Home Political News Indiana Anti-Legalization Governor Open to Creating Legalization Rules

Indiana Anti-Legalization Governor Open to Creating Legalization Rules

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Indiana Anti-Legalization Governor Open to Creating Legalization Rules

Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb, R, has traditionally been against any bills regarding cannabis legalization. However, in a recent end of the year interview, Holcomb spoke about legalization in a new way. He is open to lawmakers creating their own plan to regulate cannabis should it ever become federally legal. 

“I don’t mind that at all,” the governor said. 

This would make Indiana’s cannabis legalization plan different from any other state. Lawmakers would set rules, but there would be no timeline for implementation. It’s unclear when, or even if, federal lawmakers will legalize cannabis. Most recently, the U.S. Senate removed cannabis banking from the defense spending bill, which has led to several cannabis advocates and supportive lawmakers to speak out. 

Efforts

With Governor Holcomb now on board for potential cannabis legalization, the Indiana Democrats are excited to move forward. They announced a push for legalization, and are now excited that Holcomb is on board. Voters will be pleased as well. In 2018, a poll showed 80 percent of Hoosiers supported cannabis legalization in some form, whether medical or recreational. Additionally, 78 percent of Hoosiers favor decriminalizing simple cannabis possession.

There’s also a medical cannabis bill expected to come to the Indiana General Assembly in 2022. Representative Jim Lucas, R, said, “I have a medical cannabis bill ready to go.” All surrounding states, except Kentucky who has pre-filed a medical cannabis bill, offering medical cannabis for qualifying patients. Legalization in Indiana would help the state’s revenue. 

Additionally, Illinois and Michigan offer legal recreational cannabis. Both states have reported huge tax revenue returns and even higher sales. Lawmakers are saying that many Hoosiers, along with other out of state residents, travel into these states to make purchases. This gives other states tax revenue instead of keeping funds within Indiana. 

Opposition

However, even though Governor Holcomb supports creating the rules towards legalization, he still opposes legalization outside of the federal government. 

“We’re talking about something that is illegal, and it’s just at the core of me—I’ve said this, I’ve taken a couple blows—it’s to uphold and defend the laws of the state and nation,” the governor said. “I don’t get to pick and choose. Even if I agreed with it, I couldn’t get myself to just look the other way as a lot of states have. But just because a lot of other states have doesn’t mean it’s the right thing.”

There is still hope for cannabis in the Hoosier state. Holcomb mentioned wanting to see more research into cannabis and its medical potential.

“I would encourage research, proper research, to be conducted,” he said. “We’ve got Indiana University and Purdue University that agree to participate in—an ag school, a medical school—to do the proper research as they would with any other controlled substance and get the [Food and Drug Administration] involved in and get real data.”

Next Steps

There will be bills introduced into the Indiana General Assembly, something voters and activists are excited about. However, the fight towards legalization and the opposition from Governor Holcomb will make things difficult. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

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