VIDEO: Sen. Tallian provides an update on the bill to decriminalize marijuana in Indiana

State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) has introduced a bill that would decriminalize marijuana in the state of Indiana. SB 580 has been assigned to the Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law and would lessen the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Following extensive testimony and review during a 2011 study committee, the proposal’s goal is to reduce criminal penalties for personal possession of small amounts of marijuana. The impact could also mean less state and local criminal justice resources spent on marijuana-related arrests, prosecution and sentences.

The bill would make possession of less than two ounces of marijuana a Class C infraction, decriminalizing the possession. If a person possesses more than two ounces or has two or more prior marijuana convictions in the past five years, the person may be charged criminally, although, the penalties are reduced from current criminal statute. The also bill specifies penalties for driving while under the influence of marijuana and authorizes the licensed cultivation and production of industrial hemp.

Tallian lays out next steps for marjiuana policy legislation

MEMORANDUM TO CONSTITUENTS ON MARIJUANA LEGISLATION – SB 347 

January 23, 2012

As you know, I brought forward the subject of Marijuana policy in Indiana in 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 SB347 that had a number of provisions, including:

• eliminate felony possession of marijuana altogether;
• decriminalize possession of less than 3 ounces, and make it an infraction only;
• make possession of more than 3 ounces no more than a misdemeanor; and
• create an exemption for research institutions.

In addition, I have amendments to propose:

• allow for production of industrial hemp; and
• 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 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” for the future viability of a bill.

Many of you may be disappointed.   Keep in mind:  I live in a world of political reality.  I am taking the steps necessary to keep this moving, even if it is by Slow Time.

I will continue to work on this issue.  All the polls that we have show a very strong support to change Indiana’s criminal laws on this issue.

Karen Tallian

To keep up to date on this issue in the future, follow http://INSenDems.wordpress.com/tag/marijuana/ and @INSenDems