Freedom of Religion Dosen't Apply to Rastafarians?

Rastafarianism - The Rastafarian faith is similar to semetic religons. They believe in the same god and in the same prophets. However, the Rastafarian people also believe that the Ethiopian emperor Haille Selassie was the next messiah. The Rastafarians are usually associated with a "back to africa" mindset however this is only a minor role in the religion. Rastafarians are against any type of tyranny. They are against any type of opression. Originating in jamaica. The frontman of the religion is Bob Marley, by and large he was the person who most led to the spread and proliferation of the Rastafarian religion. They typically use their sacrament, Marjiuana, during religious services to become closer to god. Rastafarianism is one of the less then 2,000 official religions recognized by the United States Government.

Marijuana - A naturally occuring herb. It's active ingredient, Tetrahydracannibinol, is best known for the "high" it gives it's users. This high is most commonly defined as a body euphoria, with increased sensory appreciation and awareness. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal psychoactive in the world. It has been used for over a millenia, accounts are seen in manuscripts spread throughout the history of the world. It use to be sold in american pharmacy's until it became a controled substance in 1937 due to the Marijuana Tax Act. Which is interesting because both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, two of our founding fathers, grew marijuana on their farms. (Marijuana)

Precedents Supporting Religious Use of illegal Sacraments

A. Volstead Act - The act in 1919 that banned the creation, consumption and sale of alcholic beverages exceeding .5% alcohol by volume. The government made an exception for the Chrisitian churches to continue using wine as a sacrament during their religious gatherings (at the time, a controlled substance).

Bob Marley - The reggae rastafarian roots legend

Credit: Joseph Norton

Copyright: Joseph Norton