Members of The First Church of Cannabis in Indianapolis had a mixed reaction to election results earlier this month.
There was a general sense of dread about the Republicans romp, with one person writing on the churchs Facebook page: You will probably need to be stoned to get through the next few years.
But there were also hundreds of likes for a post about states that voted to legalize marijuana in some form. Eight of nine states with the issue on the ballot rolled back marijuana prohibitions.
So many places to transfer to! one comment said.
As for Indiana, the Cannaterians, as members of the church call themselves, know there is little hope for lighting up legally and recreationally in the conservative Hoosier state.
No, said Bill Levin, Grand Poobah of the church, recreational use wont be heard of in this state. I dont foresee it in the future – unless the whole world goes for it.
But Levin, whose church opened in July 2015 amid international media attention, is holding onto hope for two other paths to limited and legal use of marijuana in Indiana:
- Potential state legislation that would allow medical marijuana after the national American Legion, headquartered in Indianapolis, called for research on the drug’s possible benefits for veterans suffering from mental health problems related to combat.
- The Cannabis Church’s civil lawsuit against the state and various public officials – including the current Vice President-elect Mike Pence, in his position as governor when the lawsuit was filed last year. The church contends that the First Amendment right to freedom of religion and Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) allows the use of marijuana in the church sanctuary.
The Cannabis Church has argued in court that marijuana is its sacrament, something that "brings us closer to ourselves and others. It is our fountain of health, our love, curing us from illness and depression."
Levin, a longtime activist for legal marijuana, believes his cause now has an unlikely ally in the American Legion, one that could give state Republicans political cover if they were to support medical marijuana.
In August, the national American Legion passed a resolution calling on Congress to reclassify marijuana as a drug that could have medical benefits.
The American Legion came out in favor of cannabis, Levin said. You think the GOP is not going to bow down and kiss their a–? The American Legion carries more weight than anybody else. You do not mess with the vets. Our GOP knows this, Democrats know this, Libertarians know this.
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, might not know it, though. He has taken a hard line against marijuana. Trump, however, said on the campaign trail that the issue should be left to the states.
"Sacramental" marijuana might be an even tougher sell, legal experts have said.
Under threat of arrest by city leaders, the Cannabis Church decided before its inaugural service not to use marijuana – at least not officially. Church leaders believed that challenging the threat through a civil lawsuit would be more effective than through a criminal case.
The churchs civil lawsuit is more than a year old, but it isnt scheduled for trial until November 2017. In the meantime, there likely will be legal wrangling of the kind reflected in court filings, such as questions about the sincerity of Levins religious beliefs and the definition of sacrament.
The church is suing for sacramental use, not recreational use. It argues that the government has placed a substantial burden on (its) exercise of their religion in violation of Indianas RFRA law.
That the Plaintiffs here face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment in the event they use the sacrament of the Church would seem to meet the notion of substantial burden, said a court filing by the church.
Levin is also suing former IMPD Chief Rick Hite for defamation. Hite compared him to infamous cult leader Jim Jones at a news conference days before the Cannabis Churchs first service.
At the time, Levin said Hites comparison to Jones was religious bigotry and a vulgar insult to our new religion.
Hite has denied the allegation in court records.
Despite the state’s conservative nature, Levin is a staunch advocate of Indiana, once saying the best marijuana hes ever had was grown here, a sentiment he followed by saying, God bless Purdue. The First Church of Cannabis continues with its services on Wednesday nights. There are comedy shows on Friday nights. A Yoga Night didnt work out.
Levin, who often greets visitors not with a handshake but a two-armed hug, said he’s enjoying the legal battle. He said being grilled in a deposition was a great deal of fun.
My absolute love for everybody made it a very pleasant experience, he said. People walk into depositions in absolute fear. I walk in, I say, Im Bill Levin. I love you.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Cannabis Church Stays Optimistic About Laws
Author: Mark Alesia
Contact: Indy Star
Photo Credit: Kelly Wilkinson
Website: Indy Star
