Pot-smoking Indianapolis church sues over marijuana laws

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A pot-smoking church sued the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana on Wednesday, claiming laws against possession and use of marijuana infringe on its religious beliefs.

The First Church of Cannabis, formed as a test of Indiana's new religious objections law, filed its lawsuit in Marion Circuit Court in Indianapolis, naming multiple defendants including Gov. Mike Pence and state and local law enforcement officers.

The lawsuit claims church members believe marijuana is a sacrament that "brings us closer to ourselves and others. It is our fountain of health, our love, curing us from illness and depression. We embrace it with our whole heart and spirit, individually and as a group."

The lawsuit says Indiana laws that make possession of marijuana or visiting a place where it is used a punishable offense place a burden on the church's exercise of religion, violating the state and U.S. constitutions.

"We are taking legal action today to ensure love has no barriers in our land," church founder Bill Levin, 59, said at a news conference in front of the Statehouse. "Today we invite the state of Indiana and all its leaders to joyfully meet us in a court of law for clarifications on our core religious values. We look forward to engaging them on the high plane of dignity and discipline, with love and compassion in our hearts, to find a swift and sensible answer for our questions of religious equality."

There was no marijuana during the church's first service July 1, which was attended by more than 100 people and observed by more than 20 police officers. Local officials had threatened arrests if marijuana was present. A second service was planned for Wednesday evening, and it was not clear whether marijuana would be present.

The Indiana Attorney General's Office issued a statement saying it would file its clients' response to the lawsuit "at the appropriate time."

Levin founded the First Church of Cannabis on March 26, the day Pence signed Indiana's religious objections measure into law. The IRS granted the church tax-exempt status in May.

Levin said the church has more than 1,000 members and is built "on the cornerstone of love, compassion and good health" and isn't just a place for its members to get high.

Indiana's law sparked protests and boycott threats this spring amid concerns it could provide a legal defense to discriminate against gays, lesbians and others. Lawmakers later revised the law to address those concerns.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-07-09

I hope this goes before Judge Judy's court.

"and isn't just a place for its members to get high."

And Bill did not have sex with that woman.

I hope they serve snacks after the Church service.

Seems like it would be cheaper and easier to just move to Colorado.

I hope they serve snacks after the Church service.

At a guess, I would say it's their 4th Commandment; "Thou shalt bring loaves and peanut butter to every church meeting".

I was wondering when someone would challenge some of these religious laws in the US. Because in fact, what makes these other religions any more legit than the First Church of Cannabis? At least these stoners won't being practicing exclusion and bigotry. In fact, someone should start the First Church of Thai Bargirls. I'd bet there are a good number of guys who would worship Thai BG's...and I mean religiously.

You've got to remember that this religiuos law was passed because Christians think they are being persecuted in a state that is 90% Christian. Then you have a governor with presidential aspirations looking tough, signing laws solving problems that don't exist. Now the courts will get involved too.

20 police officers present to keep a 60 year old loon from lighting up? One of the congregants should have lit up a tobacco spliff and watch the cops pull out their service revolver to stop it. Is a cop really going to inspect every cig to make sure its not illegal?

If they puff, puff, pass the dutchie on the left hand side, will they arrest everyone? The absurdity of the states position is clear.

We smoke and get a taste of what we expect heaven to be

You've got to remember that this religiuos law was passed because Christians think they are being persecuted in a state that is 90% Christian. Then you have a governor with presidential aspirations looking tough, signing laws solving problems that don't exist. Now the courts will get involved too.

20 police officers present to keep a 60 year old loon from lighting up? One of the congregants should have lit up a tobacco spliff and watch the cops pull out their service revolver to stop it. Is a cop really going to inspect every cig to make sure its not illegal?

If they puff, puff, pass the dutchie on the left hand side, will they arrest everyone? The absurdity of the states position is clear.

I think the purpose of establishing this cannabis church is to point out that absurdity. Things like the Christian right wingers claiming it's their religious freedom to discriminate against gays.

Yeah man....God made pot and we need pot to be with God because God is so high, we have to reach him somehow.

What if there is no God?

Most congregations are declining but if this one wins its case it will be growing exponentially.