RELIGIOUS POT DEFENSE HEADED TO TRIAL

GEORGETOWN - A Colorado man who says his religion explains his
marijuana use is fighting a possession charge in court.

Trevor Douglas says he admitted having marijuana in the car in August
of 2009 when he was pulled over for having an expired vehicle
registration in Clear Creek County. Douglas says that he shouldn't be
punished for having the pot, though, because he says marijuana is the
main sacrament of his religion.

Douglas is a member of the Hilo, Hawaii-based THC Ministry. He says
his religion mandates marijuana use and that the drug is similar to
wine used in the Christian rite of communion.

Douglas planned to represent himself in a hearing Tuesday. He also
faces a charge of having drug paraphernalia.