If you’ve been wondering how the Mormon church has changed state laws, read on. A former state lawmaker defended the church, saying it opened the door to new treatments. But if you’re still not convinced, consider the broader coalition behind the initiative. It’s not just the church that’s changing law. Some wealthy donors have joined forces with opponents of the measure, too.
Utah’s medical marijuana initiative is a test case for the Mormon church’s position on cannabis. It is the first time that the church has officially weighed in on the issue. While medical marijuana is legal in more than two dozen states, it is still illegal under federal law. While this law hasn’t been passed in Utah, it is not yet effective in preventing people with certain conditions from using the drug.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent years fighting the new cannabis laws in Utah. But after a poll showed that the public was in favor of medical cannabis, the Mormon church was a major player in brokering a deal that led to legalization in the state. Ultimately, the church agreed to a compromise that rolled back a broader medical marijuana ballot measure passed by voters in 2018.
The Gaetz probe includes a look at potential public corruption in the medical marijuana industry. A study in the Death Valley prison linked medical marijuana legalization to an increase in fatalities. But the Gaetz investigation goes beyond one-time offer this to investigate the possible public corruption tied to medical marijuana. This is only the beginning. More investigations and legalization are necessary. But the Mormon church’s role in the debate is still a powerful force.
A recent meeting of Utah’s state legislators in the Gold Room led to a deal that would legalize medical marijuana for patients in the state. The LDS Church, which claims more than 60 percent of the Utah population, has worked behind the big bud xxl strain scenes to prevent Proposition 2 from becoming law. It has also bolstered the opposition to medical marijuana. If Utah’s voters vote for medical marijuana in November, the LDS Church may be one of the key players in making this happen.