Mormon leaders have reiterated their opposition to recreational marijuana and those who use it, saying that it is against the faith’s Word of Wisdom, like tobacco or hallucinogens.
Speaking on KUER radio in Salt Lake City, three of the church’s leaders said Mormon doctors who recommend cannabis to their patients, and voters who support medical marijuana legalization efforts are not at risk of jeopardizing their standing within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nevertheless, the church is opposing Proposition 2, which would legalize medical cannabis in Utah.
Church Elders Jack Gerard, Craig Christensen and Lisa Harkness have been the public face of the LDS Church’s opposition to Proposition 2.
Latter-day Saints who violate the Word of Wisdom can be subject to ecclesiastical sanctions.
More than 60 percent of Utah residents are members of the LDS Church, with close to 90 percent of state lawmakers active in the faith.