Convicted: Man who claims pot as sacrament

GEORGETOWN, Colorado (AP) — A U.S. man who says marijuana is a sacrament in his religion has been convicted of misdemeanor drug charges.

A Clear Creek County judge found Trevor Douglas of Colorado guilty Tuesday of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Douglas says he will appeal. He says he's standing up for his constitutional right to religious freedom.

He argued he shouldn't be convicted on drug charges because marijuana serves the same role in his religion as communion wine in Christianity. He's a member of the Hawaii-based THC Ministry.

The judge said Douglas' beliefs don't rise to the level of a religion.

Douglas was ordered to pay $450 in fines and costs and serve 15 hours of community service.