Tucked away on 400 Logan St. in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, rests a 113-year old red brick building with a story to tell. Under the April sun, this antiquated church may not seem out of the ordinary…until you take a closer look. This is the new home to Elevation Ministries of the International Church of Cannabis (ICOC), a Colorado religious non-profit organization that seeks to educate and enlighten those who believe the use of cannabis as a sacrament can simulate ascension to a higher state of being.

William Berke, father of owner Steve Berke, instructs guests they can enter for a private viewing of opening day at the International Church of Cannabis Thursday, April 20, 2017 on Logan Street in Denver, CO. (Daniel Brenner for Leafly)

Though it would seem April 20th would be the perfect day for a massive grand opening celebration, spirits weren’t as high as expected due to some last-minute legal hurdles that prevented the group from allowing the “public” consumption they had hoped to provide.

Co-founder Zach Gardner wipes down tables outside on opening day of the International Church of Cannabis. (Daniel Brenner for Leafly)

Those who made their way out to the grand opening on April 20th were met with a warm and enthusiastic team of Elevation Ministries staff members eager to introduce Denver to their renovated space and culture. No formal theology or dogmas come attached with the practice of Elevationism, as outlined by members of the church. Instead, the organization is proud to promote total inclusivity of all walks of life.

Owner Steve Berke, center, and Michael Malone, right, check age and identification of visitors like Arvada resident Joel Allen, left, on opening day of the International Church of Cannabis Thursday, April 20, 2017 on Logan Street in Denver, CO. (Daniel Brenner for Leafly)

Behind the astral-themed entrance doors, the interior decor inside is welcoming and modern, a stark contrast to the building’s anachronistic interior design. Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel and American Artist Kenny Scharf are largely responsible for the elaborate and extensive array of wall paintings, murals, and scattered art installations. Various visual art pieces can be seen throughout the facility, including several waist-high, hand-carved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles statues, digitized tile art, and a hollowed out television flush with South Park figurines, some of which can be purchased at their retail counter.