14 DAY TRIAL // A new church was established in Indiana, US, just the other day and the news is grabbing headlines. No surprise here, seeing how Indiana's latest worship community prays to no god but to, erm, spliffs.
That's right, some guy named Bill Levin actually established a church in honor of marijuana. He calls it The First Church of Cannabis. As for his role in the religious sect he created, Bill Levin says he is Grand Poohba and Minister of Love.
The church is very much legal
Cannabis might be legal in 20 states across the US, be it for medical or for recreational purposes, but at least for the time being, it remains banned in Indiana. Even so, Bill Levin had the law by his side when establishing his Church of Cannabis.
Last Thursday, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the state's much-debated Religious Restoration Act, which allows individuals and even corporations to cite their religious beliefs as a defense when, say, they stand accused of discrimination.
On the very same day, Bill Levin filed the paperwork needed to establish his First Church of Cannabis. What with religious freedom being all the craze in Indiana, the man's request was approved by folks at the Secretary of State's office.
“THE FIRST CHURCH OF CANNABIS INC. - Status: Approved by Secretary of State of Indiana - ‘Congratulations your registration has been approved!’ Now we begin to accomplish our goals of Love, Understanding and Good Health,” Bill Levin announced on March 28.
Grand Poohba and Minister of Love Bill Levin is now looking to lease a building where he and fellow cannaterians would be able to gather and worship. One can only assume that the worshiping will include lighting up a doobie or two.
There are even commandments
Mind you, this First Church of Cannabis isn't just some hobby for Bill Levin. Au contraire, he is pretty serious about this little project of his. So much so that he has even taken the time to come up with a list of commandments, which you can find below.
There's even a sacred book that worshipers will be kindly asked to read: Jack Herer's “The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy,” essentially a history of cannabis.
“We will offer family services to help those in need. We will reach our hands out to those that need it. We will love, honor and respect each other. We will celebrate ‘ONE UNIVERSAL LOVE’ in our daily lives,” Bill Levin promises.
