Bishops of the UMC West Ohio Conference Speak out against Marijuana Legalization

Recently, UMC bishops of the West Ohio Conference urged a referendum against the addition of Issue 3 to the Ohio Constitution. Had been added, Issue 3 would have provided room for legalized gambling and marijuana in Ohio by adding section 12 to Article XV of the Ohio Constitution.

On October 23, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer (West Ohio’s current bishop) and Bishop Bruce Ough (its former bishop) were featured in a short video statement explaining the legislation’s incompatibility with Christian, especially United Methodist, doctrine and urges Methodists to vote against it with thoughtful and prayerful consideration.

“I am blessed that I get to exercise the gift of voting in free democratic society,” said Palmer,  “The other great blessing of my life is is that I can wrestle with public issues in light of Jesus Christ and the theology and teaching of Church, and in this case the United Methodist Church.”

Palmer went on to explain that he voted against Issue 3 because it is “unnecessary and an overreach [of government power].”

Voting yes to Issue 3 would have legalized, within limits, the sale and use of marijuana to anyone 21 years and older with a license from the Ohio Marijuana Control Commission. 10 facilities would be created that would possess the exclusive rights to grow marijuana. Voting no would keep marijuana illegal for any reason, including medical reasons. Issue 3 failed when Ohio voters rejected it in the November 2 election.

Supporters of the Issue argued that the legalized marijuana initiative would provide added tax revenue, job creation, and authorization of nonprofit dispensaries — which would allow Ohio doctors to prescribe medical marijuana.

Palmer expressed the necessity of answering the question of medical marijuana, before voters decide on its recreational use.

“We have not nearly aggressive enough in making marijuana available in a controlled and regulated manner by the medical community for the alleviation of pain etc.,” he maintained.

According to Palmer, this is the 5th time in 19 years that the United Methodist Church and council churches mobilizing communities to move against predatory gambling and marijuana use in Ohio.

The bishops were adamant that the gambling industry cannot survive or generate the type of profit it does unless there is an illusion of free money, but no “pot of gold at the end.” The bishops believe that arguing via creation of jobs is smart politics, but will not produce near the amount of jobs that advocates say. The real cost is the human cost, the bishops heavily emphasized, which includes disintegration of families, increase in suicide rates, abuse, closures, and bankruptcy.

“Every time you see a family disintegrate because one or more members is addicted to gambling,” said Palmer, “society as a whole must assume the cost and care of children, spouses, and families.”

Palmer and Ough encouraged the citizens of Ohio to vote for legislation based on what best fills the Gospel commandment of loving one’s neighbors — particularly applying it to concern for the legislation’s effect on families and neighborhoods.

“I don’t think you stay in love with your neighbors if you create a system that’s going to exploit those very neighbors,” said Ough.

Few other bishops have spoken out against legalized marijuana and gambling, and the conversation is ongoing.