‘Weedman’ says closing pot temple violates religious freedom

New Jersey’s loudest champion of marijuana is claiming religious infringement after police shuttered his cannabis temple for operating too late at night.

Ed Forchion, better known as NJ Weedman, has filed an injunction in federal court to keep his temple open after 11 p.m. That’s when many of his 600 congregants gather, some to smoke marijuana. The property includes a large white cross festooned with ornamental marijuana leaves.

Police cleared out the temple early Saturday because of a city ordinance that limits a business’s hours.

But Forchion said the property should be given the same respect as a church holding a midnight Mass.

Forchion often campaigns for office under what he calls the “Legalize Marijuana Party.” He also has unsuccessfully fought marijuana laws in the courts.