Indiana court decides on ‘First Church of Cannabis’ request to use marijuana

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Over the last three years, the “First Church of Cannabis” has argued for their right to use marijuana on the basis of religious freedom.

On December 28, the Indiana Court of Appeals dismissed the group’s appeal, saying the “First Church of Cannabis” had failed to pay a court ordered transcript fee.

The court also said that the group did not show cause for why the appeal should not be dismissed.

In 2017, the “First Church of Cannabis” could not convince a Marion County court of their religious freedom argument.

The group unsuccessfully tried to have the court reopen the case in light of the Right to Try Act, a new law allowing terminally ill patient to try investigational treatments.