The Mormon Church is out and against the idea of Republican Senator Mark Madsen to legalize medical marijuana in Utah. If the said bill is approved, Utah becomes the 24th state to legalize weed for medical purposes.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaders are anxious about the idea of Republican Senator Mark Madsen of Eagle Mountain. Majorities of Utah lawmakers are noted to be members of the Salt Lake City-based faith, and the church's position on an issue can be decisive.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, LDS Spokeperson Eric Hawkins said in a statement "Along with others, we have expressed concern about the unintended consequences that may accompany the legalization of medical marijuana. We have expressed opposition to Senator Madsen's bill because of that concern. We are raising no objection to the other bill that addresses this issue."
The said bill would allow tens of thousands of residents with chronic or debilitating conditions access to edible products, but ban smoking pot. This is why Sen. Madsen encouraged Utah to join the other twenty states of the U.S. that have already passed the controversial Medical Marijuana bill, Yahoo News reported.
On the other hand, Sen. Madsen expressed his thoughts on LDS' criticism and opposition. "Maybe they don't want to be known as the special interest that put their thumb on the scale and decided this for everyone in the state," he said, according to Washington Post. "If they're going to put their thumb on the scale politically and force everyone to a standard, then I think they owe something of an explanation to the people."
The medical marijuana bill has already received committee approval. It is expected to be debated before the full Utah Senate within the next week.
