(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City officials have come out in support of a proposed ban on marijuana dispensary advertising in Indiana, where the drug remains illegal.

 

Without opposition Tuesday night, the city council adopted a resolution in favor of a proposal to ban all forms of marijuana dispensary advertising in the state, and another measure that would restrict the location of billboards promoting such products. Councilman Don Przybylinski said copies of the resolution will be sent to every Indiana state senator and lawmakers serving on committees that might consider the proposals in the house and senate.

 

Przybylinski frowned upon the several billboards in Michigan City advertising dispensaries within a short drive outside New Buffalo, Michigan. He said children, especially, “should not be exposed to such advertising in their home environments.”

 

Michigan City resident Scott Mellon said he understands both sides of the issue, but the measures at the statehouse, if adopted, would be an example of government overreach, and possibly challenged in the courts based on freedom of speech laws protected in the U.S. Constitution.

 

“We can’t protect kids from the world. You think kids don’t know what’s available across the border?  They know,” he said.

 

Another resident, Tommy Kulavik, supported the city council’s decision, saying marijuana is still classified by the federal government as a controlled substance.

 

“I’m kind of getting sick and tired of getting all of their marketing material and advertising letters in my mail box,” he said.

 

Councilwoman Daisy Lee, a public school teacher, said marijuana dispensary advertising seems to “normalize” the use of illegal products in the state and encourage their use particularly among children.

 

“When these things are advertised constantly, it makes it more o.k. for the kids to have access to it,” she said.

 

Under House Bill 1026, billboards advertising marijuana would not be allowed within 1,000 feet of a school bus route, playground, and other places commonly frequented by children. That measure is before the House Committee on Commerce and Technology.

 

Senate Bill 166 banning all forms of marijuana dispensary advertising has been referred to the Senate’s Judiciary Committee.  So far, no hearings have been scheduled to consider any of the proposals.