Legal News

Church of Cannabis – Real Religion or Not?
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Church of Cannabis

Summary: Marijuana is still illegal in Indiana so a church, centered on the use of marijuana, is challenging the laws, citing religious freedom.

Indiana is facing a new challenge of determining what makes a religion. The First Church of Cannabis is fighting for religious freedom in the form of the state’s marijuana laws. While many don’t believe the case has much of a chance, it does highlight some issues over how the state’s new Religious Freedom Restoration Act can be used.

  
What
Where


The determining factor to whether or not the church has any claim is if the church is a genuine religion. Once they can prove that they are, they will then have to demonstrate that weed is part of that genuine religious belief. This will be hard to prove and will pave the way for future cases. As Indiana University law professor, David Orentlicher said, “Because you can imagine, with anyone who’s using a controlled substance, we can’t let them all say, ‘It’s my religion.’ The court has to draw a line somewhere.”

Members of the Church are called Cannaterians. They assert that weed is a religious sacrament that brings them closer together. Indianapolis police have warned the church and its members to refrain from smoking or risk being arrested so the church no longer uses cannabis during the services.

The church is using the example that they have a location, rituals of reciting the “Deity Dozen”, and doctrines on love, laughter, and cannabis to show the court that they are a legitimate religion. The RFRA has allowed exemptions for religions to use drugs before. Native Americans gained the right to use peyote in religious ceremonies and a Brazilian group can use a sacramental tea that contains a hallucinogenic substance. The church is hoping for at least an exemption if not making marijuana a legal taxable substance that the state can also benefit from.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




At the church’s second service, over 100 people attended to hear the reggae tunes provided by the house band and dancing between the pews. Those unable to provide identification proving their age was at least 21 were turned away. Police monitored the neighborhood, keeping tabs on the members and their activities. The church has their own people monitoring the activity of the cops.

Do you think this church is just an example of what other states that have not legalized marijuana will face? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below the article.



Source: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/07/08/church-cannabis-files-religious-liberty-lawsuit/29872713/

Photo: countercurrentnews.com



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Insurance Defense Trial Attorney/ Senior Counsel

USA-CA-San Francisco

Job description Trial Attorney - Personal Injury Defense Full Job Description Hickey Smith ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top