9th Circuit Rejects Church Members' Attempt To Prevent Marijuana Seizure

In Multi-Denominational Ministry of Cannabis and Rastafari, Inc. v. Holder, (9th Cir., Feb. 16, 2010), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an action by members of a religious organization seeking to enjoin further seizures by government officials of their marijuana plants. Among the various grounds for rejecting plaintiffs' First Amendment, RLUIPA and RFRA claims was a finding that the government had a compelling interest in preventing diversion of thousands of marijuana plants to non-members of the church. Courthouse News Service reported on the decision.