On the day the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) takes effect in the United States, the First Church of Cannabis in Indiana will formally hold its first service, the Indy Channel reports.
The organization, which was founded in March by Bill Levin, a 59-year-old carpenter, has more than 700 followers who call themselves the "cannabiterians." Levin is called the "Grand Pooh Bah," and as the head of the church, he receives $50 from each of the members as yearly membership fees. The members are also tasked to sell "holy rollers" rolling papers to raise funds for the church's operations, according to Metro.
But its founder insists there will be no selling or trading of marijuana in the church.
The Internal Revenue Services classifies the church as a charity organization where donors can deduct for any contributions they make on their tax returns. The church may also file for property tax exemption with the acquisition of a church location. It bears noting however, that marijuana, both medical and recreational, is still illegal in the state. The RFRA, however, however prohibits the government from "substantially burdening" an individual to exercise his right to express his religion, according to Indy Channel.
So far, the church has already received donations of up to $11,000 via GoFundMe to build its place of worship. It will use the money as part of the payment to finance and purchase the former site of the Strait Gate Christian Church on Rural Street, where the first service will take place.
Neighbors around the area, however, are concerned. But the church assures the public, it's harmless.
"We don't want to poison people. We want to see them healthy. And cannabis is the healthiest plant on Earth," Levin said via Yahoo! News.
"God loves us and we're gonna celebrate God. We spark up and we light up and we all pray to happiness, compassion and love and we all dance in the seats and we have a good time and the band will play and everybody will feel beautiful," he said in the Indy Channel story.
