Young Mormons Rewarned about LDS Church’s Prohibition vs. Coffee, Vaping, Marijuana and Any Habit-Forming Substances

In light of Starbucks’ impending plan of opening its first outlet near Brigham Young University of the Mormon church, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS, particularly the youth, are rewarned about the faith’s prohibition against coffee and any drinks containing caffeine.

As reassertion and renewal of the LDS church’s warnings, a comprehensive set of new guidelines were published in the August edition of the Mormon youth magazine New Era; furnishing clear statements pertaining to the prohibitions mentioned in the church’s “Word of Wisdom.”

The reiteration stated that there are no gray areas when it comes to the prohibitions prescribed as Mormon health codes. The “Word of Wisdom’s” forbiddance encompasses all habit-forming substances including tea, vapes, cigarettes, marijuana, or any drink that includes caffeine, mocha, espresso, latte or -ccino in its product name.

The need to reiterate the LDS church’s prohibition is also in light of the concerns raised by a 2016 survey, which revealed that four (4) out of every ten (10) active Mormons below 51 years old, who responded to the survey, admitted to having drank coffee during the past six months from the date the survey was taken.

Some Key Points about the New LDS Guidelines Clarifying the Prohibited Substances

The new guidelines though made clarification that prohibition against marijuana is only if the substance is used for recreational purposes. The guidelines made mention that marijuana if medically prescribed and administered, is not forbidden. In addition, it specifically states that recommendation of marijuana as prescribed treatment must come from competent medical practitioners.

Moreover, the guidelines no longer include the hardline prohibition against entering coffee-shops like Starbucks, which for many years were regarded as taboo. Instead, young Mormons are given advise that when ordering a drink from an outlet, particularly if the shop specializes in coffee beverages, to always ask first if the concoction includes coffee, caffeine or tea as an ingredient.

Vapes, even if advertised as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, still contain nicotine and have been ascertained as addictive substitutes as well. The prohibition therefore includes vapes that come in fruity or other alluring flavors.

About the LDS Church’s “Word of Wisdom”

The “Word of Wisdom” refers to the book containing 1833 section of the Doctrine and Covenants considered by Mormon faith as compilation of revelations from God that LDS founder Joseph Smith received in 1833.

Strict compliance with the health codes set in the “Word of Wisdom” is a prerequisite for Mormon baptism, for rendering full-time missionary work, in attending Mormon church schools, and in entering LDS places of worship. Violation of the code though is not considered as ground for excommunication or any form of disciplinary action.

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