Christie’s Pot Conviction Upheld

The 9th Circuit rules that federal law does not protect the right of the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry leaders to distribute large amounts of pakalolo for religious practices.

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A three-judge panel has upheld the drug-related convictions of two Hawaii residents, rejecting the argument that the convictions violated their rights to exercise their religion under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

“Federal law does not protect the right of two ministers of the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry to distribute large amounts of marijuana for their religious practices, the Ninth Circuit ruled Tuesday,” Courthouse News Service reports.

Cannabis advocate Roger Christie during interview with Civil Beat on September 11, 2014
Cannabis advocate Roger Christie during his interview with Civil Beat in 2014 after leaving prison. PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Roger Christie founded the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry in Hilo in 2000, arguing that cannabis was sacrament.

He pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 or more marijuana plants, the article explains, while his wife Sherryanne Christie pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to manufacture and distribute 50 or more marijuana plants.

Read Civil Beat’s related reporting:

No Christmas in Hilo for Roger Christie

After Serving Most of Prison Term, ‘Minister of Cannabis’ Halfway Home

Federal Justice Officials Ignore Questions About Hawaii Pot Minister

Chad Blair: It’s High Time to Legalize Pot

 

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