Fox News reports a church for marijuana enthusiasts is opening in Denver, Colorado, just in time for the “high holiday” of April 20 — known in cannabis speak as the 4/20 weekend.
The International Church of Cannabis claims to be the first venue in the world where people can legally consume cannabis in a social environment.
The institution — which has fittingly been painted in all the colors of the rainbow — has taken over a 100-year-old Lutheran church in the area.
Members of the church call themselves Elevationists, founding member Steve Berke told FOX 31 Denver.
“Our life stance is that an individual’s spiritual journey, and search for meaning, is one of self-discovery that can be accelerated with ritual cannabis use,” the Elevationists’ website stated.
“Elevationists claim no divine authority, nor authoritarian structure, therefore, those of all religious and cultural background are welcome to visit our chapel and take part in our celebrations.”
The website goes on to say the church will “offer a home to adults everywhere who are looking to create the best version of themselves by way of the sacred plant.”
Founders of the new religion are crowd-funding to raise $100,000 needed to restore the church via IndieGoGo to make it accessible for people with disabilities.
Cannabis consumption at the church may raise some legal issues.
According to Fox, Colorado politicians are still considering a bill that would let local governments decide whether to allow social pot clubs. The bill would also allow any jurisdiction to ban them altogether.
While the law currently doesn’t permit marijuana clubs, recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado.
This article was originally published in news.com.au
