Growing Pot Or Practicing Religion?

Arrested Government A Robertsdale couple arrested on drug charges says they're not breaking the law. Bruce and Brenda Shoop claim marijuana is part of their religion.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Thu, April 24, 2008 - 4:43 pm CST

A Robertsdale couple, arrested on drug charges, say they're not breaking the law.
Bruce and Brenda Shoop claim marijuana is part of their religion. For some, that excuse maybe worse than the crime.
"Not a criminal." Brenda Shoop proclaims from a video on their website at greenearthministries.org. But she and her husband Bruce Shoop are in the Baldwin County jail charged with drug trafficking.
The Baldwin County Sheriff's office found a 28 pound marijuana bush growing in their back yard. The Shoops called it "the tree of life".
"We're asked to help to spread the truth and we're going to do that through the Holy oil," says Bruce Shoop.
The Shoops don't deny using marijuana on their website and in court they justify the use because they say it's part of their religion. "What we're saying is that hemp allows you to connect with your inner soul, your inner being becoming one and actually talk to God yourself," says Shoop.
"I don't know what to say, I don't think that's good religion." Ashley Merchant was among folks in Robertsdale who aren't sure what to think about religious marijuana.
"It sounds like a farce. We know that the Indian's used peyote in the last few centuries. I never heard of any religious sect that used marijuana," says Jay Patrow.
" I could understand a little bit and I agree with a little bit but that's too much," says Gary Falske.
"There's some crazy people out there that's what I say marijuana I don't think it's something people should be playing around with and invoking God in it I can't believe they did that and they even have a website on it," says Marie Laplace.
"It's rock solid.There are religions all over the world that have been recognizing it and we covered it up the U.S. Government pretty much stamped it out," says Shoop from his website.
Their next battle to win their freedom, religious or otherwise, comes next month. Their next court date could be as soon as May 6th.

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Missknowitall Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 10:02 am

and I have a nice little piece of the Bayway to sell to you. Hahahaha

BamaBob Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:43 am

Will there be a revival meeting featuring Cheech & Chong followed by munchies on the ground? :LOL:

carl Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:36 am

I’m talking about “ONE TOKE OVER THE LINE”.

carl Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:20 am

BamaBob that sounds eerily like something I heard a long time ago in a far off place coming in out of the dark while sitting in a hole in a dark forrest during a light rain , trying to keep me and my weapon dry. Always good to remember how bad it could get.

Crystal Teeny Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:17 am

Oh my goodness, as soon as they announce their next church service, we will not be able to drive around Mobile. The line of cars waiting for the service to begin will be miles long.

BamaBob Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:13 am

People from miles around will gather around the bush in prayer as the cops burn it down and serve nachos, chips, popcorn, candy, more chips….........

carl Says:

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 7:00 am

Just think of all the kids they could keep off the streets with their saturday night revivals and the amount of tithing that would be put in the plate being passed around!! I bet they don’t have a hint,after smoking a few joints,where those voices they hear and visions they see are coming from. Mercy!if humor is the best medicine ,I’m being over medicated.