Just
because it is not against the law, doesn’t make it right.
Recent
laws legalizing the use of marijuana or cannabis have brought up questions as
to how we as members of the church should respond.
Perhaps
we should listen to the watchmen on the tower.
What
I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the
heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be
fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it
is the same. (Doctrine and Covenants 1: 38)
Listen
to the voice of the prophets.
Some
of the most addictive drugs that, if abused, can hijack the brain and take away
one’s agency include nicotine; opiates—heroin, morphine, and other painkillers;
tranquilizers; cocaine; alcohol; marijuana; and methamphetamines. (2010
October General Conference, O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One, Sun. Afternoon
Session - M. Russell Ballard)
The Word of Wisdom contains some very positive aspects. It encourages us to use grains, particularly wheat, and to use fruits and vegetables and the sparing use of meat. It is also noted for its prohibition—absolute prohibition—against the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Added to this has been the counsel of the Church leaders to abstain from the use of such drugs as marijuana, cocaine, etc., and the abusive use of prescription drugs. (1996 October General Conference, “Run and Not Be Weary”, Priesthood Session - L. Tom Perry)
Other Drugs
Drugs such as LSD, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine are also endangering people throughout the earth. The noble attributes of reason, integrity, and dignity, which distinguish men and women from all other forms of life, are often the first to be attacked by these drugs and alcohol. (1988 October General Conference, Addiction or Freedom, Sat. Morning Session - Russell M. Nelson)
I should like first to say a few words to the boys who are here. I think every one of you young men wishes to be successful in life. The fact that you have made an effort to attend this meeting indicates that you are interested in worthwhile things. I recently read the results of a study of high school students in the United States: “Religion plays a prominent role in the lives of high school students who earn top grades and participate in extracurricular activities, a recent poll reports. The poll … surveyed 55,000 juniors and seniors from 22,000 public, private, and parochial high schools across the nation. … The survey shows that 85 percent of high achievers are reared in homes in which both natural parents live and formal religion is practiced. Nearly 45 percent live in rural communities. By an 84 percent margin, high achievers favor traditional marriages and reject the use of cigarettes and illegal drugs. Only 4 percent have used marijuana, and 89 percent have never smoked cigarettes.” (Christianity Today, 18 Feb. 1983, p. 35.)
You see, you who are members of the Church are not alone. Those who indulge in cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs would… (1983 October General Conference, Be Not Deceived, Priesthood Session - Gordon B. Hinckley)
Be smart. Do not be so shortsighted as to indulge in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It simply is not smart to do so. It is stupid, if you will pardon that harsh word, to use cocaine, marijuana, or any of the other drugs that rob you of control of your mind. After every drug-induced “high,” there is a reactionary “low.” Why spend money on that which can only harm you? Why become enslaved to a habit that can only hinder and short-circuit your future? (1981 October General Conference, Four B’s for Boys, Priesthood Session - Gordon B. Hinckley)
Live so your memories can bless the full length of your life. Live for that glorious day when you will go to the holy temple for eternal blessings and joy. Resist the temptations and pressures of those who might urge you to stray, to use marijuana or beer or hard liquor. You understand how deadly they become to your body and then to your spirit. You must not succumb. You are different. Pornography, filthy literature and movies, vile language, and suggestive music are not part of your life. They can destroy you. (1981 April General Conference, The Responsibility of Young Aaronic Priesthood Bearers, Priesthood Session - David B. Haight)
The Word of Wisdom contains some very positive aspects. It encourages us to use grains, particularly wheat, and to use fruits and vegetables and the sparing use of meat. It is also noted for its prohibition—absolute prohibition—against the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Added to this has been the counsel of the Church leaders to abstain from the use of such drugs as marijuana, cocaine, etc., and the abusive use of prescription drugs. (1996 October General Conference, “Run and Not Be Weary”, Priesthood Session - L. Tom Perry)
Other Drugs
Drugs such as LSD, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine are also endangering people throughout the earth. The noble attributes of reason, integrity, and dignity, which distinguish men and women from all other forms of life, are often the first to be attacked by these drugs and alcohol. (1988 October General Conference, Addiction or Freedom, Sat. Morning Session - Russell M. Nelson)
I should like first to say a few words to the boys who are here. I think every one of you young men wishes to be successful in life. The fact that you have made an effort to attend this meeting indicates that you are interested in worthwhile things. I recently read the results of a study of high school students in the United States: “Religion plays a prominent role in the lives of high school students who earn top grades and participate in extracurricular activities, a recent poll reports. The poll … surveyed 55,000 juniors and seniors from 22,000 public, private, and parochial high schools across the nation. … The survey shows that 85 percent of high achievers are reared in homes in which both natural parents live and formal religion is practiced. Nearly 45 percent live in rural communities. By an 84 percent margin, high achievers favor traditional marriages and reject the use of cigarettes and illegal drugs. Only 4 percent have used marijuana, and 89 percent have never smoked cigarettes.” (Christianity Today, 18 Feb. 1983, p. 35.)
You see, you who are members of the Church are not alone. Those who indulge in cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs would… (1983 October General Conference, Be Not Deceived, Priesthood Session - Gordon B. Hinckley)
Be smart. Do not be so shortsighted as to indulge in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It simply is not smart to do so. It is stupid, if you will pardon that harsh word, to use cocaine, marijuana, or any of the other drugs that rob you of control of your mind. After every drug-induced “high,” there is a reactionary “low.” Why spend money on that which can only harm you? Why become enslaved to a habit that can only hinder and short-circuit your future? (1981 October General Conference, Four B’s for Boys, Priesthood Session - Gordon B. Hinckley)
Live so your memories can bless the full length of your life. Live for that glorious day when you will go to the holy temple for eternal blessings and joy. Resist the temptations and pressures of those who might urge you to stray, to use marijuana or beer or hard liquor. You understand how deadly they become to your body and then to your spirit. You must not succumb. You are different. Pornography, filthy literature and movies, vile language, and suggestive music are not part of your life. They can destroy you. (1981 April General Conference, The Responsibility of Young Aaronic Priesthood Bearers, Priesthood Session - David B. Haight)
You
will find that as the church and the influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ
increase in the earth, the influence of Satan will also increase. He wants to have everyone to be miserable
like unto himself. Heed the words of the prophets. (And may I add, your Grandpa
as well.)
Just
because these substances were not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, does not
mean that we should pollute our bodies with their use or not take a firm stand
against them.
Love
Grandpa
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