The Lake Station City Council has joined the Lake County Council in calling for the legalization of medical marijuana in Indiana.
The council approved a resolution by a 7-0 vote on Jan. 12, according to its sponsor, Councilman Neil Anderson, D-at large.
"It’s just something I feel passionate about," said Anderson. He said he was concerned that legalization legislation proposed in recent years by state Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, has failed to gain traction in the General Assembly.
This year, she’s authored a bill that establishes a medical marijuana program and allows caregivers and patients, with a physician recommendation, to possess marijuana for treatment of certain medical conditions.
Senate Bill 255 also creates an agency to oversee the program. The bill received one reading and has been sent to the tax and fiscal policy committee in the Senate.
Anderson said he pushed his resolution in Lake Station because he felt Tallian’s bill wasn’t getting much support. He hopes other cities follow suit, but the resolution is non-binding and only the legislature can establish the law.
"We fully understand it’s an uphill battle. We feel Lake Station is the first city to support it," said Anderson.
A recent statewide poll found 73 percent of Hoosier voters support the creation of a medical marijuana program.
In November, the Lake Council Council approved a resolution endorsing the legalization of medical marijuana by a 4-2 vote.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Lake Station Backs State Medical Marijuana Law Bid
Author: Carole Carlson
Contact: 312 222-3232
Photo Credit: Jackie Borchardt
Website: Chicago Tribune
