IndianaLocalNews

Teshka: Indiana preparing for potential changes to marijuana laws

O'Dea at WikiCommons [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
On January 9th, Cannabis Day, advocates and opponents of marijuana legalization gathered at the Indiana State House for a rally hosted by Americans for Prosperity. The organization believes that legalizing cannabis has the potential to boost small businesses, create jobs, and generate revenue for necessary services. Additionally, they argue that it could allow Indiana law enforcement to focus on violent crimes while being mindful of taxpayers.
State Representative Jake Teshka, stated to 93 WIBC’s Tony Katz that Americans for Prosperity is approaching the issue from a criminal justice standpoint. “You might have how many untold thousands of Hoosiers today being busted for simple possession, and they’re stuck with a record for the rest of their life” he said.
Indiana currently has strict laws against the recreational use of marijuana, with possession of any amount classified as a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $1000. The sale or cultivation of more than 10 lbs or within 1,000 feet of a school or other specialized area carries a minimum sentence of 2-8 years and a fine of $10,000.
However, possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana was decriminalized in Marion County on September 30, 2019.
Despite calls for reform, Governor Holcomb has stated that he will not legalize marijuana in Indiana until the federal law changes. “While some states have chosen to ignore [the prohibition on marijuana], I will not. I will uphold all laws, regardless of my personal beliefs,” he said.
Teshka also indicated that the state is preparing for potential changes to marijuana laws under the Biden Administration. “We know the Biden Administration has called for a look at this, to see if we can reschedule or deschedule, and we want to be prepared for that. We want to make sure that Hoosiers get a first crack at setting up businesses rather than multi-state operators coming in to swoop up the market,” he said.
The rally ended at 3 pm, after a day of spirited debate and discussion on the future of marijuana in Indiana.

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8 comments

Mitzi Hart January 10, 2023 at 7:55 am

As long as Holcomb is governed in indiana a lot of Hoosiers have no voice. Do not let him keep his seat next term we need a voice

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Charles U Farley January 10, 2023 at 1:03 pm

Holcomb is term limited. He cannot keep his seat next term.

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Crazy Legs January 10, 2023 at 12:49 pm

Mitzi, he is term limited, when this term ends he’s gone. It can’t happen too soon as far as I’m concerned. What should concern you is he will likely run for Senator Braun’s seat. Let’s make sure that outcome is defeated in the primary.

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Mary January 10, 2023 at 1:50 pm

You are so right
He is one of the good Old boys
That’s keeping INDIANA ass backwards.
It took how many years to change the law
To be able to purchase alcohol on Sundays.
He preaches about ALL the opioid over doses
In Indiana. Maybe just maybe the legalization
Of marijuana might reduce those numbers.
But he is so set in his ways it’s ridicule.
He’s not interested in issues with the elderly
Mainly how many of them are having to choose
between medication, utilities, rent or food.
I’m one of those people I receive $21 from SNAP
WITH THE price of inflation it doesn’t buy much of
anything.
GOV HOLCOMB NEEDS TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING WITH $21 to see what he can purchase.
Hell he just needs to get out of his protective bubble wrap and see how his LITTLE ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVE

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Anita Smith January 10, 2023 at 2:52 pm

He’s definitely OUT!!!!!

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Scott Rock January 11, 2023 at 1:48 am

Indiana is stuck in its old ways and its not like the law on weed stops anyone from obtaining it. Holcomb is a fool and needs to be replace with someone younger who has a better grasp on the people of Indiana

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Adam January 11, 2023 at 8:34 am

The people from Illinois and Michigan come to Indiana to buy legal fireworks. The people from Indiana go to Illinois and Michigan to buy weed where it’s legal. It seems there are a lot of Outlaws bringing illegal items across state lines. 😳

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Mike Waskom January 12, 2023 at 11:00 am

The Author of this article needs to be replaced for providing bad info! Why would they write that Gov Holcombs stance on the Legalization of Marijuana is still “Not while I’m in Office”? A little over a week ago Gov Holcomb stated that he is ready to sign off on measures to lay the groundwork for Legalized Marjauna in Indiana. The Governor also stated that if Legislation could be worked out between both Chambers and it reached his desk, that he was prepared to sign it into Law.

Why would the author not include this in his article? By not doing so, as you can see by readers comments, draws much dislike for our Governor. I am a very strong Democrat and I will admit that I’ve said the same bad things about him. But, I will also give credit where credit is due. As a lifetime Hoosier, a 22yr Disabled Army Veteran, and a person who wants what is best for the vast majority of his fellow Hoosiers, I have to give a 2nd Gold Star to Gov Holcomb for changing his mind on the Legalization of Marijuana, the 1st Gold Star being for Expanding Medicaid in Indiana!!

This is all about the money, and the Legalization of Marijuana in Indiana will be a win win for Hoosiers. We can see how this may play out in the give and take of politics. It was reported yesterday that Indiana Republicans were eyeing the elimination of State Income Tax. Will that be the trade off which puts Republicans behind support for Legalization? Let’s all hope so!!

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