Indianapolis, In. — Indiana attorney general Curtis Hill has filed court documents to shut down the First Church of Cannabis. The Indianapolis-based group formed in 2015 claiming the right to smoke pot was a religious liberty.
“This case is a story of a political crusade turned legal stunt,” Attorney General Hill said. “RFRA was never intended to protect illegal conduct masquerading as religious faith. Even if this were a bona fide religion in which the plaintiffs sincerely believed, the state’s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from the dangers of drug abuse would override the plaintiffs’ desire to treat marijuana as some kind of sacrament.”
In July of this year the “church” celebrated a two-year anniversary and only 11 “worshippers” attended. Unconfirmed reports suggest the organization is struggling financially and might fold soon. The group operates from a building at 3400 South Rural Street.
