POT POLICIES

 In a new marijuana policy book edited by the best-selling academic author Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D., two chapters about religious denominations’ opinions reveal substantial support for less punitive marijuana laws. Pot Politics: Marijuana and the Cost of Prohibition, just released by Oxford University Press, is the first book to compile the official marijuana policy positions of dozens of the largest religious groups in the United States.

   Religious bodies officially endorsing the removal of criminal penalties for marijuana possession include the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, and Central Conference of American Rabbis. The Unitarian Universalist Association advocates regulating marijuana just like alcohol. More than 20 other support policy changes such as allowing the medical use of marijuana or repealing mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

   Two chapters in the new book summarize and quote from the marijuana-related position of the 25 largest Christian denominations in the United States, as well as Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist groups. Several scientific public opinion polls are also cited, along with the opinions of prominent religious individuals.

   Two additional chapters by other authors also present ethical and moral perspectives on these controversial laws. Sixteen other authors have contributed chapters to Pot Politics, on topics including; drug testing, economic consequences of prohibition, marijuana laws abroad, media reporting on marijuana issues, and school policies.

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