The First Church Of Cannabis Prepares For Its Inaugural Service With New Donations

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana is about to face a major test as Bill Levin, the "Minister of Love and Grand Poobah" of The First Church of Cannabis, prepares the church's inaugural service.

On July 1, the same day that RFRA will go into effect, Levin is holding his church's first ever service for a religion that counts cannabis consumption as a sacrament in a state where marijuana use is still considered illegal.

Religious Freedom Tested

With just under a month to go before the church opens its doors for worship, many are wondering how Indiana law enforcement officials will respond.

The RFRA has received sweeping criticism across the U.S., as many believe it allows businesses to unfairly discriminate against the gay and lesbian community, but The First Church of Cannabis raises another question about how far the law will go to protect religious activities.

Related Link: Marijuana Becomes A Religion At Indiana's First Church Of Cannabis

IRS Deems Church Legitimate

The church has already been approved under RFRA by the Secretary of State, and this weekend Levin announced that the IRA had granted the organization a tax-exempt status.

That means followers of Levine's cannabis-based religion are able to make tax-deductible contributions toward furthering the church and its mission.

Church Gets Public Support

So far, the church has raised nearly $11,000 on GoFundMe from more than 600 members who support the church's mission for a "better planet filled with one love."

While it may appear to be a joke to outsiders, the new religion has been treated as a serious endeavor by Indiana legislators so far. With the first service coming up, it remains to be seen whether or not lawmakers will allow the church to use marijuana despite Indiana's current laws prohibiting the drug.