It's been said that Moses smoked the burning bush, that the Book of Revelation was written in a drug-induced state, and that most religions began with mystical experiences enhanced by hallucinogens. These fringe ideas have found a place at some of the 176 medical marijuana dispensaries that have sprung up in Colorado Springs. But there are also a handful of dispensaries that use religious terminology and imagery while claiming no religious affiliation. Perhaps the most popular religious reference is to the Tree of Life, written of in Genesis. Healing Tree Cooperative, Tree of Life Wellness Center and Tree of Wellness are just some examples. [continues 350 words]
What did Moses do after kneeling by the burning bush? "He smoked it," said the Rev. Roger Christie, who gave a lecture Tuesday at Penrose Library on ingesting marijuana to heighten religious experience. "Moses was healed by the burning bush," said Christie, who said he believes the holy bush is one of hundreds of references in the Bible to cannabis, the plant used to make marijuana. Christie, a Hawaiian resident who founded the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry a decade ago, has started five cannabis churches in the United States, including one in Nederland, about a three-hour drive from the Pikes Peak region. [continues 355 words]
