Minister seeks return of peyote seized in Santa Rosa

[Paul E Ester]

A minister in the North Coast chapter of the Native American Church says his right to religious freedom was violated when sheriff's deputies seized mind-altering peyote from his home during a raid on indoor pot gardens.

Former Santa Rosa resident David Marbain, 56, is seeking the return of nearly 5 pounds of the dried cactus known for its hallucinogenic effects as well as 27 live plants that were taken in the 2010 sweep.

Marbain insists it was legal for him to have the natural source of the drug mescaline because it is sacramental medicine that was being used for religious purposes.

He's calling on the Sheriff's Office to give it back so he can continue to use it or dispose of it according to Indian tradition.

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130406/ARTICLES/130409619

[okasha]

1. If his credentials are in order,

the federal law's on his side.