The Democratic candidate for Indiana attorney general is calling on the state to legalize marijuana, saying that doing so would reduce the state's prison and jail populations and generate millions of dollars for public education.

The legislation said if a local prosecutor makes a policy decision not to prosecute certain crimes, the Indiana Attorney General could appoint a special prosecutor to do so and charge the county to pay for it.

A Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday that retaliates against Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears over his decision not to prosecute simple marijuana possession.

Marijuana advocates gathered outside the Statehouse Monday in support of several bills. Lawmakers who spoke at the rally say they don't expect legalization this year.

The Lake County Council endorsed an ordinance Tuesday that would give sheriff's deputies the discretion to write tickets for possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana.

Shortly after he became interim Marion County Prosecutor, Ryan Mears made it policy to dismiss simple marijuana possession cases. He has since been elected to fulfill Terry Currys term through Dec. 31, 2022.

The announcement comes one day after Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said his office would not press criminal charges against those found with less than one ounce of marijuana.

Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the new policy Monday, saying the office will focus on prosecuting violent crimes.

Patients taking medical marijuana say they have fewer side effects than other medications, but not everyone is sold on the benefits.

Carmel High School has seen a surge in students being sent to emergency rooms after using marijuana's psychoactive ingredient in electronic cigarettes.