On The Tribune’s April 10 front page there was an article about Salt Lake County considering its legal options regarding pharmaceutical companies and opioid addiction. The story concerned major drug companies making major profits off of their over-prescribed (by doctors) pain killers to Salt Lake County residents, rendering them addicted to the product, and the cost of drug rehab to the county.

On the other side of the page there was an article regarding the LDS Church and its statement regarding its opposition to the medical marijuana (which is non-addictive) initiative. The church stated how important it was to have people take medication researched and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, and prescribed by doctors.

While one does not expect logical thinking from church leadership, Gov. Gary Herbert, who said pretty much the same thing regarding the marijuana initiative, is responsible for the well-being of the citizens of the state of Utah for whom he works.

Utah is historically one of the most medicated states in the union with one of the highest rates of suicide. Maybe the two are tied together. Perhaps it’s time to end the hypocrisy and consider the benefits of freedom and self-medication.

Douglas D. Reilly, Logan