Reply #2: Bloomington-lib, that last quote is out of context, distorting the position.

[_aust]

"We're on the very high side on penalties of small quantities, so I question whether that is effective and whether we ought to rethink that," said state Rep. Ralph Foley, R-Martinsville.

"But there's a lot of political paralysis when you use the phrase 'soft on crime.' . . . I certainly hope we can think through the issue and try to use our resources the best we can for a safe environment and to discourage the use of marijuana," Foley said.

His stance is supported by groups such as Yes MAMM, which stands for Mothers Against Meth and Marijuana.

"We're not for legalizing marijuana, even if it's for medical reasons, because marijuana is very addictive," said Pastor Sarah Barbour, who started the Indianapolis organization five years ago. "We believe that healing comes through God and through holistic means, rather than through marijuana."

The state rep in question seems to be advocating a reform, and reducing penalties, which certainly seems like a step towards de-criminalization.

That said, I fear they will listen to the idiot in question... who support this guy's push to lessen penalties.