GEORGETOWN, Colo. — A Colorado man who belongs to a Hilo-based ministry that holds marijuana as a sacrament has been convicted of misdemeanor drug charges.

A Clear Creek County judge yesterday found Trevor Douglas of Avon guilty of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving an unregistered vehicle. Douglas said he will appeal.

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 THC Ministry based in Hilo, Hawai'i.

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