WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday said it won’t take up an appeal from a Native American church in Hawaii that wants to be exempt from federal marijuana laws.

The justices let stand a lower ruling that said laws banning the possession and distribution of cannabis don’t interfere with church members’ right to exercise their religion.

The Oklevueha Native American Church filed a lawsuit in 2009 asking for relief from marijuana laws under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The church’s leader says his members use marijuana in ceremonies to help build a relationship with their creator.

A district court ruled that the church didn’t produce enough evidence about its religion other than a strong belief in the benefits of marijuana.

Associated Press