LDS Church Releases Additional Statement, Encourages Cautious Approach to Medical Marijuana

A statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS Church on medical marijuana was released as a follow up statement to their previous opposition to one of Utah’s medical Marijuana bills.

The original statement, from early February, stated that the Church has some concerns about Senator Mark Madsen’s bill, which would allow those with certain medical conditions to consume edible pot products.

Eric Hawkins, Church spokesman, explained that the concern over Madsen’s bill stems from the possible unintended consequences. Hawkins also stated that the Church does not oppose another bill that addresses the legalization of medical marijuana.

In an updated statement, published to Mormon Newsroom on February 12, the Church clarified its opposition, saying:

While we are not in a position to evaluate specific medical claims, the Church understands that there are some individuals who may benefit from the medical use of compounds found in marijuana. For that reason, although the Church opposes SB 73, it has raised no objection to SB 89. These two competing pieces of legislation take very different approaches when it comes to issues like access, distribution, control and the potential harm of the hallucinogenic compound, THC. 

In addition to the therapeutic, treatment, and control questions, there are several other important issues to be resolved.  At the forefront is that the use of medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law.  We agree with groups such as the American Medical Association, who have said that further study is warranted before significant public policy decisions on marijuana are advanced. For these reasons, the Church urges a cautious approach.

For the full statement, visit MormonNewsroom.org.