Denver’s hidden gem: International Church of Cannabis

When you picture churches, you may think of stained-glass windows, quiet pews, and centuries-old religious architecture, until you come across a very unique church located in the middle of Denver, Colorado. There’s a place that takes this idea and flips it on its head, the International Church of Cannabis. Instead of somber hymns, you will hear laughter and music. Instead of doctrine, you will find vibrant philosophy and personal expression. And instead of religious iconography, you will see giant, surreal psychedelic murals covering the walls, floor, and ceiling.

 

This is not your average place of worship. It is an experience. If you have any curiosity around cannabis, love visionary art, or just love discovering cool places when you travel, we guarantee the International Church of Cannabis will be a memorable experience.

 

History of The International Church of Cannabis

 

The International Church of Cannabis opened its doors in April 2017, just in time for Denver's annual 4/20 festivities, which is one of Denver's biggest holidays. Located in a Lutheran church that is over a century old, the International Church of Cannabis is a creation of the community known as the Elevationists, which is a "spiritual" community who have faith that cannabis helps people access their best selves.

 

The philosophy is simple: no dogma, no rules, and no preacher. Members are encouraged to use cannabis consciously to deepen creativity, foster connection, and encourage personal growth. But even if you do not use cannabis, you are welcome to join the Church is as much about the art and ambience as it is about the plant. 

 

The space is more than impressive. The artists Okuda San Miguel and some muralists collaborated to create bright colored geometric patterns and surreal, dreamlike motifs covering the whole sanctuary. You enter the sanctuary, and it feels as if you have stepped into a living painting.

 

Why is the International Church of Cannabis worth a visit?

 

Travel is about new experiences, pushing your comfort zone, and viewing the earth through a different filter. The International Church of Cannabis provides that.

 

It's not only cannabis. It involves creativity, freedom, and expression. It means flipping the traditional into something that pushes convention and creates conversation. It also means giving people, from the profoundly spiritual to the just curious, a place to feel inspired. 

 

The church's murals are truly colorful and stunning. The BEYOND show is spellbinding. The spirit of community is refreshing in our too often divided world. Whether you spend 30 minutes or a couple of hours there, you will come away thinking about the experience and have plenty of colorful photos to share.

 

Stepping into The International Church of Cannabi

From the exterior, the building still looks like a church, with tall, pointed arches and a brick façade. However, once you step inside, you’re greeted by an eruption of colour. The sanctuary ceiling is a cosmic rainbow of geometric patterns, abstract beings, and fantastical places among the geometric shapes.

 

It’s impossible not to stop and look up in amazement. Your eyes will drift from the corner of the ceiling to the other, discovering more with each new look, which allows you to become encased in the kaleidoscope of colour that aims to make the blue sky infinite.

 

The atmosphere vibrates with expectation, whether you are on a guided tour, experiencing meditation, or partaking in their light and sound program called BEYOND.

 

The Elevationist Philosophy

 

The International Church of Cannabis is associated with the Elevationist movement. Elevationism does not have a written scripture or an unyielding set of beliefs, unlike other religions. Instead, Elevationism promotes personal spiritual experiences from the context of various activities within the church and cannabis as a tool for one's journey of spiritual discovery.

 

In their words, Elevationism is:

1. Creativity: Through art, music, and imagination, life can be elevated.

2. Self-discovery: You find out who you are, looking inward.

3. Community: Individuals who share ideas and moments with others.

 

What individuals believe or don't believe in is irrelevant, but it is the importance of the philosophy that provides the church with a sense of identity.

 

The popular BEYOND light and sound show

 

One of the most frequented attractions at the International Church of Cannabis is BEYOND, an immersive audio-visual experience. During the show, the sanctuary transforms into a canvas featuring moving projections, pulsating lights, and synchronized music that lets you escape this world. 

 

BEYOND melds together meditation, science, and art into a multi-sensory experience that is relaxing, inspiring, and even trippy. It’s an art experience that is unlike any other, and the murals suddenly come to life around you. 

 

And BEYOND isn’t just for cannabis enthusiasts. There is a large portion of visitors who attend completely sober, and often feel even more taken by the experience, feeling as if they have stepped out of reality for a moment, in the best way possible.

 

What can you do at The International Church of Cannabis?

 

While the BEYOND show is a feature act, the International Church of Cannabis has more to offer than a light show. Let’s take a look at what you might be able to experience:

 

1. Guided Tours

Find out about the history of the building, the artists of the murals, and the church’s origins. These tours are a great way to gain valuable perspective on how a church that’s been around for 100 years has evolved into one of Denver’s greatest attractions.

 

2. Meditation and Mindfulness

Some days feature meditation sessions that are guided, allowing visitors to take in the colourful surroundings while also connecting with their own thoughts.

 

3. Art and Cultural Events

The church hosts events featuring art exhibitions, comedy nights, live music, and even yoga. The performances alongside the bright and colourful setting create a truly unique venue.

 

4. 4/20 celebrations

If you are in Denver during the month of April, this is the venue in town. The church also hosts special events which lead up to 4/20, which attracts cannabists from around the world, to explore a combination of music, discussions, and cannabis culture.

 

Special Tips for visiting The International Church of Cannabis

 

1. Book Your BEYOND Show in Advance

The immersive experience is popular and can sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

 

2. Bring a Camera (but follow the rules)

Every show usually allows photography, but please avoid flash while attending the show. Seriously, it looks even better in natural light.

 

3. Stay Nearby

The church is located in Denver's Washington Park neighborhood, where you'll find restaurants, coffee shops, and more fun stuff.

 

4. Keep an Open Mind

We've had people who weren't necessarily cannabis fans simply look at the visit as an art and cultural experience.

 

5. Check the Event Calendar

You might find something totally unexpected, like a comedy show or yoga event, and enhance your trip even more.