Supreme Court Rejects Church’s Appeal Over Marijuana Laws

By
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court won’t take up an appeal from a Native American church in Hawaii that wants to be exempt from federal marijuana laws.

The justice on Monday let stand a lower court ruling that said laws banning the possession and distribution of cannabis don’t interfere with church members’ right to exercise their religion.

The Oklevueha (AH’-kluh-vuh) Native American Church of Hawaii filed a lawsuit in 2009 asking for relief from marijuana laws under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The church’s leader claims his members use marijuana during sweat lodge ceremonies to help regain their relationship with their creator.

A district court ruled that the church didn’t produce enough evidence about its religion other than a strong belief in the benefits of marijuana. A federal appeals court upheld that ruling.

Associated Press

By
Associated Press

Recent Posts

Ohio GOP Lawmakers Debate Adult-Use MJ Priorities, Eye June for Regulation Approval

Ohio's recreational market remains in limbo, for now.

23 hours ago

Study: Psilocybin Enhances Meditation

For those seeking enlightenment through meditation, psilocybin might do the trick.

23 hours ago

Cannabis Community, Investors React to DEA Decision To Reschedule

Cannabis advocates hailed the DEA’s decision to reclassify marijuana under federal drugs laws, although many…

23 hours ago

Georgia Governor Signs Bill Establishing Licensing Requirements To Grow Hemp

The governor of Georgia signed a series of bills aimed at bolstering the state’s agriculture…

23 hours ago

Taylor Swift Puts Narcotics Into All of Her Songs on ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

On her latest album, the megastar is more open about substance abuse than ever before.

23 hours ago

New Mexico Governor Calls Homeland Security Secretary’s Response to Pot Seizures ‘Inappropriate’

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham was “offended” by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ response to her…

2 days ago