Last month, the LDS Church joined a coalition against Utah's medical marijuana ballot initiative. They say they’re O.K. with medicinal use, but worry about unintended consequences of this initiative.
Wednesday, we continue our coverage of Utah’s medical cannabis ballot initiative with three representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last month, they joined a coalition opposed to Prop 2. They say they’re not against the medicinal use of marijuana, but worry about unintended consequences of the proposed initiative. We’ll talk about what they see as misperceptions about their involvement, what they would like to see happen, and the role they’re playing in the debate.
Looking for more on this topic? We've collected RadioWest and KUER News coverage of Utah's medical marijuana debate. Stay tuned as we continue the conversation next week with proponents of Utah Proposition 2.
Today's Guests:
- Elder Craig C. Christensen, General Authority Seventy and President of the Utah Area
- Sister Lisa L. Harkness, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
- Elder Jack N. Gerard, General Authority Seventy
Resources and articles mentioned in today's conversation:
- Utah Proposition 2, Medical Marijuana Initiative Full Text
- Official LDS Church Statement, along with legal analysis they commissioned from the law firm of Kirton McConkie.
- Libertas Institute (initiative supporters) response to Kirton McConkie.
- Reporter Jennifer Dobner for Cannabis Wire: The Faith Factor in Utah's Medical Cannabis Vote, Medical Cannabis in Utah? Mormon Church Suddenly Says No
- Utah Policy: Utah lawmakers considering expanding access to medical cannabis in special session next month
- National Institute of Health: Trends in fatal motor vehicle crashes before and after marijuana commercialization in Colorado
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health: Traffic Fatalities Decline in States with Medical Marijuana Laws