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, but they’re making steps forward.

Outside the Statehouse, advocates asked lawmakers – specifically Gov. Eric Holcomb – to reconsider their position on medical or recreational marijuana.

Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Ogden Dunes) has introduced cannabis legislation for the past 10 years.

“We’re not going to get marijuana legalized in this Statehouse this year. It’s not going to happen,” Tallian says. “But, we’re pushing, and you have to keep doing things one step at a time.”

Demonstrators handed out free joints and other marijuana products at the rally. At one point, they thanked Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, who last fall, made it policy to dismiss simple marijuana possession cases.

Contact Lauren at lchapman@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @laurenechapman_.