Blount County, AL — In a lawsuit that promises to challenge state laws and test the boundaries of religious freedom, B. Jimmy Carter King, a Blount County resident, has filed a case against the State of Alabama. The lawsuit, filed on July 4, 2024, at 9:11 a.m., seeks to affirm King’s right to use and grow cannabis (THC) as part of his religious practices.

The Plaintiff’s Argument

King, who describes himself as a devout Christian, claims that the use of THC is integral to his worship and spiritual experiences. He first consumed THC in Eugene, Oregon, in 2018, and asserts that the substance enhances his spiritual connection and religious practice. According to the lawsuit, King was “spiritually reborn” three years ago during a visit to JH Ranch in Northern California, led to Christianity by the Holy Spirit through a religious mentor.

In his declaration, King argues that the prohibition of THC burdens his religious freedom, citing his regular and responsible use of the substance to deepen his worship and family bonds. He draws parallels between his beliefs and those of other religious groups that have historically used mind-altering substances in their rituals. King states his religious freedom is burdened by the Government’s regulation of all isomers of the naturally occurring organic chemical C21H30O02

The complaint also calls into question the government’s negligence of real problems. King “prays this case will draw attention to the real problems the Government should address this fall: namely early childhood exposure and addiction to visual forms of consumer advertising, pornography, and self-images, of which Jesus clearly warns.”

Legal and Constitutional Implications

The case is being brought under Amendment No. 622 of the Alabama Constitution, which addresses religious freedom. King’s lawsuit raises questions about whether state regulations on controlled substances like THC infringe upon constitutional rights to religious practice.

Sworn Testimony and Evidence

Key to King’s argument are several points detailed in the lawsuit:

• First Use and Spiritual Rebirth: King first ingested THC in a legal jurisdiction and experienced a spiritual rebirth three years ago.
• Family and Worship: He has used THC during worship in various legal jurisdictions and claims it has positively affected his family dynamics and spiritual practices.
• Comparative Legal Context: The lawsuit notes that edible products containing small amounts of THC are legal under the Federal Farm Bill and available in adjacent Jefferson County.

Religious and Historical Context

King’s lawsuit also references biblical passages and historical figures to bolster his claims, emphasizing a deeply personal and spiritual connection to his use of THC. He argues that his practice aligns with a broader tradition of religious freedom and personal autonomy.

Conclusion

As the case progresses, it will likely attract significant attention and could set a precedent for future religious freedom claims involving controlled substances. The outcome may influence not only state laws but also the broader national discourse on the intersection of religious rights and drug regulation.

Updates

8-8-24 Attorney for Mark Moon motions for dismissal and stated “The Attorney General must be served”

A copy of the lawsuit is below.