The Church of Cannabis sparked a dispute with the City of Denver. Not over pot, but over first amendment freedom of religion rights, specifically regarding a sculpture outside of the church. The sculpture in question is a 14-foot-tall, brightly colored, fiberglass representation of a hand holding a joint. The hand, known as the "International Church of Cannabis' Hand of Glory," has been a symbol of the church since it opened in 2017.
However, the city issued a notice to the church in May 2021, demanding that they remove the sculpture from the front of the building. The city claimed that the sculpture violated zoning codes and was a safety hazard. The church, however, sees this as an attack on their religious beliefs and their right to free expression.
Despite the demand from the city, the church has refused to remove the sculpture. The church's founder, Steve Berke, has stated that the sculpture is an important symbol for the church and its members. Berke argues that the sculpture represents the church's commitment to the spiritual and communal aspects of cannabis use, rather than just the recreational use of the drug.
The Church of Cannabis is not just a place for people to come and get high. It is a registered nonprofit organization that seeks to promote the spiritual and healing aspects of cannabis use. The church hosts regular events, including yoga classes, meditation sessions, and musical performances. They also run a community outreach program that provides food and clothing to those in need.
One of the church's most popular events is the Beyond Light Show. This multi-sensory experience combines live music, art installations, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects to create a truly immersive experience. The show promises to leave attendees feeling highly elevated, both spiritually and emotionally.
The church's commitment to promoting the positive aspects of cannabis use has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the Church of Cannabis was awarded the Cannabis Business Awards' "Most Innovative Product" award for their use of cannabis in their spiritual practices. The church has also been featured in numerous media outlets, including Vice, Forbes, and Rolling Stone.
Despite the positive attention the church has received, they continue to face opposition from the city of Denver. The back-and-forth battle to keep the symbolic piece of artwork up at the Denver house of worship continues. The church has filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing that their first amendment rights are being violated.
The controversy surrounding the Church of Cannabis is just one example of the ongoing debate over the legalization and use of cannabis. When Colorado became the first state, along with Washington, to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, it immediately became one of the hottest topics in the country. Since then, numerous other states have followed suit, and the push for federal legalization continues to gain momentum.
The Church of Cannabis is just one of many organizations that are working to change the perception of cannabis use. They hope to show that cannabis can be used in a positive and Product way, not just as a recreational drug. The church's commitment to their first amendment rights is an important step in this process.
In conclusion, the Church of Cannabis is fighting for their first amendment rights and their right to express their religious beliefs. Despite the controversy and opposition they face, they remain committed to promoting the positive aspects of cannabis use and advocating for its legalization. The International Church of Cannabis says it is fighting with the City of Denver to keep a statue that is very meaningful to the church.
