Denver, Colorado, is home to one of the most unorthodox churches in the country-The International Church of Cannabis (ICC). First opened on April 20, 2017, this place invites weed worshippers to join their judgment-free community.
The interior of the church is unlike any other. Drawing from a psychedelic vision, Spanish painter Okuda San Miguel took on the task of painting the interior with contemporary artwork.
He spent a total of six days working and adding massive creatures and sparkling eyeballs to complete its theme.
Unlike most religious institutions, ICC has no priests, no bible readings, and forget about a pastor. Instead, it is a space founded on Elevationism, a belief that weed helps open and improve your spiritual being once it enters your system.
ICC is not the first place for Elevationists to come together. Around the country, pot parishioners can gather in:
- Coachella Valley Church in San Jose
- First Cannabis Church of Florida
- First Cannabis Church of Logic and Reason in Michigan
- Greenfaith Ministry in Nunn, Colorado
- First Church of Cannabis in Indianapolis
However, this is the only church that allows smoking inside the premises if you meet their conditions: you are a member, have an ID, and are over 21.
To the public, it might seem like a joke. To members of ICC? Not so much. Cosmopolitan reports some individuals consider that the consumption of weed at ICC is life-changing.
A member even expressed that, “It makes [her] feel like [she’s] not alone or lost”, and claims it saved her marriage.
The founder, Berke, and co-founders defend the use of weed. Berke believes, “this nonprofit can do more to reform drug policy than any lobbyists out there.”
Too extreme for your taste? For more, read ‘Colorado Pioneers First Weed Vending Machine For a Quick Shopping Experience‘.