Judge Allows RFRA Defense in Cannabis Case

Written by Don Byrd
A federal judge in Hawaii has ruled the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies to protect a minister charged with distributing marijuana to parishioners. Reverend Roger Christie argues the use of cannabis is an expression of his religion that because of RFRA may not be substantially burdened by the government without a compelling government interest narrowly tailored. The judge in her ruling last week allowed the trial to go forward with Christie able to use that defense.