Measure 29 threatens human health, undermines the common good
South Dakota voters are once again being asked to decide on the legalization of recreational marijuana. One of the enduring myths of contemporary culture is that marijuana is a harmless drug. Yet evidence from states that have gone down the path of legalization tells a different story.
Among other harms, marijuana legalization results in more fatalities from drugged driving accidents, increased marijuana usage among minors, more marijuana-related emergency room visits, and increased calls to poison control centers due to marijuana use.
Far from being a harmless drug, today’s marijuana is five to 15 times more potent than the “Woodstock Weed” of the 1970s. It throws fuel on the fire of America’s mental health crisis, being linked to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
The South Dakota Catholic Conference urges a NO vote on Initiated Measure 29. Learn more about IM-29 and marijuana using the resources below.
Resources
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- Statement of Bishop Donald DeGrood and Rev. Daniel Juelfs on IM-29: Read statement
- Article by Michael Pauley, SD Catholic Conference, “Measure 29 threatens the common good”: Read article
- Protecting South Dakota Kids: Visit site
- Column by Emily Leedom in the October Bishop’s Bulletin: Marijuana use doesn’t lead to human flourishing
- Video by Ascension Presents: Can I smoke marijuana?
- Video by uCatholic: Can Catholics Smoke Weed?
- National Catholic Register: Bishops Highlight Hazards of Pro-Marijuana Ballot Measures
- Catholic World Report: Marijuana: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
- National Catholic Bioethics Center: Clearing the Air Around Marijuana Use
- The Linacre Quarterly (journal of the Catholic Medical Association): A Virtue Analysis of Recreational Marijuana Use
- North Dakota Catholic Conference: Opposed to recreational marijuana
- Minnesota Catholic Conference: Opposed to recreational marijuana
- Michigan Catholic Conference: Opposed to recreational marijuana