Court Rejects Religious Defense To Marijuana Use

In Georgetown, Colorado, a state court judge has rejected Trevor Douglas' free exercise claims and has found him guilty of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia, as well as driving an unregistered vehicle. He was assessed a $450 fine and ordered to perform 15 hours of community service. AP reported yesterday that the court found Douglas' beliefs do not rise to the level of a religion. Denver Channel 7 News says that Douglas is a member of the THC (The Hawaii Cannabis) Ministry and the Church of Universal Sacraments. Douglas says: "The religious use of cannabis is mandated by my god, just as wine and bread are used by Christians or peyote used by Indians." He plans to appeal his conviction.