Soon to open: International Church of Cannabis

Yes you heard it – from 4/20, fans of the green stuff in Denver, Colorado in the US can join their very own congregation.

And they call themselves ‘elevationists’; people who believe that an ‘individual’s spiritual journey, and search for meaning, is one of self-discovery that can be accelerated and deepened with ritual cannabis use’:

‘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,’ the church’s website reads.

It’s a space where you can smoke up with fellow weed smokers. But not in a student, stoner-y kind of way (sorry); Steve Berke, one of its co-founders, insisted on KDVR that ‘we’re not a bunch of Cheech and Chong stoners’ but that ‘we want to impact our community in a positive way’.

He said in fact that on its opening, celebrations will include guest speakers, academic panels, musicians and comedians.

And rather than clashing with other religions, he insists that elevationism can co-exist with other faiths you might have – there’s no conversion needed:

‘Elevationism is not a replacement to your existing faith. It’s more a supplement to it,’ he said.

‘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.

The church itself is a converted Lutheran church now covered in colourful murals and smoking paraphernalia.

Though they’re still fundraising for a much-needed new boiler and disabled access.