Bummer: Pot-Smoking Minister Guilty of Growing It

[Weedpipe]

VIERA, Fla. -- A self-proclaimed minister who claimed he smokes marijuana for religious and health reasons has been found guilty of illegally harvesting 100 of the plants.

It took a Brevard County jury only 14 minutes Friday to find 53-year-old Steven Swallick guilty. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced next month.

Swallick told the judge outside the jury's presence that he is affiliated with the Hawaiian Cannabis Ministries and that he smokes marijuana and uses it as an ingredient in anointing oil, health drinks and incense to drive away evil spirits.

But Circuit Judge Jim Earp ruled that Swallick could not give such testimony to the jury.



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Website:Bummer: Pot-smoking minister guilty of growing it

 

[stonedrock]

What a waist of time and money........they just don't get it do they. When will those people in high places know that marijuana does no harm to anyone who is a responsible person. Please save the prison space for people who hurt, kill and steal from us.
ty.

 

[sicntired]

so much for religious freedom.It seems that all kinds of whack jobs can claim exemptions from the IRS for their little cults as long as they put the words God or Jesus in there.When a court decides the legitimacy of a religion it would seem to me that court is going beyond the stated mandate of a criminal court.I thought faith was something between the believer and his deity.Rituals have always been the purview of the church.It would seem that any church that uses marijuana,no matter how much history is behind that church(Rastafarians),the government will not recognize them.This is a blatant violation of a persons constitutional right to freedom of religion.

 

[rollersmoker]

maybe he should've gave the feds their cut

 

[Skunkdafunk]

I live right next to Viera lol

 

[DroJo]

100 plants? what time did he have to praise the lord?

 

[rollersmoker]

don't know but now he has nothing but time to praise the lord..can i get an amen?...........amen

 

[Retired Three]

All I can say is "HOLY" Cannibus...

 

[Cherma]

But Circuit Judge Jim Earp ruled that Swallick could not give such testimony to the jury.

Soon brothers and sisters will have this defense to use in a court. Not being able to face or address your accusers or prosecutors in any court case does go against most common law. except when it comes to cannabis.. gee.. fellas.. So it is easier to murder someone and have more rights in a court room than be simply accused of Cannabis Cultivation, and not be afforded those same rights?
Change is incepted thru voting them in and voting them out. It is our responsibilty to make sure we do change these silly old laws out, by properly educating, informing correctly, and pursuing the votes of the people for the people.