Marijuana Becomes A Religion Under Indiana's New Law

Indiana's "religious freedom" law has drawn a lot of criticism from activists, corporations and concerned citizens who say its language allows businesses to discriminate against the gay and lesbian communities through their hiring practices. However, the law has had another controversial outcome as well—a new marijuana-based religion.The Church Of CannabisIndiana resident Bill Levin has created the "First Church of Cannabis Inc.", which will promote a religion based on "love and understanding with compassion for all". Levin says the church won't buy or sell weed, but that it will grow hemp for religious purposes. The followers, called cannaterians will be permitted to smoke in church and although the religion doesn't require marijuana use, part of the church's doctrine asks that they "embrace cannabis"Church Values The church's doctrine, established last week, begins by telling Cannaterians "Don't be an a**hole.", and goes on to ask followers not to be "trolls" on the internet or poison their bodies with "poor quality foods and sodas". Levin has set up a crowdfunding campaign to help get the church off the ground, which has already raised $5,201.00 in the past five days.Testing BoundariesSince the First Church of Cannabis celebrates marijuana as part of a religious belief, it could be protected under the new religious freedom law. The church was approved as a religious corporation by Indiana's Secretary of State Connie Lawson, meaning its activities are protected by the new legislation. However, since both medical and recreational marijuana are still illegal in Indiana, the church's activities could test the boundaries of the controversial law.