Who is Bill Levin, founder of the First Church of Cannabis?

As you may have noticed, the United States has created its First Church of Cannabis on July 1, 2015, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded on the principles of love, understanding, and compassion among people, the church was established by Bill Levin, a serial entrepreneur from Indiana. Profile.

At first glance, Bill Levin is the epitome of the former hippie: wild white hair, rants about love, peace, and the wonders of weed, and a cigar constantly in his mouth. But the man who founded the first Church of Cannabis is anything but a caricature.

Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, he managed punk bands and was job applicant politics, has traveled around the world, and has founded many companies. Among them are Party bus, an advertising agency—some campaigns worked well, others didn't, and it eventually went bankrupt. He is now 59 years old, and is father father of two children and grandfather of one.

His critics can't help but wonder whether the creation of the Church of Cannabis isn't just his latest business idea, a somewhat elaborate joke, or a middle finger directed at politicians who support the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a law that guarantees freedom of worship for all American citizens and creates a legal gray area regarding what is permissible in a church—much to the chagrin of its supporters.

For Levin, his transformation from punk-rock band manager to Grand Poobah of the First Church of Cannabis is part of a grand cosmic plan.

«This is the sum total of my life,» said Levin, «in one magnificent pile of love.».

His church held its first service on July 1, 2015. Originally, a large cannabis-themed communion was to take place, including smoking, but the authorities threatened him with legal action if those attending the service consumed cannabis. It should be noted that Indiana has not legalized the use of cannabis, either for recreational or medical purposes.

Twenty-two media outlets covered the ceremony, in addition to the police officers who were present to ensure that the ceremony proceeded smoothly.

Stone, Indiana

Levin’s calling came to him in a cabin—also perched high up—in northern Indiana. It was the summer of 1960, and Bill tried marijuana for the first time with one of his friends. From then on, weed became a major part of his life, and he began sharing it with all his friends.

He is much less of a promoter these days. His church does not sell, own, or distribute what he calls «the world’s greatest health supplement.».

But he still loves to mock people who run away at the mere mention of the word «marijuana,» even for medical reasons.

And Levin insists that his church is not a middle finger to the politicians who uphold the ban on marijuana in the state. «I don’t think they deserve the middle finger,» he said. «I think they deserve our gratitude. They’re paving the way for a new religion that will dominate the world.’.

Scott Schneider, an Indiana state senator and sponsor of the RFRA bill, has a completely different perspective. I don't know if it's just an excuse for a bunch of old hippies to get high, but I get the impression that it's more of a advertising campaign something else.

A legal maelstrom could ensue. Levin insists that the RFRA, which limits government interference with religious freedoms, effectively legalizes the use of marijuana in the church. He anticipates the creation of other churches in surrounding cities «like Starbucks.».

If so, it would just be the latest in a series of ventures in the counterculture that Levin has been leading since the 1970s. Rock punk concerts. Alternative fashion. Porn party buses. Dance clubs for all ages. Tattoo shops. Avant-garde films. And, of course, weed. Most of his projects, like his new church, capitalize on youth and pop culture.

Although he has «tried and enjoyed every drug that exists,» Levin insists that he did not drink any alcohol since 1988, and the only medications he takes today are cannabis and aspirin.

«If cannabis helps us connect with ourselves, with our friends, and with other deities, there’s no reason not to celebrate the great adventure of life—together—with cannabis.»

Although Indiana isn’t making progress on cannabis legalization, Levin remains a supporter of the state. He says it’s a great state to live in and smoke in. He also notes that the «Bubble Gum» cannabis strain, winner of several Cannabis Cup, is originally from Indiana.

«The best weed »The weed I smoked didn't come from Amsterdam or Denver. It came from here. We have some of the best growers in the world."

John Barillo, an old friend of Levin's, says he deeply believes in the sincerity of his church. Barillo marvels that Indianapolis could produce such a colorful character.

«It's like an exotic flower growing in Indiana,» he said. You look at it and think to yourself: How was it able to take root? here and thrive?.

A Turbulent Childhood

William Jay Levin was born in 1955 in Chicago and was adopted by Robert and Marcia Levin.

His father, Robert Levin, a World War II veteran who died in 1987, had a degree in marketing from Indiana University and worked for Kipp Brothers, the discount version of Toys “R” Us, in Indianapolis. He served on the boards of the Indianapolis Zoo and the Hebrew Congregation and was also a member of several clubs.

His mother, Marcia Levin, who died in 2005, was a graduate of Shortridge High School. She worked for 20 years at the nonprofit organization United Way and spent her retirement volunteering in her community.

As a child, Bill Levin worked in the Kipp Brothers factories, where he was surrounded by toys and carnival costumes. And just like THC, he says, marketing runs through his veins.

»I can look at something and completely market it before the person across from me even finishes their sentence," he said in an 1995 interview with The Star. «I know who to sell it to, how to sell it, how to market it, and even the cost and the break-even point. It’s just something that’s in my head.»

His parents didn't expect him to have such extraordinary abilities.

«I think they had an idea of what I was going to become, but I decided to do something else.»

Levin rebelled against his parents' lifestyle and clashed with his mother. They sent him to boarding school in Maine and Ohio. Later, he found his way back to Indiana, going from one adventure to the next.

He worked with punk bands, some of which had an international following, such as the Zero Boys. But he also had run-ins with the law. He was arrested in the 1980s for operating a small grow room, but the case was dismissed. He was also arrested for being drunk, but that was all.

An advertising executive and founder of a punk record label, he also sold one of the first caffeine-based energy drinks, Jolt.

«In this city, promoting punk-rock bands is just a way to get by. You can eat and pay the rent, but that's it. My goal was to get rich.»

Financial Problems

Bill Levin filed for bankruptcy in 2005. He had debts totaling 144,108 $—including child support—and assets of 13,860$. Levin reported 24,000 $ in income in 2002 but nothing in 2003 and 2004.

«I didn’t have any money or a job. I’ve always managed to get by. When you get older and you’ve worked your whole life, you end up thinking to yourself: I’ve been driving party buses for 10 years. But that’s not really something you can point to when you’re looking to work with someone.»

Two months after filing for bankruptcy, he withdrew his petition. In the meantime, his mother had passed away.

His ex-wife confirms that he has always paid child support and that she was never aware of his bankruptcy. «What do I think of his latest whim? He’s always known how to reinvent himself. It’s no surprise he’s become the Grand Poobah of his church.»

Although she says she hasn't had any contact with him for 20 years, she believes «he is fully aware that this isn't a real church. He has always defended marijuana. I think it's necessary. And funny.»

Their 24-year-old daughter, who lived with her father during high school, says she is proud of her father and that the church is legitimate. «He’s a genius. He’s always kind and has a good heart.»

Ahead of its time

Bill Levin is an attractive and charismatic person who is very knowledgeable about The History of Cannabis and the Future of Pop Culture.

«He's 15 years ahead of his time,» says his friend Barillo. «He's a visionary. He really knows what pop culture is going to become.»

Among his entrepreneurial ventures, Levin attempted to create a local version of America Online, called Indy Online. He also dabbled in virtual reality, but was unable to make the concept profitable.

In the late 1990s, Levin worked with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), a group that, as its name suggests, advocates for marijuana law reform. But his personal problems—«his life was falling apart»—led him to travel to Thailand to get a change of pace.

Upon his return, he founded his pro-marijuana organization, ReLegalize Marijuana. He ran in two elections as a Libertarian Party candidate, with marijuana legalization as the cornerstone of his platform. In 2011, he received more than 10,000 votes in his bid for a seat on the city council. In 2014, he ran for state representative and lost by a margin of 788 votes to 6,520.

He says he got into politics because he used to watch Superman as a child, «and truth, justice, and the American way are ingrained in my mind. I believe in those words—I really do.»

Levin expressed his support for the military in 2009 in a Facebook post : «Go give a veteran a hug today, and thank them for their service to our great nation. How is it possible that we don’t have a Police and Firefighters» Day? I think they deserve one, too!”.

Levin also has warm feelings toward the IRS (the U.S. tax agency) after declaring himself exempt from taxes as part of his Church of Cannabis. «All I have to say is that God works in mysterious ways,» he said.

Mellowing with Age

In a recent interview in his church office, Levin said that his attitude toward money has changed. «I don’t necessarily want to be rich anymore. I need three meals a day. Four or five cigars. I need to see a few smiles on my friends» faces. And that’s it.”

Levin says he won't accept anyone living above the poverty line as the church's Grand Poobah. But the marketing expert has his merchandising under control—T-shirts, no weed—and hopes to expand his church to other cities and countries.

«I want to see the church grow and expand. Once again, I don’t need to kiss anyone’s ass. What do I need? I have a 36-year-old girlfriend; I’m 59, and I’m happier than ever. I sense tremendous growth for a religion based on love. I’m not looking for a cash cow. I’m looking to help others develop their religious freedom.»

The church raised 169,63$ on the crowdfunding site Gofundme.com at as of this writing of the 20K$ requested. Among the comments on the page, some were skeptical: «LOL, smokers are getting ripped off… just buy a new bong instead.»

The building and land purchased by the church were appraised at 155K$. The church is requesting a participation fee of 50$, which Levin justifies as covering telephone expenses, the public services and the mortgage. «Nothing but the practical stuff.».

But he also has lawyers. «Pay your lawyers,» Levin snapped in an interview, tracing the word “PAY” in the air. Yet these lawyers could prove vital to the history of the First Church of Cannabis. if Levin is ever taken to court.

«He went to great lengths to make sure everything was legal,» says Neal Smith, Chairman of the Board of NORML Indiana.

Levin seems to be bracing for a legal battle. «It’s a court ruling that will be welcomed by both sides. Whatever the decision on religious laws may be, it will have to be very thorough. And it will apply to all religions.»

Daddy's Little Girl

To his daughter Lexi, the cartoon character we see as her dad (who looks a lot like Rick from *Rick and Morty*) is simply her father. Despite his moments of absence, she describes him as a «mensch,» a Yiddish word for a person of integrity and honor. Lexi wasn’t there for the opening of his church, but she supports him.

The « 12 Commandments«, a list of guidelines for Church members written by Bill Levin, is quite familiar to Levin, who describes herself as a daddy’s girl.”.

«His 12 commandments pretty much sum up the way he raised me. Don’t be a jerk, see your fights through to the end, never hit someone first, stand up for what you believe in. He’s always supported me. He’s had his ups and downs, just like everyone else. But I like to think he raised me well.»

She also found it troubling that people were trying to single out her church as a way to divert funds. «I don’t think there’s any pattern to it. I think making marijuana a medicinal plant is the right thing to do.

She believes her father is sincere in his efforts to create a new religion that includes cannabis. «People think, »OK, it’s just a drug.’ But it isn’t. It really isn’t one to him.”

Article translated and expanded from Who is Bill Levin, the founder of the First Church of Cannabis?