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Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. (10th prophet):
Question: "Will you please tell me if the Word of Wisdom has ever been presented to the Church as a commandment making its observation obligatory upon the members of the Church?"
Answer: This question is one of a score that have been received in relation to the Word of Wisdom. Some of the questions are due to misunderstanding and others, apparently, seeking answers that will justify a violation or modification of the provisions enumerated in the revelation. The simple answer to this question is yes, such commandment has been given and repeated on several occasions.
September 9, 1851, President Brigham Young stated that the members of the Church had had sufficient time to be taught the import of this revelation and that henceforth it was to be considered a divine commandment. this was first put to vote before the female members of the congregation and then before the men and by unanimous vote accepted.
President Joseph F. Smith at a conference meeting in October 1908, made the same statement, and this has been repeated from time to time.
It is true that when it was first revealed it was not given as a commandment made mandatory upon the members as the commandments of the Decalogue are. nevertheless the meaning is clear, so that no member with sincere desire to do the will of the Lord will think of wilfully violating the counsel it contains.
During the first few years after the organization of the Church, converts came out of the world who saw nothing wrong in the use of tobacco and the drinking of wine, and in some instances even stronger alcoholic beverages. To correct this evil, which reason teaches us is harmful to the body, and to cleanse the Church of such habits, the Lord gave this Word of Wisdom. No matter how we may look at it, the intent is clear that it should be faithfully observed.
To answer all the questions which have been asked dealing with its instruction would require a volume of considerable size.
Source: Smith, Joseph Fielding. Answers to Gospel Questions. Vol. 1. 197 - 198. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1959-1961.
This has been repeated up to the present.