Cassocks Vs Legalization: North Dakota Bishops Against Cannabis

Less than two months before the Nov. 5 election, when cannabis adult-use will be voted in North Dakota, two Catholic bishops from the State are urging voters to reject Measure 5.

Bishops David Kagan of Bismarck and John Folda of Fargo issued a joint statement to parishioners on Sept. 10, warning that cannabis legalization will harm “individuals, families, and communities.”

If passed, the measure would legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. Measure 5 would allow adults to grow, possess, and sell cannabis legally in North Dakota.

This marks the third time voters will decide on the issue, following similar proposals that were rejected in 2018 and 2022.

Bishops’ Concerns Rooted In Doctrine

The bishops grounded their opposition in the teachings of the Catholic Church, reported Catholic news site Crux.

Citing the Catechism, they reminded the faithful that “the use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life.”

The bishops argue that regular cannabis use impairs brain function, harms lung health, and believe that cannabis can worsen mental health issues.

“Cannabis is not the harmless drug that some imagine it to be,” Kagan and Folda said. They argue that cannabis often acts as a gateway to harder drugs, compounding their concerns. Studies dispute this claim.

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There’s Also Opposition From Medical Leaders

Stephanie Dahl, president of the North Dakota Medical Association, echoed the bishops’ concerns, emphasizing that “cannabis use is not without risk.”

Tim Blasl, president of the North Dakota Hospital Association, added that the state should focus on substance abuse prevention and education instead of legalization.

“We continue to experience an epidemic of behavioral health issues in our communities,” Blasl said, stressing the need to prioritize public health over recreational drug use.

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Advocates Push For Legalization

Instead, Measure 5’s supporters, led by New Economic Frontier, see cannabis legalization as an economic opportunity for the state.

They argue that legalization will boost tax revenue, create jobs, and reduce strain on law enforcement. Proponents also believe it will bring clarity and safety to workplaces through proper regulation.

Advocates point to the 24 states and Washington, D.C., that have already legalized recreational cannabis. They highlight Colorado as an example of economic success, noting that the cannabis industry has grown into a billion-dollar market since legalization.

They also argue that in states with legal cannabis, opioid use has decreased, potentially saving lives.

Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Undo The Harms Of The War On Drugs,’ Says Glass House CEO

The Broader Picture

The debate around cannabis in North Dakota is not new, but the arguments remain contentious.

Supporters claim the economic benefits and social justice reforms outweigh potential risks. They argue that cannabis legalization could help with disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. This mirrors the position of cannabis advocates nationwide, who continue to push for policies that bring both economic growth and social equity.

Opponents remain concerned about public health and safety.

In this particular case, the bishops argue that cannabis use inflicts “grave damage on human health.” But recent studies challenge this notion, comparing cannabis to substances like alcohol and opioids. Research suggests that regular cannabis use is less likely to harm others compared to alcohol or opioid use. In fact, secondhand harm from cannabis appears to be far lower than that caused by alcohol abuse.

These findings call into question the Church’s broader stance on drug use, especially as legal cannabis gains wider acceptance.

Moreover, cannabis advocates argue that the so called ‘War on Drugs’ has caused far more harm than cannabis legalization ever could. Many people, especially from marginalized communities, continue to serve lengthy prison sentences for nonviolent cannabis offenses. At the same time, legal cannabis businesses thrive.

Advocates like Glass House CEO Steve Kazan, have called this contrast “insane” and push for legal reforms to rectify these social injustices.

If you are curious about the content of Measure 5, you will find the ballot text in here.

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