What Does the New Pope Think About Cannabis? A Look at THCA and the Church’s Evolving Stance

With the election of the new pope in 2025, the global Catholic community is watching closely to see how the Church will navigate modern ethical issues — including the use of cannabis and THCA. As more countries and U.S. states legalize cannabis for medical and adult use, the Vatican’s voice on the matter carries weight. But will the new pope support medical research and responsible cannabis policy, or will he continue the Church’s historical opposition?

Let’s explore how past popes have viewed cannabis, what the Church has said about substances like THCA, and what figures like Cardinal Robert Prevost might mean for the Church’s future on this topic.

The Church’s Past Perspective on Cannabis

Pope John Paul II: Compassion Above All

While Pope John Paul II never addressed cannabis specifically, he often spoke about compassionate care and the dignity of the sick, especially in his later years. His emphasis on pastoral sensitivity laid a foundation for discussing modern treatments — including cannabinoids like THCA — within the context of Catholic ethics.

Pope Benedict XVI: Tradition and Caution

Pope Benedict XVI maintained a traditional stance, viewing drug use as morally destructive. He focused more on preserving doctrinal clarity than engaging with cannabis reform debates. His papacy reflected a strong resistance to anything perceived as recreational drug culture.

Pope Francis: A Shift Toward Compassionate Care

Initially, Pope Francis strongly opposed recreational drug legalization, famously stating in 2014:

“Drug addiction is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise.”

However, in his later years, Pope Francis became more nuanced — especially regarding medical cannabis and plant-based therapies. While he never explicitly endorsed THC or THCA, he encouraged scientific research and ethical use of medicine that promotes dignity and healing.

What Is THCA, and Why Does It Matter?

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis flower. It only becomes psychoactive when heated, transforming into Delta-9 THC. Because of its non-intoxicating form, THCA is often used for:

• Inflammation relief

• Mood stabilization

• Muscle recovery

• Mild pain management

As THCA products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, they offer an interesting gray area: a cannabis compound that can be used legally in many parts of the U.S., without the Church having taken a formal stance.

What Might the New Pope Say About THCA?

The new pope — whose name has yet to be widely associated with cannabis — is entering leadership during a time when many religious, medical, and legal communities are re-evaluating non-psychoactive cannabinoids. With Cardinal Robert Prevost, a known advocate for pastoral care and ethical medicine, advising him, we may see a more open, compassionate discussion emerge.

It’s possible that under this new papacy, the Church will draw distinctions between recreational drug use and plant-based wellness treatments like THCA — particularly when used with care, intention, and medical oversight.

A Church That Listens to Science

The Catholic Church has often worked to reconcile faith and science — from stem cell debates to end-of-life care. The case for legal, regulated THCA flower and concentrates falls into this ongoing conversation:

• THCA is non-psychoactive

• THCA is used to improve quality of life

• THCA can be part of pastoral healthcare support

• It is increasingly available in lab-tested, federally compliant form

Final Thoughts: A Time for Reflection and Reform

As the Vatican adjusts to a new generation of leadership, the conversation around THCA and cannabis-derived treatments will continue to evolve. While recreational drug use is unlikely to be supported by the Church, the door appears open for more nuanced discussions around therapeutic use.

The legacy of Pope John Paul II’s compassion, Pope Benedict XVI’s doctrinal caution, and Pope Francis’s pragmatic shift may all play a role in shaping what the new pope thinks about cannabis in 2025.