International Church of Cannabis spars with liberal city — but it’s not because of drugs
The International Church of Cannabis has been making headlines recently due to its ongoing legal battle with the city of Denver, Colorado. However, contrary to popular belief, the dispute is not centered around the use of drugs. The church, which was founded in 2017, is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of cannabis as a sacrament for spiritual and religious purposes. Members of the church believe that cannabis can help individuals connect with a higher power and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Despite the church's peaceful intentions, the city of Denver has taken issue with its use of a historic building in the city's Washington Park neighborhood. The church purchased the building in 2016 and spent over $100,000 renovating it to create a space for its members to gather and worship. However, the city has argued that the church's use of the building violates zoning laws and poses a safety risk to the surrounding community. The city has also expressed concerns about the church's potential impact on property values in the area. The church has fought back against these claims, arguing that it has a legal right to use the building for religious purposes. The church's lawyers have pointed out that other religious organizations in the area are allowed to use their buildings for worship, even if they are located in residential neighborhoods. The church has also taken steps to address the city's safety concerns, including installing a state-of-the-art ventilation system to prevent the smell of cannabis from escaping the building. Despite these efforts, the church's legal battle with the city is ongoing. The case is currently being heard by the Colorado Court of Appeals, and a decision is expected in the coming months. While the International Church of Cannabis may seem like a controversial organization, it is important to remember that its members are simply exercising their right to practice their religion. As long as they are not harming anyone else, they should be allowed to worship in peace. Hopefully, the city of Denver will come to recognize this and allow the church to continue operating in its current location. After all, isn't religious freedom one of the fundamental values that our country was founded on?