Founder says Indianapolis cannabis church has new home

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The founder of the First Church of Cannabis in Indianapolis says he has found a home for the new church where plans call for members to smoke marijuana at the first ceremony.

The Indianapolis Star reports founder Bill Levin is set to announce the purchase Wednesday morning. He says the church building on the city’s Eastside would hold 150 to 200 worshippers.

Levin plans to hold the church’s first ceremony July 1, the same day that Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act takes effect. He formed the church to test the law, and he said members will smoke marijuana following blessings as part of what he calls a religious practice.

The newspaper reports the First Church of Cannabis was granted nonprofit status by the IRS last month.