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Urge Marijuana Bill Authors to Remove Their Support

The Problem


A bill (HF600) would create a legal framework for the use of recreational marijuana in Minnesota. The legalization of recreational marijuana is a threat to the flourishing of individuals — particularly, the young, the poor, and those who struggle with either substance abuse or their mental health. 


The Challenge


As Catholics, we are called to create conditions that allow for human flourishing. A spirit of solidarity requires that we reject the wishes of a small segment of the population who has the means to address the consequences of frequent marijuana use, and instead promote the common good.

Pope Francis has spoken out against the legalization of marijuana and other drugs. In Rio de Janeiro in July 2013, the Holy Father stated that reducing drug addiction “will not be achieved by a liberalization of drug use.”

The Catechism teaches us that “the use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense” (CCC, 2291).

Legalization of recreational marijuana teaches a harmful lesson: altering reality with a drug that harms our body is permissible. By recognizing the truth that our bodies are temples, we remove selfish vices, such as drug use, that harm ourselves and those around. Embracing this perspective is necessary when making decisions that further the common good. 

Legalizing recreational marijuana is fundamentally a deliberation between individual desires and serving the common good. Attachment to a vice should never triumph over the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.

As Catholics, we are called to correct injustices as they persist in the social order and to use our position as faithful citizens to protect the poor and vulnerable. The political process is a vehicle for this missionary discipleship, and as the legislative session continues, we must avoid the errors of other states by ensuring this harmful policy is not enacted as a result of selfish interests.

This article provides further statements from other state Catholic Conferences who have spoken out against the legalization of marijuana and other drugs.

Your Action


If you have...

One Minute: Send a message to members of the House Commerce Committee asking them to oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Five Minutes: After sending a message, you will be prompted to call your legislators. You will receive a phone call and when you answer, you will be connected to each of your legislators one at a time. If they do not answer, leave a message. You can follow the script on your device. You can also record a video that can be sent to your legislators. Let them know why you oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.


More Time: Spend time praying a Rosary for anyone battling addiction. Here is a PDF filled with prayer resources for battling addiction.

Urge Marijuana Bill Authors to Remove Their Support

The Problem


A bill (HF600) would create a legal framework for the use of recreational marijuana in Minnesota. The legalization of recreational marijuana is a threat to the flourishing of individuals — particularly, the young, the poor, and those who struggle with either substance abuse or their mental health. 


The Challenge


As Catholics, we are called to create conditions that allow for human flourishing. A spirit of solidarity requires that we reject the wishes of a small segment of the population who has the means to address the consequences of frequent marijuana use, and instead promote the common good.

Pope Francis has spoken out against the legalization of marijuana and other drugs. In Rio de Janeiro in July 2013, the Holy Father stated that reducing drug addiction “will not be achieved by a liberalization of drug use.”

The Catechism teaches us that “the use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense” (CCC, 2291).

Legalization of recreational marijuana teaches a harmful lesson: altering reality with a drug that harms our body is permissible. By recognizing the truth that our bodies are temples, we remove selfish vices, such as drug use, that harm ourselves and those around. Embracing this perspective is necessary when making decisions that further the common good. 

Legalizing recreational marijuana is fundamentally a deliberation between individual desires and serving the common good. Attachment to a vice should never triumph over the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.

As Catholics, we are called to correct injustices as they persist in the social order and to use our position as faithful citizens to protect the poor and vulnerable. The political process is a vehicle for this missionary discipleship, and as the legislative session continues, we must avoid the errors of other states by ensuring this harmful policy is not enacted as a result of selfish interests.

This article provides further statements from other state Catholic Conferences who have spoken out against the legalization of marijuana and other drugs.

Your Action


If you have...

One Minute: Send a message to members of the House Commerce Committee asking them to oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Five Minutes: After sending a message, you will be prompted to call your legislators. You will receive a phone call and when you answer, you will be connected to each of your legislators one at a time. If they do not answer, leave a message. You can follow the script on your device. You can also record a video that can be sent to your legislators. Let them know why you oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.


More Time: Spend time praying a Rosary for anyone battling addiction. Here is a PDF filled with prayer resources for battling addiction.