Mormons and Marijuana

Before you read this, if you haven't read the original statement on the matter, you need to see it here.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking a lot of flak for its stance on medical marijuana and the Church is undeserving of such backlash.

Within the statement (link above), the LDS Church is placing information in front of the potential voters so that they can make an informed decision.

The LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Image from templesquare.com.

Since you probably ignored the link, I'll give you a quick rundown of the first part and why this statement was even published. First off, the Church asked legal advisers to run an analysis on the bill that is being proposed in Utah. These legal advisers came back with a memorandum. These were then mentioned briefly throughout the remainder of the statement. So, technically, your anger should be directed at this helpful law office.

Some of the main items that are seriously worrying within the initiative were brought to light, but obviously, that doesn't fit the media agenda, so the articles are twisted into how the LDS church is fully against it. Although, that might be true, that's not what this statement was about. I found it very enlightening. I've been pondering this subject for awhile (just ask Kaylee, she's sick of it).

Some of the items I wanted to mention that I thought were disturbing was the idea that patients would be able to grow their own "medical" marijuana. When you're growing your own, is it really medical? Oh, and if you do get that exception, you also get the exception of using as much as you'd like with no restrictions.

Another issue I saw was that this medicine won't be dispensed at a pharmacy, but rather at a "dispensary" without a prescription as long as you have your marijuana card. This is something that should be considered a controlled (addictive) substance along with the lortab, percocet and norco, but won't fully be considered that way. These dispensaries will also be able to give out free samples! Are you kidding me?! Why don't we just make the recreational stuff legal while we're at it.

Cannabis oil might be able to fix a lot of problems, but this bill is not structured correctly.

Here's a quick selection from the memorandum: "The list of 'qualifying illnesses' includes life-threatening and debilitating diseases, but also includes conditions that are difficult to diagnose and can afflict many people in varying degrees, such as 'chronic pain,' which by some estimates includes over 15% of the population. Further, the physician must only believe that the patient 'may benefit' from marijuana. Finally, the Department of Health does not have discretion to deny a medical cannabis card."

Let me just repeat that last sentence with emphasis, "Finally, the Department of Health DOES NOT have discretion to deny a medical cannabis card." This initiative is sounding like a great idea now, huh?

I don't want to drag this out much longer, so really quickly, here are a couple of other topics: Physicians will have no accountability; It could be prescribed to minors; Passing it will legalize possession of marijuana even before cards are distributed.

Don't get me wrong, I think there is a benefit in using cannabis medically. I have heard the stories and heard about the incredible results. I'm not saying I am opposed to medical marijuana. I am opposed to this version of the bill/initiative. Utahns need to realize this bill is not the answer and will only lead to recreational use of marijuana in the future.

I implore you to become educated on this bill before November comes. Don't listen to the polarizing sides, seek it out yourself and make an informed decision.

My Hero

February 14 will be an important day for years to come. Nope, not because it's Valentine's Day. Our little girl, Joslyn, was born on February 14, eight days before the due date. Both mom and baby are healthy.

Joslyn is perfect and adorable. See for yourself with the pictures in this post.

The hero I am talking about here is Kaylee. She started feeling contractions at 11:50 p.m. February 13. We didn't go to the hospital until I woke up fully around 6:30 a.m. We drove about 20-25 minutes to the hospital (St. Mark's), and she was calm the whole way there.

When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses put us in a room, and Kaylee said she wanted to go as long as she could without an epidural. She had contractions for hours and hours after that. The nurse even said she was impressed with Kaylee's strength.

When her contractions got stronger, but not much changed besides that, Kaylee chose to get the epidural. It didn't seem long after that when we ere to the point to push. Kaylee pushed for probably around an hour before Josyln officially arrived at 4:01 p.m.

Kaylee and all mothers everywhere are heroes or perhaps heroines is a better term. The pain they go through and the endurance and strength they show is incredible. We'd be absolutely lost without mothers and wives everywhere.

Thomas S. Monson

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is mourning the loss of the prophet of the Lord today after President Thomas S. Monson passed away last night.

President Monson was only 36 years old when he was called to be an apostle. That's only 10 years older than me now. That's so young. He passed away at the age of 90. He spent 53 years of his life as an apostle of the Lord. That's more than half of his life (for those of you who are numerically challenged).

I've been thinking a lot about how I could write something that hasn't already been written.

Maybe, I will just post two of my favorite talks that I've read (from 1970 to 1979) of his.

This one is called "My Personal Hall of Fame" from October 1974.

This one is called "Hopeless Dawn--Joyful Morning" from April 1976.

President Monson should be also submitted for the hall of fame for his service throughout his life. He devoted his life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He became a Bishop at the age of 22. He was in a stake presidency at the age of 27. He served as a mission president at 31. He is a fantastic example to all people, not just members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

He will be sorely missed with his humor and incredible life stories. I'm saddened by the fact we won't hear those stories, but also that we haven't heard them in over a year. It makes me happy knowing he has rejoined his beloved wife, Frances. 

I'm excited to see the progress of the Church under President Nelson. I bear testimony that there is a prophet on Earth today, just as in the Old Testament. The prophet leads and guides the Church of Jesus Christ under the ever-watchful eye of Christ himself. I know this to be true.