Minn. bishops call on Catholics ‘not to engage in, support or profit from’ recreational marijuana

[Michie]

(OSV News) — As Minnesota ramps up its legalized cannabis industry, the state’s bishops have issued a pastoral letter warning of the dangers of marijuana.

“Living in the Real: A Short Primer on the Risks of Marijuana Usage” was recently released by the Minnesota Catholic Conference. In the 22-page document, the bishops — who had opposed the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana in May 2023 — urge Catholics “not to engage in, support or profit from the recreational use of marijuana.”

Pastoral letter on marijuana risks​

The document, available online at the conference’s website, counters several common arguments advanced in support of recreational marijuana, drawing on Scripture, Church teaching and scientific research. Social media graphics and flyers regarding the document are also available for download.

Minnesota’s legalization of recreational marijuana created a “pastoral problem,” since “law is a teacher,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota told OSV News.

“When laws say something’s okay, then naturally people begin to think it’s okay,” he said.

In particular, said the bishops in the document, “we are concerned that this recent change in state law may encourage people who previously never would have used marijuana to consider trying it.”

“Unfortunately, this is a case where the law is teaching people something that’s harmful for them, both humanly and spiritually, both on a natural level and on a spiritual level,” Bishop Cozzens told OSV News.

Studies demonstrate risks of marijuana use​

Continued below.

Minn. bishops call on Catholics 'not to engage in, support or profit from' recreational marijuana

"Living in the Real: A Short Primer on the Risks of Marijuana Usage" was recently released by the Minnesota Catholic Conference. In the 22-page document, the bishops -- who had opposed the state's legalization of recreational marijuana in May 2023 -- urge Catholics "not to engage in, support or...

www.oursundayvisitor.com

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

*Heavy Sigh*

1) The amount of money I've made in the alcohol industrial complex in my life is both substantial and never once questioned by the Bishops in Minnesota. In fact, I've made many a Catholic Church as fair amount of money dealing alcohol and no one once batted an eye at me. (Or anyone else making money for the Church selling the demon rum to the unsuspecting masses)

2) From the standpoint of the marijuana industrial complex: Too little, Too late. Minnesota is biasing small growers, sellers and dispensaries, local products, people and money in its legalization efforts. The idea is to make jobs in Minnesota and keep the money local. The train is running, the horse is out of the barn, the ship has sailed. The number of Catholic small businesspeople, vets and farmers with distribution permits, grow licenses and sales permits increases by the minute. In the good Bishop Cozzon's diocese of Crookston a University teaches how to grow, distribute and sell the devil's lettuce in 10 week classes.

Sorry bishops, you should have been fighting this in 2023 instead of whatever the heck else you were doing. (oh yeah - I remember, you were in court)

Oh, look at the time - Afternoon cocktails are about to commence.

 

[Chrystal-J]

I've seen so many people who are obsessed with marijuana. They freak out if they can't get it.

 

[Michie]

I've seen so many people who are obsessed with marijuana. They freak out if they can't get it.

My brother in law and his wife are like that. Now their son…

 

[Chrystal-J]

My brother in law and his wife are like that. Now their son…

It's really sad when you see it handed down from generation to generation.

 

[Michie]

It's really sad when you see it handed down from generation to generation.

And it often does.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

I've seen so many people who are obsessed with marijuana. They freak out if they can't get it.

The same can be said of Kickapoo joy juice.

Ya just dont see the good bishops complaining about that particular habit

 

[Chrystal-J]

The same can be said of Kickapoo joy juice.

Ya just dont see the good bishops complaining about that particular habit

Alcoholism is no joke. I've heard priest speak out against it.

 

[Michie]

It’s pretty much in the catechism… we already know what the Church says about alcohol. I mean…

 

[Michie]

Biblical and Catholic Teaching on the Use of Alcohol

Our Lord drank wine and turned water into wine.

www.ncregister.com

 

[WarriorAngel]

I know people with high level anxiety who it calms them down.
I think there is a low level sort sold in Pa now.
It's not nearly as potent. Just above a placebo.

I am torn on this, though I do not touch it.
But it helps people, or so they become calm.

I used to do it back when...
Never again.