
Veteran entrepreneur Peter J. Burns III is moving forward with a major investment in Agora Temple, a religious institution that provides cannabis as a sacrament to parishioners. In an economy struggling to adjust to hardships presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the investment is hailed as a bold and strategic move.
Agora Temple is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization based in the Melrose section of Los Angeles.
“Agora Temple will be the model for other places of worship as we expand in California and beyond,” says Peter J. Burns III, who is based in Southern California. “We not only have an exemplary leadership team at the existing location, but we also have the right people in place for expansion, especially from an operational, legal and regulatory standpoint.”
Peter J. Burns III will have a seat on the board of directors at Agora Temple. He says his company’s decision was bolstered by a plethora of legal decisions in the state that recognize that freedom of religion is protected by the First Amendment, which prohibits laws impeding the free exercise of religion among U.S. citizens.
The model is also supported by the fact that there’s a long, rich history of cannabis and religion dating back 7,000 years. And, that the Catholic Church has long used wine as a sacrament, even selling wine that has been “ordained” to its membership.
“The underlying mission of promoting spiritual growth by using cannabis as a sacrament must be ingrained in the Temple’s philosophy as well as its practice,” Burns says. “There are many existing religious institutions in California that have mishandled this. We are prepared to help them, as well as to establish new Temples.”
Burns adds that he is also impressed by the charitable mission of Agora Temple, which has been working with various charities in Southern California for more than a year. ‘We will enhance those efforts,” he says.

How Does a Cannabis Church Operate?
In California, and states all over the country, cannabis churches are becoming part of the landscape. People don’t technically pay for marijuana at these church services. Instead, they tithe (donate money) to the church in exchange for cannabis.
There are legal issues. But proponents argue that many people truly believe that cannabis has a history and a proper place in being delivered as sacrament. Members of cannabis churches believe they are involved in religious efforts that help them connect to a higher power.
And there are medical studies. Some research points to the benefits of cannabis for many maladies, such traumatic brain injuries and persistent anxiety. Other studies show a rise in cannabis use among all segments of the population. Taken together, it’s easy to conclude that in the not-so-distant future the use of cannabis will be widespread and legal in every state in the country.
Recognizing this, Peter J. Burns III has embarked on a crusade to reduce pain and suffering in the United States by making cannabis available as a sacrament.
This movement is not new. In California, there are dozens of independently owned cannabis churches. Peter J. Burns III’s goal is to create hundreds of these places of worship and reflection, in California and nationwide.
“This fits into my philosophy as an entrepreneur of doing well by doing good,” Burns says. “We are spreading peace, love, and a sense of togetherness by promoting the spiritual use of cannabis as sacrament.”
The beauty of a cannabis church services is that topics anyone can relate to are explored, including love, self-awareness and empathy. Everyone’s opinion and perspectives are respected, and no one is told what to believe. The idea is that everyone participating is given the opportunity to learn more about themselves by learning more about the experiences and contexts of others.
Agora Temple is funded through donations, or tithing. Some of these donations are presented in furtherance of charities. Other gifts are made in exchange for sacramental cannabis.
Agora accepts responsibility for being a spiritual oasis. It has embraced charity work and adheres to the regulations of being constructed as a non-profit, or 501(c)(3). These principles are critical to a long-term future, as well as an ability to ease pain and suffering for all Americans.
There are opportunities for investors to participate in this worthwhile cause. Even as the country embraces a new, post-coronavirus economy. For more information, reach out to Peter J. Burns III: (peterjburns3@gmail.com).
