01-23-2012, 11:00 PM
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| Just Your Average Stoner
Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bloomington, IN Gender: 
Posts: 49
Stoner Buck$$: 223.06 |  Indiana SB 347 Marijuana Offenses & Medical
Last year a study was commissioned on Indiana marijuana policy. This year a bill was introduced to restructure marijuana laws with a proposed amendment of medical allowance. I received notice today that a hearing has been set. Quote: As you know, I brought forward the subject of Marijuana policy in Indiana during the 2011 legislative session. This may have been the first time this subject was ever raised in the state legislature.
I requested a study of policy to be held during summer study sessions and, in fact, we did have such a study session, allowing a great number of people to testify. This year, I introduced a bill that had a number of provisions:
.eliminate felony possession of marijuana altogether;
.decriminalize possession of less than 3 ounces, and make it an infraction only;
.possession of more than 3 ounces is no more than a misdemeanor;
.create an exemption for research institutions.
In addition, I have some proposed amendments:
.allow for production of industrial hemp;
.allow for a "free pass" for anyone who had a physician's recommendation for medical marijuana use.
On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, this bill will be given a hearing. However, I was only able to secure a hearing at all with the understanding that the bill will not be voted on this year.
Keep in mind: this is an election year. Many of the people who would otherwise support this bill are concerned that they will not support it during a year when they are up for re-election and face stiff primary challenges by persons who may not be sympathetic to this issue. I do not want to risk a "no" vote. No vote is better than a recorded vote of "No."
Many of you may be disappointed. Keep in mind that I live in a world of political reality. I am taking the steps necessary to keep this moving, even if it is slowly.
I will continue to work on this issue. All the polls show a very strong support to change Indiana's criminal laws on this issue.
Once again, there will be no vote on my marijuana bill this year; it will only receive a hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 24. If you are interested in coming to the committee, all you need to do is show up to Room 233 by 9:00am.
Sincerely,
Karen Tallian
State Senator
District 4 | |
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