Currently in Indiana, and under federal law, marijuana consumption, possession, distribution, trafficking, and cultivation are all illegal, and punishable by jail time, fines, and much more. Although several states within the country have decriminalized marijuana on local and state levels, marijuana continues to be against the law in the eyes of the federal government. However, Senate Democrats have recently unveiled a new bill that would decriminalize marijuana on a federal level.

Continue reading to learn some facts regarding the current news on the decriminalization of marijuana, as well as what you need to do right now if you are facing marijuana drug crimes in Indiana.

Facts About the New Federal Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

Yesterday, Wednesday, July 14th, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden led the unveiling of the new Federal marijuana decriminalization bill. Although this new draft does not legalize the sales and distribution of cannabis products and marijuana itself, it does decriminalize it by ending federal enforcement against marijuana crimes.

During the unveiling of this new potential bill, Sen. Cory Booker pointed out that in 2019 alone, there were more arrests for minor marijuana offenses than there were for violent crimes. Ultimately, the Democrat’s mission is to in the war marijuana.

How the Bill Can Help

Senate Democrats suggest that this could be monumentally advantageous to our economies, and as a state in whole. According to Sen. Ron Wyden, the passing of this bill would help generate revenues that would be directly applied to the support and restoration of those whose lives were affected by the war on drugs.

Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated that many of these outdated federal laws, such as the one on minor, non-violent marijuana crimes, significantly impact people’s lives in a negative way, holding them back from employment opportunities, good income, good credit, and simply being able to live a normal life.

In addition to promoting leniency against minor marijuana offenses, this new bill also pushes for justice for minority groups.

There are Many Who are Opposed

However, there are some opposed to this new potential marijuana decriminalization bill. For instance, Luke Niforatos with Smart Approaches to Marijuana insists that if this bill were to be passed, it would be harmful to our society. He strongly believes that this idea of decriminalizing marijuana is aligned with the same type of company missions created by tobacco, alcohol and big Pharma, stating, “It’s invested in by tobacco, alcohol and pharma — the drug is much more potent and much more addictive than it’s ever been (…)”.

Will it Pass?

If this bill were to pass, it would decriminalize marijuana on a federal level, but still allow states to keep marijuana illegal on a state level. In addition to legislation removing marijuana from the list of federal controlled substances, thus allowing cannabis-based business to be eligible for banking, as well as regulate and tax all marijuana sales.

Upon the passing this bill, marijuana sales up to 10 ounces for individuals 21 and older would be permitted. Furthermore, there would also be criminal expungement rights to seal or destroy criminal records for those who were charged and convicted with a minor or non-violent marijuana offense in the past.

In order for the new federal marijuana decriminalization bill to be passed, at least 10 Republicans must be in agreements and vote for the bill to move forward. It is very likely that this bill will see more revisions before it is officially introduced.

Current CBD and Marijuana Laws in Indiana

Currently in Indiana, possession of just a single marijuana joint is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Our state is one of the few state’s left that still imposes imprisonment penalties for minor and nonviolent marijuana offenses.

CBD oils and vape pens have been legal in Indiana since 2018, when Gov. Eric Holcomb legalized low-THC CBD derived from industrial hemp. There are now many CBD stores and retailers all across the state that sell a wide variety of CBD-based products, legally. So long as a CBD product meets certain labeling requirements and has 0.3 percent or less THC content, it is perfectly legal under state and federal law.

Are you currently facing misdemeanor or felony marijuana charges? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned marijuana crime lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Get started on your drug crime defense now!

You Should Also Read:

Marion County Grants Legal Leniency for Minor Marijuana Offenses
Is it Legal to Buy Marijuana in Illinois and Bring it Back to Indiana?
Can I Buy Marijuana in Michigan and Bring it Home to Indiana?