Indiana's First Church of Cannabis -- a religious sect that embraces marijuana use as a sacrament, newly formed under the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act -- has just received the classification that so many religious organizations covet: tax-exemption status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
"We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax," the IRS cover letter to the church, dated May 21, reads. "We determined that you are a public charity." A copy of the IRS letter was provided to The Huffington Post by Bill Levin, the church's founder.
