The state of Indiana is pretty intense when it comes to marijuana, applying some of the harshest laws in the U.S. However, someone in Indiana seems to have seen the light, as the state is considering decriminalizing marijuana in small amounts.
According to current state law, possession of even half a gram of weed is punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail. However, Sen. Karen Tallian introduced a new bill that would make possession of under two ounces an offense similar to a parking violation. Tallian's bill has gained support from those who believe it will free up tax dollars and allow law enforcement to devote their attention to more serious crime.
A poll shows that the majority of residents favor decriminalization, but the bill may have a difficult time getting passed because state legislature failed to pass something similar last year and the year before. Furthermore, Gov. Mike Pence— who thinks weed is a "gateway drug"—is not in favor of lowering drug penalties.
Hopefully, people will realize that it's not worth the time and waste of resources to levy such harsh penalties against people caught with small amounts of weed.
[via The Huffington Post]
