June 23, 2015, by M. David and Jackson Marciana



The Supreme Court has long ruled that certain prohibited drugs can be used in religious contexts. Now, one church has gained legal recognition for their right to use marijuana for religious purposes.

The Brazilian-founded religious group, União do Vegetal uses Ayahuasca Vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and Chacruna Shrub (Psychotria viridis) in what they call a program of spiritual evolution based on mental concentration and the search for self-knowledge. The word “Ayahuasca”, translates to “vine of the souls”. The plant is completely illegal in the United States, but the Supreme Court not only ruled that the UDV can use the substance for religious purposes, they can even legally import it from Brazil.

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Levin says his church “promotes love, equality, compassion and a prosperous way of life.”

“We are celebrating life, love, community involvement, and we are doing all the things that churches are supposed to do,” Levin told MSNBC reporters in an interview, shortly after the church was established. “Because we embrace the cannabis plant as our sacrament doesn’t mean we`re sad people.”

The church has also just gained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service, which explains it adheres to the characteristics of any other church.

“Somebody at the IRS loves us because we got it back in less than 30 days,” Levin explained on the Church’s Facebook page.

http://countercurrentnews.com/2015/06/ch...-as-a-religion/