Faith leaders oppose medical marijuana measure

The Oklahoman's Carla Hinton spoke with some Oklahoma faith leaders about their thoughts on the State Question 788 vote.

A grassroots coalition of Oklahoma Christian faith leaders — including Senator James Lankford — has formed to help defeat a state question legalizing medical marijuana in the state.

The group OK Faith Leaders, led by the Rev. Paul Abner, includes more than 100 ministry leaders who have denounced State Question 788 because they think the language used in the measure is so broad that it is ripe for abuse. The ministry leaders said the measure's approval will harm instead of help Oklahomans, particularly children and families.

"State Question 788 is recreational marijuana disguised as medical marijuana and why we say this state question should absolutely not pass," Abner, an ordained Oklahoma City minister who serves as the coalition's director, said Thursday.

Abner said states that have legalized the drug have seen more incidents of drugged driving and more youths using marijuana.

"The impact it would have on children and families was just too much for me to sit on the sidelines," he said.

He said other concerned clergy leaders feel the same way.

"In 24 hours, a high number of ministers have signed on to this — and this is just the beginning," Abner said.