Bishops’ Statement on Recreational Marijuana

The Missouri Catholic Bishops have issued a statement on Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana. The bishops express concern that “marijuana legalization will negatively impact Missouri families, health outcomes, communities, and workers.”

The bishops go on to say they “are concerned with the social costs of increased marijuana usage. Although usage will be restricted to age 21 and older, legalization sends the message that marijuana is safe and socially acceptable. Many states that have legalized marijuana have the highest teen usage rates. We know that regular marijuana use has been connected to respiratory problems; mental health issues (including increased anxiety and suicidal thoughts); and learning, memory, and attention loss.”

Click here for the full statement.