Bill Would Remove Rolling Papers From Drug Paraphernalia List

INDIANAPOLIS – Drug paraphernalia regulations may be changing.

The bill stipulating that rolling papers – the paper used to roll marijuana joints – would no longer be considered drug paraphernalia unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday.

When reviewing a law that passed last session, Sen. Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, found that possession of rolling papers – a Class A misdemeanor – was actually a higher offense than possession of marijuana.

Because rolling papers have legal uses – such as rolling tobacco – Bray said they need to be excluded from the drug paraphernalia classification.

In addition to changing the status of rolling papers, Senate Bill 37 also extends a law regarding syringes. Indiana’s current law states that possession of a syringe with intent of drug use is a Level 6 felony, but it fails to mention heroin or meth.

Bray’s bill would change the state law so narcotic drugs are included.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Hannah Troyer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.