STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2025) – State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) offered an amendment to Senate Bill 73, which he sponsored, to make the promotion of marijuana and other controlled substances illegal in Indiana.
Pressel said Northwest Indiana has seen an increase in billboard advertisements for marijuana, an illegal substance in Indiana, that can be purchased in surrounding states such as Michigan and Illinois. His amendment would prohibit the advertising of any Schedule 1 controlled substance, including marijuana, by any person, company, corporation or legal entity in the state of Indiana.
"We should not be advertising for something that is illegal to use, purchase and distribute in Indiana," Pressel said. "All that does is send mixed signals to visitors and residents alike who are not familiar with Indiana laws."
Pressel's amendment would also allow the Indiana attorney general to levy civil penalties for violations. Similar legislation was passed in Mississippi to restrict advertisements of medical marijuana. It was challenged as a First Amendment violation but was dismissed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals who ruled in favor of the new law.
Marijuana or cannabis, is a Schedule I controlled substance on the controlled substance list maintained by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in both federal and Indiana law. This means possession, use or distribution can result in a misdemeanor, but could escalate to a felony for those with prior drug convictions.
Senate Bill 73 now heads to the House floor for further consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
