International Church of Cannabis spars with liberal city — but it's not because of drugs
Fox News
The Church of Cannabis sparked a dispute with the City of Denver. Not over pot, but over first amendment freedom of religion rights, the church co-founder says.
The effigy at the center of the feud between the city and the smokers is called Public Defender, an eleven-foot pink android sculpture that sits in front of the church. The city has said the church must remove the sculpture because it is an encroachment on the public right of way and that neighbors sent in complaints, but the church says the artwork is central to its religion. Jon Michael Raasch is an associate producer/writer with Fox News Digital Originals.
A city inspector reviewed the sculpture in September the day after it's installation and didn't immediately raise any issues, according to Berke. Months later, in February, the city demanded the church must apply for a permit within 10 days to keep the statue in place.