It was an auspicious day for religious freedom in Indiana. The state's First Church of Cannabis held its first services today as the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) went into effect. In late May, the church, already officially recognized by the state of Indiana, was granted tax-exempt status as a religious organization by the IRS.
Bill Levin, the church's founder and self-described "Grand Poobah and Minister of Love," has previously credited Indiana governor Mike Pence for inspiring him to create the church in response to the the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which, as originally crafted, would have prohibited state and local laws that "substantially burden" people's religious freedom. Opponents said the law opened the door for allowing discrimination against the LGBTQ community, using religion -- and the law -- as justification. An amendment was later added to prevent such discrimination but the damage to Indiana's reputation had already been done.
As expected, many turned out for today's first service, not only drawn by the church's unique sacrament but by Levin and his church's purpose. As Levin explained to U.S. News & World Report, “I’ve got to cork the leak up that [Indiana Gov. Mike] Pence caused with love."
Crowds beginning to gather in front of #cannabischurch. Large police presence throughout the neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/JNwR3clIMd— MichaelAnthonyAdams (@MichaelAdams317) July 1, 2015
Front of #cannabischurch is crowded. pic.twitter.com/cBlbbCcTQ5— Gabby Ferreira (@Its_GabbyF) July 1, 2015
Grand Poobah Bill Levin takes a shot of "kook-aid #churchofcannibis #pot #church #WeedWins pic.twitter.com/FDTbple0Rj— michelle pemberton (@MichelleRocket) July 1, 2015
Levin sent a tweet proclaiming the beginning of the services.
Carson is on stage now.. it has begun... CELEBRATE we are born!— bill levin (@billjlevin) July 1, 2015
Early reports from the service indicated everything was going smoothly with some joking how similar the service was to that of a traditional church. There were musical performance, hymns, testimonials, and even a sermon.
Amazing Grace first song played during #cannabischurch service pic.twitter.com/V3zQIu0f7Q— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) July 1, 2015
Second song: Mary Jane #cannabischurch pic.twitter.com/3fitNmjYaQ— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) July 1, 2015
The #CannabisChurch collection plate is being passed around right now. #WTHR pic.twitter.com/zHy9GD1NxI— Matt McCutcheon (@matt_mccutcheon) July 1, 2015
The service is going longer than planned so it really is just like real church.— Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (@AttyAbdul) July 1, 2015
This may sound odd, but take out the Cannabis controversy and this is just like any other charismatic Church service.— Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (@AttyAbdul) July 1, 2015
As for the police presence and protests, there was some tension outside of the Church of Cannabis, though no arrests appear to have been made and, despite some tense moments, things remained peaceful.
It's getting heated; two cops just inserted themselves in the middle. #cannabischurch pic.twitter.com/T3TBmjB6oN— Gabby Ferreira (@Its_GabbyF) July 1, 2015
Confrontation between supporters of #cannabischurch and Church of Acts. pic.twitter.com/JTjzHpIgnC— Gabby Ferreira (@Its_GabbyF) July 1, 2015
Action has dissipated. pic.twitter.com/owLZkC0VYn— Gabby Ferreira (@Its_GabbyF) July 1, 2015
Prior to the church's first service, there were discussions about whether or not arrests would be made over the use of marijuana during it.
However, there were no reports of marijuana use; one attendee we spoke with, Indy Politics columnist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz,said only tobacco was smoked. But it seems the church went out of its way to avoid any sort of confrontation over drug usage.
#cannabischurch proclaims no smoking @ first service #WeedWins #pot #church #RFRA #pence pic.twitter.com/jvwzZGyPcG— michelle pemberton (@MichelleRocket) July 1, 2015
Levin shows "sacrament box," which would have weed, but he decided not to have it at inaugural service. Puffs cigar #cannabischurch— Mark Alesia (@markalesia) July 1, 2015
In the end, the first service appeared to pass without incident, though whether that will continue will be determined by how much the church chooses to partake in its proclaimed sacrament in the future.
By the way, no arrests so far to the best of my knowledge.— Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (@AttyAbdul) July 1, 2015