INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ A pot-smoking Indianapolis church is suing the city and state, claiming laws against possession and use of marijuana infringe on its religious beliefs.
The First Church of Cannabis, formed as a test of Indiana's new religious objections law, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Marion Circuit Court. The defendants include Gov. Mike Pence and state and local law enforcement officers.
The lawsuit claims members of the church believe marijuana “brings us closer to ourselves and others. It is our fountain of health, our love, curing us from illness and depression.''
There was no marijuana during the church's first service July 1, which was observed by more than 20 police officers. Local officials had threatened arrests if marijuana was present.
A message seeking comment was left for the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
