I just received this missive from Torquemadawg, saying that Indiana is considering decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. This seems sensible to me. I pass it on here without comment.
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Brothers sisters and others
I speak to you from the Heartland
Come forth out of the darkness
and step into the light
of marijuana legalization
Here's the latest news
from Indianans
considering decriminalization.
Indiana has some of the harshest criminal penalties
for mere possession.
The current law in Indiana says that possession of even half a gram of weed is a criminal offense that can result in a $5,000 fine and up to a year behind bars. But a new bill introduced last week by state Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage) would make possessing less than two ounces of cannabis a civil offense, similar to a parking violation.
Supporters of decriminalization say the bill would save taxpayer dollars and free up law enforcement resources to focus on other types of crimes, such as robberies, rapes and murders.
Although a majority of Indiana residents support decriminalization, the bill may still have a tough time becoming law. The Indiana legislature failed to pass similar measures last year and the year before. The state's Republican governor, Mike Pence, spoke out in March 2013 against lowering penalties for possession. Pence has also said he considers marijuana to be a "gateway drug."
Torquemadog
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This is Hounddog here again. I worry about that boy sometimes.
I do approve of Indiana moving in the right direction. $5,000 and a year behind bars for possession of half a gram does seem a tad excessive when you stop and think about it.
How soon will we see a case of a marijuana tourists accidentally leaving a half of gram of legally purchased weed in Colorado in the bottom of their suitcase, and then get arrested and put in jail for one year in Indiana when the police find stray crumbs?
OccupyStephanie reminds us that the for profit prison companies are going to fight this tooth and nail.
5:04 PM PT: Here's me and my girlfriend having a long walk on the beach, after folks told me in the poll last night I should go out and play with here rather than keep writing here.
5:12 PM PT: Oh, also, I heard from Hypnotoad to who says hello. I'm not having him suggest that you rec this post as that would not respect your self-determinism and I've also vowed only to use the magic of the Hypnotoad for purposes of good and not for personal gain.
Ribbit!