You’ve probably heard me say “I have heard about” [how] It’s a violation of the First Amendment. It’s not true.
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana lawmakers could ban all marijuana advertising within state lines under an amendment adopted Monday in a transportation-focused committee. This amendment goes further than the prohibition on billboards imposed by a Senate committee last week.
Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, said that his district is “inundated with” billboards advertising marijuana illegal. Michigan legalized the drug in this district.
That’s not it.
“My constituents, myself included, receive up to two—what would look like political mailers—a week advertising an illegal substance” at dispensaries in nearby New Buffalo, per Pressel. Pressel chairs the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
In an effort to ban advertising for marijuana, he inserted the amendment into Senate Bill 73 (which deals with sales of utility trailers). Indiana’s attorney-general could file a lawsuit for civil penalties, injunctions up to $15,000 as well as “reasonable expenses” during the investigation.
You’ve probably heard me say “I have heard about” [how] The First Amendment is something I am trampling. Pressel said, “I don’t think that is true.” He quoted a decision of a federal appellate court that stated, “basically if you are involved in a criminal act, then your First Amendment rights to advertise do not apply.” This is my understanding.
The law would become effective upon passage. Contracts entered into before approval would not be allowed to advertise.
The Committee accepted the edited versions by unanimous consent.
Pressel, who told reporters the panel was “dealing with billboard issues constantly,” acknowledged his amendment’s impact on mailers and truck ads, as well as television. This could also affect online activities.
“We’re able to geofence a lot of different things…So is it possible to geofence that out? Pressel stated, “I think it is possible to geofence that out but cannot confirm this.” I haven’t spoken to them.”
Pressel added an amendment to Senate Bill 73 that inserted revised regulations for towing. The proposal was advanced on a 12–0 vote.
The original publication of this story is Indiana Capital Chronicle.
A new study shows that nurses who use CBD-infused pillowcases sleep better.
Side Pocket Images. Photo by Chris Wallis.