Man says pot charge violates religious rights
AVON, Colo. (AP) — A man who claims marijuana is the main sacrament of his religion says a drug charge against him means he's being prosecuted for his beliefs.
Avon resident Trevor Douglas, 25, says he belongs to the Hawaii-based THC Ministry but was cited with marijuana possession after a Colorado state trooper pulled him over for having an expired license plate. Douglas allegedly had less than an ounce of marijuana and a pipe.
Douglas told the Vail Daily that his religion is similar to Christianity and that the use of pot is sacred to him just like wine and bread are sacred to Christians.
"The court is basically trying me for my religious beliefs," he told the newspaper.
According to its Web site, THC Ministry has offices in Los Angeles; Bozeman; and Boulder, Colo.
"We use Cannabis religiously and you can, too," the site says. "Cultivation and enjoyment of Cannabis sacrament is a fundamental human right provided by God and protected by the First Amendment of the U.S.Constitution." THC Ministry says it provides "defense to prosecution" to its members who are "sincere practitioners." According to the site,the key to a successful religious defense depends on five things, including sincerity; that marijuana be used in private, like in a church or home; and that the drug, or "sacrament," not be sold.
Douglas is due in court March 9.
read article here
Avon resident Trevor Douglas, 25, says he belongs to the Hawaii-based THC Ministry but was cited with marijuana possession after a Colorado state trooper pulled him over for having an expired license plate. Douglas allegedly had less than an ounce of marijuana and a pipe.
Douglas told the Vail Daily that his religion is similar to Christianity and that the use of pot is sacred to him just like wine and bread are sacred to Christians.
"The court is basically trying me for my religious beliefs," he told the newspaper.
According to its Web site, THC Ministry has offices in Los Angeles; Bozeman; and Boulder, Colo.
"We use Cannabis religiously and you can, too," the site says. "Cultivation and enjoyment of Cannabis sacrament is a fundamental human right provided by God and protected by the First Amendment of the U.S.Constitution." THC Ministry says it provides "defense to prosecution" to its members who are "sincere practitioners." According to the site,the key to a successful religious defense depends on five things, including sincerity; that marijuana be used in private, like in a church or home; and that the drug, or "sacrament," not be sold.
Douglas is due in court March 9.
read article here
Posted by Knucklz at January 28, 2010 5:32 PM 
Categories: Revolution, Anarchy, Bill Of Rights, Hemp, Government
Tags: revolt government hemp anarchy
Categories: Revolution, Anarchy, Bill Of Rights, Hemp, Government
Tags: revolt government hemp anarchy
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