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Pope Says Pot is Evil; Rabbi Says Pass the Kouchie

Marijuana plants grow under special lights inside a grow facility in Denver
Marijuana plants grow under special lights inside a grow facility in Denver / AP
June 23, 2014

Pope Francis condemned the move to legalize marijuana on Friday by stating "drug addiction is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise." The remarks were delivered to participants at the International Drug Enforcement Conference in Rome.

Meanwhile, over in the Old Testament, Rabbi Jeffrey Kahn wants to open a medical marijuana shop in Washington, D.C.

Kahn is fighting the federal government making the case that pot is kosher when used for medical purposes.

Reason.TV interviewed the Rabbi last year as he went to battle with the feds to allow him to dispense medical pot in the nation's capital:

As the libertarian think-tank pointed out at the time:

Medical marijuana is legal in D.C. and 18 states, but it's still illegal under federal law. This means that even though Kahn is abiding by D.C. law, banks won't work with his business for fear of losing FDIC protection—or worse. Kahn says he has not been able to open a bank account with any financial institution. If he is forced to be a cash-only business, he will be more vulnerable to crime and IRS auditing.

Kahn's eagerness to legally dispense weed while still practicing as a Rabbi stands in stark contrast with the Pontiff's remarks. The Pope said, "to think that harm can be reduced by permitting drug addicts to use narcotics in no way resolves the problem."

For Catholics looking to load up their bong and still avoid ex-communication, you'll be relieved to know that Francis' comments were not made "ex cathedra" and, therefore, are not deemed an infallible proclamation on Faith and Morals of the Church.

This means, theoretically, a succeeding pope could lighten up about lighting up.

Published under: Marijuana