It’s a decision that some locally say is important.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to put people in jail for months or even years just because you had marijuana on you,” said Jayden Washington, community member.
“In my mind, especially with the size of Marion County, that’s a pretty big decision,” said Terry Modesitt, Vigo County Prosecutor.
While recognizing it’s significance, Modesitt says he doesn’t believe that the relaxed enforcement of marijuana laws is the right move at this time.
“I mean is it looked at as an invite that ‘Hey, it’s ok to come to Marion County and be more involved in the drug world and everything because they’ve already decided they’re not going to enforce these laws so what’s going to be next?’”, Modesitt said.
Modesitt says several years ago it was decided in Vigo County that cases involving small amounts of marijuana would result in a ticket versus jail time.
This decision was made to combat jail overcrowding.
“We summons in possession of marijuana cases, which means they don’t go to jail at all. It’s just like a speeding ticket or whatever, and they’re summoned to appear in court,” Modesitt said.
As for the possibility of Vigo County following in the footsteps of Marion County, Modesitt says while he is prosecutor he will enforce the laws that come from the statehouse.
“If they decide as a legislator that it’s no longer a crime, then we will react accordingly and they won’t be charged any further,” Modesitt said.
The new rule in Marion County does not allow for marijuana to be grown, trafficked, or for a person to drive while under the influence.
Those in possession must also be 18 and public consumption remains illegal.
