Indiana Chapter of the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML)

Jeanne Horton, a 42 year old Indianapolis resident has suffered from Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years. For the last 9 years she has been bedridden due to her condition, which has caused her to be partially paralyzed from the shoulders down. On April 3, 2001 an Indianapolis police officer was canvassing the area near Ms. Horton's apartment, which she shares with her 20 year old son, searching for a stolen gun. The officer alleged that he smelled the odor of marijuana when he approached Ms. Horton's residence, and after entering the residence he allegedly found Ms. Horton with 3 grams of marijuana and her delivery device. Ms. Horton was charged with possession for marijuana and reckless possession of paraphernalia, each charge carries a penalty of up to one year is prison and up to $5,000.00 fine. If convicted she would have also faced the loss of her government benefits, upon which she is totally dependent.

Despite the great physical hardship to her of traveling to court, Jeanne was prepared to go to trial in her case. However, just prior to the trial, the prosecutor's office agreed to dismiss the charges against Ms. Horton through a pretrial diversion. This means that all charges have been dropped against Ms. Horton, without a conviction, probation or drug testing. This resolution is a victory for Jeanne Horton. In behalf of Ms. Horton, Indiana NORML would like to thank everyone who has supported Jeanne in her courageous fight and for your continued support as she struggles daily with Multiple Sclerosis.

View a recent interview with Jeanne Horton and her attorney at http://www.pot-tv.net

Once was the time that a Marijuana activist stood alone. We were shunned, even by those who are our natural allies, even those activists in other areas who didn't hesitate to fire up and who were always on the Marijuana activists to find them the best Herb around. Many has been the time that we were called devils, baby killers, and even worse. Some of us have been physically assaulted by people who disagreed with the idea of Marijuana. Media coverage of Marijuana? Well, for quite a time that's been a myth. But things are changing.

In several locations across the country and the globe, Environmental, peace and justice, legal, Labor and other Progressive activists have been listening to the Hemp/Marijuana reasoning. They are beginning to understand we're not a bunch of wasted burnouts who just want to lay around and get high. They're beginning to listen to what we have to say. And they're beginning to see that we are telling the truth and that the entire Hemp/Marijuana issue is the lynchpin to a lot of other issues that Progressives have been fighting.

They're also beginning to understand that we've taken the brunt of abuse from government, and we've developed into a force to be reckoned with when it comes to having the courage to stand up to oppressive government.

Here in Indiana, we have Common Bonds, a coalition of Progressive organizations that have included Indiana NORML in its association. It's the first time in my memory any other organization has even tolerated local Marijuana activists, let alone genuinely consider our positions. Many of Common Bonds members have supported Indiana NORML in events. The visit by Hempcar in August of 2001 was well represented by Common Bonds members. Common Bonds was represented at the protest at the Indianapolis City-County Building in December at the Jeanne Horton trial. Common Bonds Radio, (WICR-FM, 88.7, Indianapolis, Thursday mornings from 9:10am to 9:30am) gave us excellent coverage of the Jeanne Horton affair. Indiana NORML is a member of Common Bonds.

Nationally, the Green Party of the U.S. has a specific platform plank in support of ending the Drug War. The Green Party has been instrumental in Europe at bringing about changes in drug laws and policies. The Libertarian Party has long been a supporter of relegalization. Other groups and organizations have also sided with the Marijuana Movement in working towards a more just society.

We must all work towards better understanding and cooperation among our natural allies. We need them as much as they need us. If us Marijuana Activists show up and support other organization's events, they'll help support ours. This support is crucial for all. When we stand together, and speak with a loud voice for serious and positive change, we will all win.

Erik, an 18-month-old German shepherd, joined the department last week. He is partnered with Officer Dave VanBaale. VanBaale said the dog was purchased with a $10,000 grant from the Boone County Local Coordinating Council for the Governor's Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana.

In January, the pair will begin narcotics training at the Marion County Sheriff's Department. After training is completed, Officer Erik will be the second narcotics dog in Boone County.

* Editor's Note: I live in Lebanon, we have no animal shelter, but we've got 2- $10,000 dogs.

Hi, everybody, and a safe, healthy and happy New Year to all. I'm putting together an organization called Friends and Families of Cannabis Consumers. It should have a website based at humanrights4all.org within a month. Tokers are welcome, of course, but I need a few non-consumers to make some specific points. I also need somebody to be the straight man for the organization. I see using variations of the following three statements: (1) "I don't smoke marijuana, but my friends who do smoke it are nice people who do not deserve to be punished and discriminated against." (2) "I don't smoke marijuana, but I know people who do and the PDFA's depiction of them offends me." (3) "The only way to keep it out of kids hands is to regulate it for adult use and run public education campaigns on sensible cannabis use." I also need some input from others on this tactic. Anyone with connections to the folk behind PFLAG, to which there are some obvious parallels, I'd appreciate being put in touch with them. Anyone interested RSVP ASAP