The push for marijuana legalization moved to Utah and Oklahoma, two of the most conservative States in the country, which further underlines how quickly feelings about marijuana are changing in the United States.
If these two measures pass, Utah and Oklahoma will join 30 States that have legalized some form of medical marijuana, according to the Pro-pot National organization for the reform of marijuana laws. Nine of these States and Washington, D.C. also have broad legalization, where adults 21 years and older can use the pot for any reason. Michigan could become the 10th state, with its ballot initiative this year.
Utah and Oklahoma are already among 16 States that allows the use of the oil called cannabidiol, or CBD, a compound from cannabis that do not get users high but can treat a range of health problems.
Justin strekal, the Director of political Affairs for NORML, I am sure, Utah and Oklahoma measures will pass.
“America’s appetite for cannabis is not going away,” said Strekal. “We are in the death rattles of the ban.”
The efforts of the legalization of marijuana has faced some blowback from religion to including in 2016 in Arizona and Nevada from the Mormon Church, and in the same year of the Catholic Church in Massachusetts. But not to the extent they may face this year in Utah, where Mormons make up roughly two thirds of the population, said Matthew Schweich, Executive Director of the Pro-legalization marijuana policy project.
Mormons have long frowned upon the use of marijuana due to religious key code of health called the “word of wisdom” which prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints came out against the proposal this month, saying in a statement that the drugs intended to relieve suffering, should be tested and approved by government officials. The Church said that it respects the “wise advice” of doctors and approved medical Association of the state of Utah for disagreement. The Association accused the organizers in an attempt to disguise their intentions are just paving the way for legalization of recreational marijuana.
Governor of Utah Gary Herbert said in January high school students that he thinks medical marijuana will ever be legalized in the state, but in March he announced his opposition to the vote question, in which he argues that not enough safeguards for the cultivation and distribution of marijuana.
Lawyers remain confident that they have developed measures of medical marijuana, that respects the Mormon Church and culture, providing much needed relief for people with chronic pain, said Schweich. His organization in Washington, D.C., to develop measures.
Unlike other medical marijuana States, offer Utah are not allowed to smoke marijuana or for residents to grow their own, said Schweich. This will create a state-regulated growing and distributing work to people with certain medical conditions to obtain a map and to use the drug in edible forms such as candy, in topical forms such as lotions or salves, as oil or in the electronic cigarettes. Supporters turned in signatures Monday to get the measure on the ballot in November.
“It’s a matter of compassion,” – said Schweich.
Oklahoma will vote in June on his proposal, which will allow doctors to advise patients to obtain a license for medical marijuana that allows them to legally possess up to three ounces of the drug, six Mature plants and six seedlings.
Ted Lyon, a 78-year-old Mormon, is a supporter because he has seen over the last decade, as medical marijuana has helped two of his neighbors in Provo, one with multiple sclerosis and who is still having seizures. He said he does not support legalization of drugs for recreational use.
Lyon, Professor Emeritus at the Mormon owned University named Brigham young, said he fears that the Church’s opposition will have a negative impact on members of the faith, but he said he remains hopeful, very progressive wing of Mormons who will see the benefits.
“In 10 years, the Church can say something else,” Lyon said. “It is not the eternal exile of medical marijuana. My father was a good historian, and he said, ‘if you don’t like something in the Church, just wait for some time because it will change.'”
Nathan Frodsham, a 45-year-old married Mormon father of three, hopes that this measure passes so that he could get from opioids using a vaporized form of marijuana, which he used when he lived in Seattle after his doctor recommended trying to make her painful osteoarthritis in the neck.
Frodsham were not disappointed by the statement of the Mormon Church, which he notes doesn’t go as far in opposition when the Church has clearly asked the deputies to vote against full legalization of marijuana in Arizona and Nevada. He said that marijuana is a natural plant and that the code of health religion is not one of cannabis, as prohibited.
“I think there is some room for interpretation,” said Frodsham.
In the 4,500-member Utah medical Association is not opposed to the idea of medical marijuana legalization, but many of the problems associated with the initiative, in his opinion, is too broad and does not contain the necessary legal action, said Michelle Macomber, President of the company.
“We want to be very careful about what we bring into our state,” said Macomber. “It’s an addictive drug”.
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Associated Press writer Adam Causey in Oklahoma city contributed to this report.
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