DENVER -- The International Church of Cannabis is still embroiled in a feud with the City of Denver. The dispute centers on social consumption stemming from a 4/20 service where the church was cited for public consumption of marijuana and violating the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act.
Church founders had previously called the citations "religious persecution" and added they believed the law was being selectively enforced.
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Next Wednesday, the church will head to trial to defend itself against the charges alleged in the citations. Lee Molloy, a co-founding member, said they have not been doing any public consumption, adding they sat down with the city a year ago to discuss what was allowed inside their sanctuary.
"Before we opened it was clear they weren't very happy with us being here," said Lee Molloy, a co-founding member.
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Molloy said all services are by private invitation only, therefore it would not be classified as public consumption.
"Residents voted to have recreational cannabis use, we're not doing anything outside the will of the people," said Molloy.
City officials could not comment because it's an open case.
A spokesperson with the Office of Marijuana Policy explained the church opened before the city had a consumption license. She said the church could still apply for a license but it wouldn't change the previous alleged violations.
The church could be fined depending on the outcome of the trial.
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