© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Indiana Lawmakers Hold Hearing On Marijuana Laws

An Indiana legislative committee heard testimony today as lawmakers begin studying whether to revise the state’s marijuana laws.Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Steve Dillon told the panel that punishments for possessing a small amount of pot are too severe, don’t deter people from using it and are costing the justice system tens of millions of dollars. "We can throw that $150 million a year to go after real crime like meth labs, which, when I was here in April and they had hearings, I heard four hours of people talking about drug things, and all they talked about was Oxycontin and meth labs," he said. Other witnesses asked lawmakers to create a medical marijuana program that would help people suffering from an array of illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS.Opponents say they’re concerned that more lenient pot laws could lead to even wider drug use. Governor Mitch Daniels says he wants to see the committee’s findings before taking a position on the issue.

Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.