Indiana Prosecutors Formally Oppose Marijuana Legalization

Representatives of the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc., Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), the Boone County Sheriff's Department and The Indiana Chamber of Commerce took part in a press conference Wednesday, called The Truth About Marijuana, where they voiced their opposition to legalizing the drug. Participants delivered a message during the conference centered on opposing the legalization of marijuana in any form, for any purpose, the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc., said in a release. The representatives spoke during the conference inside the Indianapolis Sheraton at Keystone at the Crossing, as the state's attorneys said pro-legalization forces are focusing on Indiana with the opening day of the Indiana General Assembly's 2018 session being next month.

Because of next month's opening day, officials say prosecutors and allies believed now was the time to spread truth about all forms of marijuana.

RELATED: Prosecutors Seek Opposition to Marijuana Legalization In Indiana

The Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc., said the following officials spoke during Wednesday's press conference:

• David N. Powell, executive secretary and Richard Hertel, president of the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc. Hertel is also the elected prosecutor of Ripley County.
• Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an organization that has been successful with grassroots opposition to marijuana legalization in a number of states.
• Mike Ripley of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber included opposition to marijuana legalization in its 2018 legislative agenda.
• Sheriff Mike Nielsen of Boone County who shared information from law enforcement colleagues in Colorado. The press conference was followed by a Truth About Marijuana Summit that included additional speakers: Indianapolis Internist Dr. Palmer MacKie and a video presentation by Indiana Attorney General Curtis T. Hill, Jr.

More information: in.gov