LDS church comes out against Utah medical marijuana bill
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The LDS church opposes a bill that would allow Utah residents with certain medical conditions to consume edible pot products.
The Friday statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could be a serious blow to one of two medical marijuana proposals in front of the Utah State Legislature, where a majority of lawmakers are members of the state's predominant faith.
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Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said leaders are concerned about unintended consequences.
"Along with others, we have expressed concern about the unintended consequences that may accompany the legilization of medicial marijuana. We have expressed oppostition to Sen. Madesn's bill because of that concern. We are raising no objection to the other bill that addresses this issue," Hawkins full statement said.
Bill sponsor Republican Sen. Mark Madsen of Eagle Mountain tells The Salt Lake Tribune that church representatives have declined an in-depth conversation about their opposition.
The church does not oppose another proposal that would allow people with certain conditions to use a marijuana-infused oil.
Both bills are expected to be debated before the full Utah Senate within the next week.
