• The LDS Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) generally prohibits its members from using intoxicating substances, such as marijuana(1).
  • However, in 2018, the LDS church stated on their website that they support the medical use of marijuana, as long as the substance is distributed correctly and used appropriately by people suffering from chronic pain and other illnesses(2).
  • Nevertheless, the church has not stated any approval specifically for the use of CBD oil for pain. 
  • CBD (cannabidiol) is an active constituent of marijuana. However, this compound is usually extracted from hemp plants, a family member of cannabis(3). 

What Does the LDS Church Say Regarding the Use of CBD?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), members are informed of a general prohibition or banning of certain intoxicating substances, one of which is marijuana(4).

This prohibition of substances is in accordance with the church’s Word of Wisdom, or their “code of health(5).” 

According to several sites online, the church discussed that they opposed the recreational use of marijuana. However, they have no position on the plant’s medical use.  

However, in 2018, the LDS church indicated on their website that they support the use of medical marijuana if it is distributed correctly and used appropriately by individuals experiencing chronic pain and suffering(6).

The LDS church has given no direct statement regarding the use of CBD oil for pain. 

Cannabidiol, more commonly called CBD, is one of the active ingredients in cannabis or marijuana. 

Even though CBD is a crucial component of medical marijuana, the compound is derived directly from hemp plants, which is a relative of marijuana or is synthetically manufactured(7). 

History of CBD Movement and LDS

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also named Mormonism, is a church that began in the United States in 1830 and was founded by Joseph Smith(8).

Members of the church are oftentimes referred to as Mormons, which is derived from the Book of Mormon. This book was published by the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, in 1830. However, the congregation discouraged the use of this term(9).

Meanwhile, the Word of Wisdom, which the members of the LDS faith consider as their “code of health,” is the title of the section of Doctrine and Covenants written by the church’s founder. This section states the prohibition of some substances that are not suitable or beneficial for the human body(10). 

In one of the book sections, the consumption of alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and “hot drinks” such as tea and coffee are considered harmful substances and should be avoided(11). 

Moreover, the book has taught church members to avoid highly addictive substances that may impair their judgment, regardless of whether the substances are legal or illegal. 

Some examples are misuse of prescription medication, vaping, and the recreational use of marijuana(12).

In 2019, published in one of the church’s youth magazines, named New Era, the church has given a statement regarding the use of cannabis(13).

According to the article, despite marijuana being legal for medicinal or recreational use in many places, it does not mean that the use of this substance is now allowed by the Word of Wisdom of the church(14). 

The plant’s medicinal uses are still being studied, but like certain pain medications like opioids, marijuana remains an addictive substance(15). 

Thus, this highly addictive substance should still be avoided unless it is under the advice of an expert medical professional, and then individuals should use marijuana as prescribed(16).

Still, the church has not given any direct statement that mentions CBD oil for pain use. 

CBD is only one of more than a hundred active ingredients found in cannabis (marijuana). However, the compound is non-psychoactive and is generally derived from hemp plants, a cousin of cannabis(17). 

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of the various compounds extracted from cannabis plants. CBD is non-psychoactive, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

THC is the main psychoactive compound of cannabis and is responsible for inducing the feeling of being high. 

Furthermore, using cannabidiol may induce therapeutic effects on a user’s body(18).

According to research, using CBD oil may potentially help individuals in managing medical conditions such as(19):

  • Chronic pain
  • Arthritis or joint pain
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep problems

One of the main reasons for individuals taking CBD is for pain relief. CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory effects make the compound a possible candidate for managing different types of pain(20).

The benefits of using CBD include helping individuals manage pain linked to the following medical issues(21):

  • Arthritis
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cancer

Individuals may also use CBD oil for pain relief as CBD topicals, CBD edibles, tinctures, and vapes. 

Topical CBD, like creams and balms, has been hypothesized to provide pain relief and decrease muscle tightness, inflammation, itching, and sunburn(22).

The efficacy of these CBD products may depend on the user’s weight, diet, and metabolism.

Safety of CBD 

The World Health Organization, or the WHO, stated that cannabidiol, in general, has a good safety profile and is a well tolerated substance. The WHO also recognizes that CBD does not show any effects that indicate a potential for abuse or physical dependence(23).

Preclinical research also indicated that CBD may possess therapeutic benefits that may help with addiction to substances like cocaine, opioids, and other psychostimulants(24).

The Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, has authorized Epidiolex as the sole CBD product that may be used as a prescription drug to treat epilepsy(25).

Still, clinical trials, research, and human and animal studies are required to determine CBD’s efficacy and safety conclusively.

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill in 2018 has stated that cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as CBD are federally legal in most states of the United States, provided the products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight(26). 

Still, it is highly suggested to verify state laws and check product labels before using and purchasing CBD products to avoid potential legal repercussions.

  1. Vaping, Coffee, Tea, and Marijuana
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng
  2. Church Says Yes to Regulated Medical Marijuana but No to Utah Initiative
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-says-yes-to-regulated-medical-marijuana-but-no-to-utah-initiative?lang=eng
  3. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  4. Ibid.
  5. Word of Wisdom
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng
  6. Church Says Yes to Regulated Medical Marijuana but No to Utah Initiative
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-says-yes-to-regulated-medical-marijuana-but-no-to-utah-initiative?lang=eng
  7. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  8. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    https://www.britannica.com/topic/Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints
  9. Ibid.
  10. Word of Wisdom
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng
  11. Ibid.
  12. Ibid.
  13. Vaping, Coffee, Tea, and Marijuana
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng
  14. Ibid.
  15. Ibid.
  16. Vaping, Coffee, Tea, and Marijuana
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng
  17. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  18. Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556048/
  19. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
  20. page 167 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  21. page 167-168 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  22. page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  23. CANNABIDIOL (CBD)Pre-Review ReportAgenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  24. CANNABIDIOL (CBD)Pre-Review ReportAgenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  25. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  26. New Congressional Farm Bill Legalizes Some Marijuana
    https://my.vanderbilt.edu/marijuanalaw/2018/12/new-congressional-farm-bill-legalizes-some-marijuana/
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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