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edito~~apiuc.org, dlafhiCdnagsense.org, subu~issions@cauuabisaaews.corcu, O`~:~2 P1VI O1 <br /> jail for obeying the command of Jesus to "heal the sick in accordance with the will of my <br /> Father in Heaven." Since it is evident that cannabis heals, and that God created it, our <br /> right to use it for religious purposes including healing, has always been inalienable. <br /> The determining criteria is set by Hawaii case law, which has afour-prong test to <br /> justify the burdening of religion: Is the religious belief sincerely held; is the religion in <br /> question legitimate; is the religious practice an essential element of the faith in question <br /> and does the state have a compelling state interest to burden the religion and is such <br /> by the least restrictive means <br /> The debate as to the religious use of cannabis is settled. The state has stipulated to <br /> three of the four-pronged test <br /> found in State versus Blake. One issue remains: Can the state demonstrate a <br /> compelling interest such that the least restrictive means of burdening religion is total <br /> prohibition of cannabis use, even invading the home to prevent <br /> religious and medicinal faith healing or requisite cultivation. <br /> Such a demonstration has never been made and is impossible given cannabis use in <br /> faith as a component of healing and the Legislature's endorsement of the medicinal <br /> cannabis use. <br /> We agree with the editorial opinion that the cannabis laws are outdated and <br /> undeniable evidence exists for <br /> dc: criminalization. However it doesn't make sense to say editorially these laws don't <br /> work and should be changed and also deny the religious freedom to do so. <br /> We believe this contradiction is caused by a prejudice directed at the antics of one <br /> outspoken, and often childish <br /> member of our church, currently on trial. We understand why the newspaper media on <br /> both sides of the island have even mocked our cause in reaction to this individual. For <br /> years many of us have expressed frustration directly to this individual. We are <br /> frustrated that such good works, as testifying and helping patients testify for medicinal <br /> use before the Legislature; giving medicine or plants to qualified patients with nowhere <br /> else to turn; giving council to those in need where to get scarce medical approval; and <br /> other acts of good will done in private and in quiet are overshadowed because of the <br /> revulsion created by this one individual. <br /> We would agree, were the editorial opinion this individual is the worst case scenario to <br /> be on trial and religious <br /> freedom be dependent on such character, however, even the worst case example <br /> deserves religious freedom for that is the tide which raises all boats. <br /> We agree with the point that if an opium church were to fulfill this test then such <br /> church would have religious <br /> rights. <br /> We disagree this would be a bad thing, when the drug war only perpetuates the <br /> constant population of junkies <br /> burglarizing our homes and businesses, to satisfy a $500 dollar a day habit worth only <br /> <br /> ~riaited for "rev. I3eaa~is shields" <lcouagold(a~lconacoast.coan> ~ <br /> <br />