You’re walking down South Logan Street in Denver, past rows of classic brick houses and quiet suburban lawns, when you see it. A 100-year-old Lutheran church that looks, from the outside, like a typical historical landmark. But step through the heavy wooden doors and your brain basically short-circuits. The ceiling is a neon explosion of geometric shapes, psychedelic animals, and vibrant rainbows that look like they were ripped straight out of a fever dream. This is the International Church of Cannabis, and honestly, it isn't what you think it is.
People hear the name and assume it's just a bunch of stoners sitting in pews passing around joints while someone reads from a "holy" version of The Big Lebowski. It isn't.
Actually, it’s home to "Elevationism." This isn't a religion with ancient dusty books or a list of "thou shalt nots." Instead, the members—who call themselves Elevationists—believe that using cannabis can be a tool for self-discovery and a way to reach a higher state of mind. It's about community. It’s about being the best version of yourself. And yeah, it’s about that mind-blowing ceiling art by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel.
The Legal Tightrope of Elevationism
The church opened its doors on April 20, 2017. Naturally.
But founding a church based on a federally illegal substance in a state where "public consumption" is still a massive legal headache wasn't exactly easy. Founders Steve Berke, Lee Molloy, and Adam Mutchler had to navigate a minefield of local Denver ordinances. You’ve got to understand that even in Colorado, where weed is legal, you can't just smoke it wherever you want. The city was watching them like a hawk.
Because the International Church of Cannabis is technically a private residence of a religious nonprofit, they found a loophole. You can't just walk in off the street, light up, and stare at the ceiling. To consume, you have to be a member. And even then, consumption is usually reserved for specific ritual times rather than during public visiting hours.
The city tried to shut them down early on. They sent in undercover officers during an opening event, leading to a legal battle over whether the church was a "public" or "private" space. Berke and his team eventually won that round, but it proved that being a pioneer in the "cannabis-as-religion" space is less about "chilling out" and more about filing mountains of paperwork and dealing with skeptical city council members.
Not Your Average Sunday Service
If you visit during the day, it’s mostly a tourist attraction. You pay a small fee, you walk in, and you experience the "BEYOND" light show. It’s a 360-degree laser and projection mapping experience set to classic rock. Think Pink Floyd vibes. It’s cool, but it’s the "commercial" side of things that keeps the lights on and the roof repaired.
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The real meat of the church happens when the tourists leave.
Elevationism is purposely vague. They don't have a specific deity. They don't have a creed beyond "accelerating your journey of self-discovery." For some, that means meditation. For others, it means deep philosophical debates while passing a pipe. It's a "come as you are" vibe that attracts people who feel rejected by traditional, rigid religious structures. Honestly, a lot of the members are just folks looking for a sense of belonging in a world that feels increasingly lonely.
Why the Art Matters So Much
You can't talk about the International Church of Cannabis without talking about the paint.
Okuda San Miguel, the world-renowned artist from Santander, Spain, spent about a week on a scaffolding rig to finish that ceiling. His style is "Pop Surrealism," and it fits the space perfectly. He used vibrant, saturated colors to paint giant faces of bulls, bears, and geometric patterns that seem to shift as you move around the room.
Then there’s Kenny Scharf.
Scharf is a legend from the 1980s New York art scene—the guy who used to hang out with Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He painted the facade and some of the interior walls. Having these two heavy hitters involved gave the church instant credibility in the art world. It stopped being "that weed church" and became a legitimate cultural destination. It’s one of the most photographed interiors in the United States, and for good reason. It’s gorgeous.
Debunking the Myths
Let’s clear some things up because there is a lot of misinformation floating around the internet about this place.
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1. It is NOT a dispensary.
You cannot buy weed here. You cannot buy edibles here. There are no budtenders. If you show up expecting to "re-up" your stash, you’re going to be disappointed. It is a place of worship and a place of art. Period.
2. It isn't a "cult."
Cults usually have a charismatic leader who demands your money and your soul. Steve Berke and the other founders are pretty chill guys who just wanted a place to hang out and build a community. There’s no pressure to join, no weird rituals where you have to cut ties with your family, and no one is taking your life savings.
3. It’s not just for "stoners."
While cannabis is the sacrament, you’d be surprised at the demographic. You’ll see grandmas who use CBD for their arthritis, young tech professionals, artists, and historians who just want to see the old Lutheran architecture. It’s a melting pot.
The Struggles of Maintaining a 100-Year-Old Building
Owning a massive, historic church building is a nightmare for the bank account. The roof leaks. The heating system is ancient. The brickwork needs constant tuck-pointing.
The International Church of Cannabis operates on a shoestring budget compared to the megachurches you see on TV. Most of their revenue comes from the "BEYOND" light show tickets and private event rentals. They host weddings—and yes, you can have a cannabis-friendly wedding there—which has become a huge niche market for them.
Imagine getting married under a rainbow-painted ceiling with a light show playing "All You Need Is Love." It’s a vibe that you just can't get at a Hilton ballroom.
The Future of Elevationism
Is this a flash in the pan? Probably not.
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As cannabis becomes more mainstream and the stigma fades, more people are looking for ways to integrate it into their spiritual or social lives. The International Church of Cannabis was just the first to do it this loudly. They've paved the way for other "canna-friendly" spaces to exist without being relegated to dark basements or sketchy backrooms.
They’ve faced lawsuits, neighborhood complaints, and the general "not in my backyard" attitude of the Denver suburbs. Yet, they’re still standing. They’ve become a staple of the city's tourism industry, often cited alongside the Red Rocks Amphitheatre or the Denver Art Museum as a "must-see."
The founders have talked about expanding the concept to other cities, though the legal hurdles are different in every state. Taking this model to a place like New York or Los Angeles would be a totally different ballgame, but the demand is clearly there. People want community. They want art. And they want to consume their favorite plant without feeling like a criminal.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
If you're planning a trip to the International Church of Cannabis, don't just wing it. You'll likely end up standing outside a locked door.
- Check the hours: They are very strict about their public vs. private hours. The light show usually runs on a specific schedule (often every hour on the hour).
- Buy tickets in advance: Especially on weekends or around 4/20. The "BEYOND" experience sells out fast.
- Respect the neighborhood: This is a residential area. Don't be that person double-parking or being loud on the sidewalk. The church has a delicate relationship with its neighbors; don't ruin it.
- Don't bring "outside" consumption to public hours: If you’re there for the light show or the art tour, it is a non-smoking event. Respect the rules so they don't get shut down by the city.
- Bring your camera: Seriously. The lighting inside is designed for photos. Just make sure you’re not blocking other people’s views.
If you’re looking to actually join the church as a member, you can do that through their website. It involves a bit more than just clicking "follow" on Instagram, but it’s the only way to participate in the actual religious "Elevation" ceremonies.
Whether you’re a believer in the spiritual power of the plant or you just think the ceiling looks cool, the International Church of Cannabis is a testament to how weird and wonderful Denver can be. It’s a middle finger to the "Reefer Madness" era and a colorful welcome to a more open-minded future. Go for the art, stay for the peace and quiet, and maybe leave with a slightly different perspective on what a "church" can actually be.