Indiana

First Church of Cannabis in Indianapolis uses RFRA in lawsuit over state's marijuana laws

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A pot-smoking church is suing the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana, claiming laws against possession and use of marijuana infringe on its religious beliefs.

The First Church of Cannabis was formed as a test of Indiana’s new religious objections law. The church filed its lawsuit Wednesday in Marion Circuit Court. The defendants include Gov. Mike Pence and law enforcement officers.

The lawsuit claims church members believe marijuana “brings us closer to ourselves and others.”

There was no marijuana during the church’s first service July 1, which was observed by more than 20 police officers. Local officials had threatened arrests if marijuana was present.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Office issued a statement saying it would file its clients’ response “at the appropriate time.”

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