International Church of Cannabis to Open on 420

A brand new cannabis church will be opening its doors on 420 in Denver, Colorado.

Parishioners of the International Church of Cannabis, also known as “elevationists,” believe in an “individual’s spiritual journey, and search for meaning, is one of self-discovery that can be accelerated and deepened with ritual cannabis use.”

The church’s website elaborates further, “Through ritual, guided by spiritual practice, church members use the sacred flower to reveal the best version of self, discover a creative voice and enrich their community with the fruits of that creativity.”

At first glance, it appears to simply be a place to pray and consume cannabis. However, one of the church’s founders, Steve Berke, is trying to fight the stigma. “We’re not a bunch of Cheech and Chong stoners but we want to impact our community in a positive way,” Berke told KDVR.

The church’s opening later this week will be a jubilant celebration with educational sessions, comedians, guest speakers and musical performances.

The church also believes in existing alongside your current religious beliefs. Evelationists can worship as they see fit without the need to convert. According to Berke, “Elevationism is not a replacement to your existing faith. It’s more a supplement to it. You can be a Christian and an Elevationist, you can be Jewish and an Elevationist—as long as you believe in elevating your life to the best version of yourself. ”

Services will be held in a former Lutheran church that has been retrofitted to include numerous murals depicting the sanctity of cannabis and cannabis consumption. Even though the church will official open on April 20, they are still looking for additional funding so they can add access for the disabled to the facility in addition to a much needed boiler.