To: The Indiana State House, The Indiana State Senate, and Governor Eric Holcomb
Marijuana Decriminalization
Decriminalize Marijuana in the state of Indiana!
Why is this important?
In the state of Indiana it is a Class A misdomeanor to possess marijuana in quantities less than approx. 1 oz. This offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail, 2 years probation, and a $1000 fine. However domestic battery in which there is bodily injury sustained by the victim the maximum sentence is the same. This means that possession of 1 gram of marijuana is equal in the eyes of the law to physically battering your spouse or child.
Decriminalization would allow for the recreational use of Marijuana to be recorded and tracked without causing extreme ramifications to the user. In this way Marijuana is still illegal but not a criminal offense and would be placed in the category of infractions which also contain such offenses as running a stop sign, speeding, and reckless driving. This would make those people who are not capable of handling the substance to be held accountable. It is not a question of right and wrong but a question of cruel and unusual punishment.
Decriminalization would allow for the recreational use of Marijuana to be recorded and tracked without causing extreme ramifications to the user. In this way Marijuana is still illegal but not a criminal offense and would be placed in the category of infractions which also contain such offenses as running a stop sign, speeding, and reckless driving. This would make those people who are not capable of handling the substance to be held accountable. It is not a question of right and wrong but a question of cruel and unusual punishment.