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Weekly updates


In what has been an historic week in US politics, the First Church of Cannabis has officially opened in Indiana. Holding its first service on July 1, the same day the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act took effect, the church hails marijuana as a holy plant with only great thing to offer the human body.

The newly-updated Act has given protection to religious groups from being infringed upon by the government.

While the ‘religious group’ is sure to gain many converts, there are a few hurdles to overcome first. Namely, they’re still homeless, with no physical house of worship actually built yet and, not surprisingly, traditional churches have been unwilling to lease them a space. Additionally, they might run into some legal issues unless they can prove they’re a sincere religion and not just an excuse for people to get together and blaze up.

Founder and ‘grand poobah’ (that’s an actual title) Bill Leven is remaining pretty chill about it, though. “This is what I live by, and I have more faith in this religion than any other.”

The future of this congregation looks a little hazy but I suspect that’s exactly how they like it.

Images: AP Photo/Michael Conroy

[Via.]

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