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.
