Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act says that the government cannot infringe on religious practices… but what about a Church of Cannabis? What now?? This piece from the New York Times shows us how Bill Levin dreamed up a religion centered around the use of marijuana to test out the state’s highly debated law.
“If the law protects religious practices, he figured, how could it not also permit marijuana use — which remains illegal here — as part of a broader spiritual philosophy?”
Levin says his new religion celebrates “life’s great adventures” and it’s “not just smoking pot and getting high.” However, legal experts say that he may have trouble tying use of marijuana to religious expression.
“This is an honest-to-God religion,” Levin said. “Other religions have sins and guilt. We’re going to have a really big love-in.”
Levin bought a church, which was quickly picketed by neighbors and surrounded by caution tape. They feel that they’re using religion to “legalize their habit” and a “church of heroin” could be next.
“Officials announced late last week that anyone smoking marijuana at the First Church of Cannabis’s first service could expect criminal charges. Even observers might be charged, the officials warned, with ‘visiting a common nuisance.’”
In turn, at the anticipated service Levin lit a cigar and some lit cigarettes while the church’s legal team worked out the next steps to get their use of marijuana legalized. The service also consisted of dancing, saying “I love you” five times while looking in different directions, repeating “Deity Dozen” phrases. No arrests were made, and the gathering was described by authorities as “civil and peaceful.”
Here’s a clip of the service. Looks like a party!
