when it was illegal, are you still bound by the vow later in life when marijuana is legalized? Can you “renegotiate” a vow you made with God? — J.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

There are various dimensions to your question worth reviewing.

First, vowing not to use marijuana when it was illegal wasn’t necessary, since no one should be using illegal drugs. Likewise, there is no need to make a vow not to steal your neighbor’s car.

Second, did the person vow never to use marijuana as long as it was illegal? Or was it a conditional promise? “I won’t use it for now, but I might use it if it becomes legal.”

Let’s say for the sake of argument that the middle-schooler wasn’t even thinking that marijuana, or cannabis, would ever become legal in some places.

Third is the aspect of making a vow in middle school. At that age it could be a sign of youthful enthusiasm mixed with a bit of immaturity.

A fourth aspect — and this is where the person needs to be honest with himself — is this “renegotiation” simply a way to justify himself and go back on his word?

There are times, however, when the conditions of a vow could be justifiably changed; for instance, if a person suffers a financial collapse and can no longer tithe the way he previously promised.

In this case of marijuana, however, the person wants to be released from a vow in order to use something that is potentially harmful.

The legality of marijuana doesn’t necessarily justify its use. We have a general obligation to take reasonable care of our health and avoid unnecessary risks.

In short, the person would need to take this to prayer and seriously examine the motives for wanting to ditch the vow. He should then speak with his pastor.