cannabisnews.com: Pot-Using Church Loses Its Founders 





Pot-Using Church Loses Its Founders 
Posted by CN Staff on October 09, 2006 at 06:31:58 PT
By Stephanie Innes, Arizona Daily Star 
Source: Arizona Daily Star 
Tucson, Arizona -- The founders of an Arizona church that considers marijuana a sacrament and deity have stepped down as leaders, saying pending federal criminal char-ges make it impossible to fulfill their roles. The Church of Cognizance continues to function in Southeastern Arizona with about 45 members, said 54-year-old Dan Quaintance, who along with his wife, Mary, 51, is facing 40 years in prison if convicted on federal charges of conspiracy and intent to distribute more than 100 pounds of marijuana.
But the church is now "fractured," he said, explaining that the congregation he and his wife founded in 1991 no longer has its spiritual leaders. Federal authorities arrested the couple on Feb. 22 in Lordsburg, N.M., after discovering 172 pounds of marijuana in the car in which the Quaintances were riding. The driver of the car, 23-year-old Timothy Jason Krip-ner, now is a witness for the government, which says the Church of Cognizance is a front for drug trafficking. The Quaintances are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 30 in Las Cruces, N.M., though they hope the case will be dismissed before the end of the month. They're awaiting a decision from U.S. District Judge Judith C. Herrera on whether she'll dismiss the case on the grounds that religious freedom should allow them to use the illegal drug. At a three-day hearing on the motion to dismiss the charges last month, lawyers for the Quaintances cited a February decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that the government had no right to seize hallucinogenic tea containing a federally banned substance from members of a New Mexico church or to prohibit its use. The tea, called hoasca, contains the substance dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, known for its hallucinogenic properties. Members of the O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao Do Vegetal, or UDV, said using the hallucinogenic tea during worship helped them gain union with God. The Supreme Court based its decision on the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which says the government needs to justify any action that would substantially burden people from practicing their faith. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico, which also prosecuted the UDV case, do not comment on pending matters. But in court documents, they say the Quaintances are "obsessed and focused on marijuana," and Dan Quaintance's writings about his worship are "disjointed, poorly supported, illogical ramblings." They conclude that the couple's "lack of sincerity is patent." "Of course, it's terrible," Dan Quaintance said in a phone interview recently. "We're being deprived the benefits of connection — health-wise and spiritual-wise." Free on bond, the Quaintances are living in their Southeastern Arizona home in Pima, about 90 miles northeast of Tucson, where they remain under court supervision and must submit to weekly urine tests. They have been living without their sacrament since their arrest. The couple said that before their arrest, they smoked or ingested marijuana daily. "We're just sitting here waiting," Dan said. "I think the judge is going to have a hard time ruling against us on the sincerity of our religious practice. If there isn't a favorable ruling on our religious freedom, then I don't believe there is a justice system in America." The Church of Cognizance, which leaders say has 72 monasteries in members' homes nationwide, has a simple motto: "With good thoughts, good words and good deeds, we honor marijuana; as the teacher, the provider, the protector." The Quaintances do not grow their sacrament but, rather, say they rely on donations of it, which they pick up from church "couriers." That's what they say they were about to do when they were arrested. Since the church was founded, at least 20 members have been prosecuted on possession and conspiracy charges, and some have served time in prison, said Mike Senger, a church member who lives in Florence and provides legal assistance to group members, though he is not a lawyer. Senger said the Quaintances' case stands out because it is in the federal court system and because of the Supreme Court's decision in the UDV case this year. "Usually, we never win. But we may perhaps win in Mary and Dan's case because it is federal court, and there is quite a bit at stake. They are getting some reasonable due process in that court," Senger said. "We just had one of our other members get out of prison after two years. It is a hellish, torturous experience for people who are peaceful and not criminals, who possess marijuana. We don't look at ourselves as criminals." The case against the Quaintances has hurt unity in the church, said member Danny Hardesty, 40, who lives in Thatcher, near Pima, and is facing criminal charges for marijuana possession in an unrelated case in Yavapai County. "We haven't been able to go over to their house and talk. We're scattered," he said. "Until it's resolved, it is dampening our lives and our worship." Note: Two step aside, saying charges hinder duties.Source: Arizona Daily Star (AZ)Author: Stephanie Innes, Arizona Daily Star Published: October 9, 2006Copyright: 2006 Pulitzer Publishing Co.Contact: letters azstarnet.comWebsite: http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/Related Articles & Web Site:Church Of Cognizancehttp://coc.enlightener.net/Suspects Say Pot Is Part of Faith http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22099.shtmlMarijuana Church Claims Offend Believershttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22017.shtmlPot Church Takes a Hit http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21980.shtml 
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Comment #39 posted by RevAnthony on December 27, 2006 at 09:14:55 PT:
Freedom Of Religion
Well in any ones eyes it would seem that these people are exploiting the cannabis laws just like our government is doing. I mean after all it makes so much money for our country that we could probably fight two more wars other then Iraq and Afghanistan. So that’s why our government doesn’t want anyone exploiting the cannabis plant with out our government taxing it and them getting their share off it. I mean if they want to play the exploit game with the cannabis plant that’s fine, just make it so we can use hemp to make toilet paper with so I can wipe my ass with out feeling like I’m killing the planet that we are from.
Even though I’m a religious druid that smokes cannabis I still think the government has the right to question any suspicious activity that has to do with over hundreds of pounds of Cannabis.
But most of all I know our religious freedoms work in this country as long as your honest about what your doing with out exploiting the cause. I know first hand because even I have had my own run in with the state of FL over our use of Cannabis and they don’t even want to bother me, nor my children. I was also born and raised in Too stoned AZ home of the Mexican hermaphrodite dirt weed hehe. That’s why I find it odd that they had to go to New Mexico to get rag weed. It looks like they are just trying to make it look bad for all people who use cannabis as their religion. So now I know what all the people that have died defending our freedom here in America haven’t died for nothing.
So with that said until next time all my fine fellow friends, your magic druid cannabis smoking rev says: Puff, puff… ;)
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Comment #38 posted by whig on October 10, 2006 at 21:09:01 PT
gw 
What I can tell you is that if you follow the link you will see what I have to say. If you choose not to follow the link you won't. It's no slight on CNews and FoM has said she approves of my doing the blog.
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Comment #37 posted by whig on October 10, 2006 at 18:34:45 PT
gw 
CNews is just one anchor. There are others.
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Comment #36 posted by global_warming on October 10, 2006 at 15:17:18 PT
hey whig
what is the revelation?
as above so below, sure wish you had a little more to say, and sure wish you would slow down on the re-direct, I know that you have much to say in this movement to change the laws about cannabis, and your effort is praiseworthy, consider that CNEWS is the anchor and the footing in the peoples effort to change cannabis laws, and the change is working.God Bless
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Comment #35 posted by whig on October 10, 2006 at 10:37:11 PT
Now that we're just about done here
George Bush is really going to enjoy listening to Pink Floyd's "The Wall." 
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Comment #34 posted by whig on October 10, 2006 at 10:28:31 PT
Dennis Shields
As above, so below.The revelation has happened.http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/10/metaphors-are-all-right-with-me/Welcome brother.
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Comment #33 posted by konagold on October 10, 2006 at 10:25:57 PT:
whig#32
Aloha whig"as above so below"AlohaRev. Dennis Shields
http://thereligionofjesuschurch.org
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Comment #32 posted by whig on October 10, 2006 at 00:11:17 PT
konagold
No secrets now. We just do what we do, with the world at stake.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 20:11:12 PT
Weeds
It really is good. I hope when it's done that there will be a 3rd season. 
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Comment #30 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2006 at 20:06:43 PT
oooops
guess I meant Heylia
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Comment #29 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2006 at 19:56:58 PT
Weeds kicks ass
Man what a show ...she saves Celia, and see what's coming? Nothing like gratitude from the heart ...Zooey Deschanel as Andy's former dangerous girlfriend showing up at the door should be amazing. Loved her in "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."If you haven't seen Hitchhiker ... do ...
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Comment #28 posted by ekim on October 09, 2006 at 19:47:14 PT
weeds could do show in Vegas and prop 7
news on bbc -- story on Italy -- seems that some pranksters 
got access to all the lawmakers, something about giving a interview so when the lites were lit and the lawmaker started to sweat someone was their to wipe the wet brow. well it seems that the --sweat was sent to the lab and sure nuff some of the wipeeess showed pos for herb and coke. ---this could be very helpful in changing unjust laws.
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 19:32:03 PT
Freewillks and Dankhank
It was really good. I'm going to miss it when it's over. They really have a good cast and story line. I don't even want to predict how it will end this season. I never would have guessed the end to the first season. That was brilliant.
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Comment #26 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2006 at 18:58:58 PT
so fast ...
the season has gone ...Peter looks to become difficult, doesn't he?It's starting now ...
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Comment #25 posted by freewillks on October 09, 2006 at 18:44:42 PT
Weeds
I think it may now turn to exposing the DEA for who they are and what they do to Families. Oh well just my perdiction. spiced cider for me. 
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Comment #24 posted by mayan on October 09, 2006 at 18:27:59 PT
Fear
The authorites seem to be terribly afraid of this religious movement. Maybe they fear the masses discovering that cannabis can indeed be a true spiritual companion.THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Google Admits Terror Storm Blackout:
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/october2006/091006googleadmits.htmSouth Park Does Show Revealing True Culprit Behind 9/11: http://infowars.com/articles/sept11/southpark_reveals_911_culprits.htmHow the FBI protected Al Qaeda’s 9/11 Hijacking Trainer:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=SCO20061008&articleId=3422Police 'exaggerated evidence' against British 9/11 suspect:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2395400,00.html
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 17:53:37 PT
Dankhank
Enjoy your green tea and a coke. I don't know where Weeds is going but it's only a few more episodes and it will be over at least for the season. What I like about Weeds are the characters. They really can make me laugh and yet throw a serious bunch when needed. I don't believe that Weeds has anything to do with activism but it is entertaining.
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Comment #22 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2006 at 17:37:29 PT
Mee toooo
granddaughter took the root beer home yesterday ...green tea and a Coke ... i guess ... :-)
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 17:23:40 PT
Dankhank
Tonight it is going to get serious. That's what it said in the e-mail I get from Weeds. I don't have any vanilla ice cream. I have root beer though! LOL!
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Comment #20 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2006 at 17:15:14 PT
Weeds ...
Hadn't been thinking on that ...WOW ... ain't it gettin' crazy?thanks for the reminder ...
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 16:16:46 PT
freewillks
I really look forward to Weeds. It is an free and open channel tonight so anyone that has cable will be able to see this episode of Weeds.
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Comment #18 posted by freewillks on October 09, 2006 at 16:10:43 PT
OT:Weeds
Don't forget Weeds tonight! 
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Comment #17 posted by konagold on October 09, 2006 at 13:22:20 PT:
fill in the blank
Aloha'The Secret' is a 90 minute dvd which is very interesting and well produced; and tho the attraction of money is a lure it is much deeper than that and I recommend watching this Australian production.similar to the "what the ! #$%^&* do you know" movie a while back, with interviews of a variety of philosophers scientist and practitionersthe main idea is that we attract that which we are focused on and that we can chose to condition our focus such to attract positive improvements to our life rather than be subject to our worriesas such The Secret is a good thought provoking productionAlohaRev. Dennis Shields 
http://thereligionofjesuschurch.org
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Comment #16 posted by museman on October 09, 2006 at 12:43:38 PT
"The Secret"
My response...
The Secret
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Comment #15 posted by konagold on October 09, 2006 at 12:28:56 PT:
the secret of 'the secret'
Aloha the understandings available through the laws of attraction are applicable to much more than monetary wealth that is just the sales pitch to attract attentionthe real value of applying the lessons available from the secret are in applying them way beyond mere mundane money but toward the elements of real wealth such as health and happiness and peaceit is a matter of focushere is other ancient knowledge check this out [excuse please the page headings which break up the flow of the very rare text as it is formatted to duplicate the layout of this book done before .pdf]http://www.hialoha.com/konagold/kybalion/TheKybalion.htmlAlohaRev. Dennis Shields
http://thereligionofjesuschurch.org
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Comment #14 posted by museman on October 09, 2006 at 12:02:04 PT
whig
My sentiments exactly.I am researching. Waiting for them to get back to me.
Here is their home site...
Church of Cognizance
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Comment #13 posted by whig on October 09, 2006 at 11:52:40 PT
museman
What does it mean to join the CoC? If you mean to become a member in some official capacity, I don't see it as meaningful. That is playing the game by the Roman Church rules, even if it is a different organization.But if you mean join as in stand with, and recognize them as fellow seekers of truth, then I will do so, with the proviso that I don't have to agree with everything they say and they do not have to agree with me.Nevertheless, cannabis is their sacrament by their own confession and it ought to be recognized and respected.
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Comment #12 posted by museman on October 09, 2006 at 11:41:31 PT
rolemodels
A role model for fascism, would make a statement like that. Celebrity is just another chapter in the same club. Step out of line, and you become blacklisted. Same kind of thing happened to any musician (who hadn't already signed up) who chose to sing about anything anti-war, ani-government, or just the truth.The rulers like their celebrities to be ass kissers, and conform to the 'correct' views. Paris is a celebrity only because she is filthy rich, and somebody did a sex video, and put it on the internet. Some 'role model.'Fad and fashion has been dictated by the elite. Political, and 'religious' attitudes have also been schooled and funded by the same class of American Lords.I have a question;What do you think would happen if several thousand people suddenly joined the Church of Cognizance?
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Comment #11 posted by whig on October 09, 2006 at 11:30:49 PT
konagold
I want to say a few things about that. It's not really a secret that if you focus your mind on acquiring physical wealth you are more likely to obtain it. The idea that this is some sort of hidden occult thing, well it is only insofar as true religion is not discussed and false religion is sold as a mystery.The truth is you are God. So what kind of God do you want to be?
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Comment #10 posted by whig on October 09, 2006 at 11:28:06 PT
konagold
From their website:http://www.thesecret.tv/news_from_the_secret.html
A Secret Scrolls message from Rhonda Byrne, Executive Producer of The Secret.Abundance and riches on all subjects - including health, happiness and wealth - are your rightful heritage!To claim your wealth using The Secret, The Secret Team has created a powerful visualization tool to help you attract riches into your life.The Secret to Riches tool will powerfully focus your mind on riches. It has been intentionally created so you will receive the maximum benefits through the law of attraction.
Not buying.
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Comment #9 posted by konagold on October 09, 2006 at 11:21:34 PT:
Prayers and"the Secret"
Alohamy prayers for Dan and Mary Quaintance may they attract peace and freedom in the war on pothas anyone seen 'the secret' [WWW.THESECRET.TV]??AlohaRev. Dennis Shields
http://thereligionofjesuschurch.org
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Comment #8 posted by lombar on October 09, 2006 at 11:16:17 PT
Elites make mistakes...
..citizens are criminals. Famous people 'set bad examples', citizens deserve time in jail. This happens so many times it makes me wonder why more people don't question it?IF the people like Hilton and so many more stood up for their (all our) rights, spoke out against the law rather than just bowing under pressure and fear of blacklising, the laws would be gone tomorrow. Instead, I predict she will accept some (gentle) admonishment and toe the drug war line, perhaps even pretend to get 'treatment'. After a suitable time a statement condemning drugs will be issued by her people. I hope I am wrong but..
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 11:16:14 PT
Celaya
That's how I see it too. It is normalizing marijuana and it's about time.
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Comment #6 posted by Celaya on October 09, 2006 at 11:12:39 PT
FoM
I don't get shocked either. Actually, I get encouraged. Every incident like this just shows how normal smoking pot is. Eventually, some celebrity will get gumption and use an incident like this to become another spearhead for reform. Just one determined celebrity could be the tipping point.
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Comment #5 posted by whig on October 09, 2006 at 10:57:48 PT
FoM
This is already over, as far as the outcome is predictable.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 10:55:39 PT
Celaya
I don't even get shocked when a celebrity is found with a little marijuana anymore. With the headlines because of Foley it sure makes marijuana a non issue.
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Comment #3 posted by Celaya on October 09, 2006 at 10:52:01 PT
Satire - But Based On Real Event
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=hilton%20marijuana%20milan&sa=N&tab=wn
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 06:42:01 PT
Just a Note
That article about Hilton was a satire.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 09, 2006 at 06:39:33 PT
Paris Hilton: Bush Calls Her Role Model
Excerpt from Article: The alleged herb, sitting atop a welter of condoms, Tampax, lip gloss, and facial creme infused with yak dung, was clearly visible to those sitting near Ms. Hilton in Milan, but she either did not notice or—worse yet—didn't give a big rat's ass. President Bush, however, did."We cannot have role models like Ms. Hilton flaunting the drug laws of our allies in the war against terrorism," said Mr. Bush, noting that earlier this year Italy had approved a law that not only increases sanctions against people who smoke marijuana but also puts the drug on a par with cocaine and heroin. 
"Is that herb tea in your bag or are you really glad to see me?" "Ms. Hilton will have more than the pavorattis waiting for her the next time she visits a rap club," the president added.http://www.pugbus.net/artman/publish/10092006_11_parispot.shtml
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