Voters in Maryland and Missouri chose to approve initiatives to legalize marijuana for recreational use during Tuesday's midterm elections. The decisions were made despite the protests of the Catholic bishops of both states, who cited church teaching on the negative consequences of drug use on society and the family as well as the medical and spiritual ills associated with drug use.

Voters in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, on the other hand, rejected ballot initiatives that would have legalized marijuana for recreational use. All but one of the five states with marijuana initiatives on the ballot already had medical marijuana programs in place. The Catholic bishops of each of the three states had also spoken out against legalizing marijuana there.

Over the past ten years, marijuana, which is still prohibited on a federal level, has been made legal for recreational use in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Early in October, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation pardoning all federal convictions for marijuana possession.

The use of medications for purposes other than strictly medicinal ones is considered a "grave sin," according to Catholic teaching. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" asserts in paragraph 2211 that the political community has a responsibility to safeguard the safety and well-being of families, particularly in light of drug use. Pope Francis has criticized the partial legalization of so-called "soft substances," even in small doses.

With 53.1% of the vote, Missouri's Amendment 3 was approved on Tuesday. In accordance with the amendment, "state prohibitions on the purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacturing, and sale of marijuana for personal use by adults over the age of 21" are eliminated. Additionally, it will result in the erasure of past arrest and conviction records for a number of nonviolent marijuana offenses, with the exception of DUIs and offenses involving the sale of marijuana to minors.

The new law takes effect on December 8, but the earliest recreational marijuana might be sold in Kansas is 2023. In order to avoid societal expenses, a group of Catholic bishops had urged voters to reject the proposal.

The Catholic bishops of Missouri are pushing people to vote against a measure that would legalize marijuana for recreational use. They make grave arguments concerning societal costs that outweigh the advantages. They claim that rising marijuana use could make it more difficult for workers to find fulfilling work. Before legalizing marijuana, they recommend addressing underlying social and economic problems that can result in substance misuse.

The Missouri Catholic Conference is "disappointed, but not surprised" at the measure's passage. The specific wording of the proposal a “broad and bipartisan scepticism on Amendment 3,” the “no” side was “out-funded quite tremendously” by the “yes” side, Morris said. More than 85% of contributions to the campaigns to pass the measures came from donors associated with companies holding medical marijuana licenses.

Morris stated that efforts to address the underlying causes of drug addiction will continue to get support from the Missouri bishops. He asserted that there are more effective ways to accomplish justice than by backing Amendment 3. Morris stated, "We have always supported improvements in the criminal justice system, including expungement, but we believe that you can do it without this [amendment]."

With nearly two-thirds of the vote, Question 4 in Maryland was approved on Tuesday. A new article will be added to the state constitution allowing marijuana use and possession by people over the age of 21. Marylanders have historically viewed the legalization of marijuana from a racial perspective.

"The societal consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana usage far surpass any boost in state revenues," said the Maryland Catholic Conference. According to the organisation, minority and underrepresented populations have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana enforcement laws. When CNA contacted the Maryland Catholic Conference for additional information on Wednesday, they did not respond.

A ballot initiative that would have allowed 21-year-olds to possess and use up to an ounce of marijuana was defeated by Arkansas voters. On Tuesday, the amendment was defeated 56.2% to 43.8. According to a representative of the diocese, the bishop's statement was written to voice opposition to marijuana legalization in general. However, Bishop Anthony Taylor's remark "is going to speak for itself," notwithstanding activist groups' inevitable future attempts to legalize marijuana.

Measure 27 would have made it legal for adults over 21 to possess small amounts of cannabis and use it at home. Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck claims that Measure 28 "does more harm than good." According to a survey, teens use marijuana most frequently in states where it is allowed for recreational use. According to Kagan, the legalization of marijuana has increased crime, violence, and damage to the environment. He claims that marijuana use might result in "chaotic and stressed-out homes," which is harmful to children's wellbeing. For the benefit of the soul, the Church must be against drug use, an expert told CNA in October.