Opinion ID: 2491001
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Opium, Morphine, or Other Like Drug

Text: ¶ 36. Next, James argues that Stacy failed to prove that marijuana is an other like drug similar to opium or morphine. In Section 93-5-1, the language other like drug does not mean a drug similar in chemical makeup to opium or morphine. Ladner, 436 So.2d at 1374. Instead, it refers to drugs with similar adverse effects. [8] Id. at 1374-1375 (finding that spouse's abuse of prescription drugs produced similar effects as abuse of opium or morphine). In Ladner, the Court set forth factors to consider, along with other relevant circumstances, to determine whether a drug is an other like drug for purposes of Section 93-5-1: [S]uch factors as the guilty spouse's inability to support his wife and family or to properly attend to business should be considered. Additionally, the guilty spouse's incapacity to perform other marital duties or his causing the marital relationship to be repugnant to the innocent spouse are equally important. Id. at 1375. ¶ 37. In this case, the chancellor determined that James's marijuana use had isolated him from the family and had caused him to botch a costly printing job. Consequently, James was demoted, and the chancellor determined that this had negatively impacted the family's finances. ¶ 38. James points out that neither party cited a decision in which a divorce was granted based on marijuana use alone. We are not convinced that the absence of such a decision has any bearing on this case. ¶ 39. James argues that no credible evidence supported the chancellor's finding that his marijuana use interfered with his ability to support and interact with his family and that his marijuana use caused the marital relationship to be repugnant to Stacy. Instead, James maintains that the evidence shows that Stacy sexually withdrew from him, pursued her own activities, and engaged in extramarital affairs. But the chancellor is the finder of fact, and the assessment of witness credibility lies within his sole province. Sproles, 782 So.2d at 746 (¶ 12). The chancellor resolved any conflicts in the evidence in favor of Stacy, and the evidence supports his decision. ¶ 40. The evidence shows that the family's financial problems were due mainly to James's layoffs. But by smoking marijuana, James, at least once, affected his work productivity and lost his bonus pay. In addition, he continued to purchase marijuana during the family's economic troubles. James maintains that his marijuana expenditures were minimal and did not affect the family's income. But he cannot escape the fact that spending money on illegal drugs is wasteful, especially when the family is suffering financially. [9] According to Stacy, James's drug use created a routine in their marriage by which he would work, come home, use drugs and then sit on the couch or stay on the computer all night. Perhaps he did not isolate himself from his children, but he definitely isolated himself from Stacy. Stacy was worried that James would get arrested for possession of marijuana. And although Stacy did not give James an ultimatum, she was exasperated over his failed attempts to remain clean, causing her to file for divorce. ¶ 41. The evidence supports the chancellor's finding that James's marijuana use had a like effect to the use of opium or morphine. James evidenced an inability to support his family and to properly attend to business. This made the marriage repugnant to Stacy. Accordingly, we hold that the chancellor did not err by finding that James's drug use involved opium, morphine, or a drug with a similar effect.