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Mirroring public opinion across several states and the nation, Hoosier views on marijuana are favorable, with more than 85 percent of respondents saying that marijuana should be legal in some form, and only 15 percent of respondents saying it should be illegal.
Pretty far out there, to pull the executive order card on crafting cannabis reform. The govornor should work with lawmakers and simply say they would support medical use or adult use legislation. This is far fetched business talking about executive orders. Can't she work with the legislators to get something done.
State legislature hesitated to even bring up the debate about cannabis simply because Gov. Holcomb said outright he would veto any cannabis reform bills that are in conflict with federal law.
Feds are dragging their heels on resolving the conflict between federal and state laws because the establishment authorities are trying to push traditionally republican states into democrat operating states.
The docs tried a lot of different drugs on me, none came close to the abilities of Cannabis. If i would be looking for a place to move to in the USA, things would be easier having this state vs federal thing decided. Not holding my breath, i'm looking at Canada and elsewhere.
Yeah its been such a lawless situation for so many years. The only piece of legislation protecting state medical cannabis activities has been a Federal annual budget rider attachment which has to be renewed every year. There is no protection for adult use cannabis in states which have legalized it, but the only protection for patients is an annually renewed rider. Industry also has no protections for their investments.
Lawlessness is not a good sign in my opinion, and I'm wondering if its signs of times to come where the government operates more and more outside of legislation, with more of a executive order, agency-driven, spending bill vote on everything type of government.
Won't be safe in canada if CoVid poppes back up or some other issue arises where they want to exercise authority that steps on human rights.
Tough to tell patients this, as I am in the same boat as you, big pharma medicine doesn't compare, but stay and fight the good fight. There are others who really are not able to physically or mentally advocate for change, but they or their loved ones need the cannabis medicine.
This Gubernatorial Nominee's Cannabis Plan Could Generate $172M Annually For 'Island Of Prohibition' Indiana
Story by Jelena Martinovic
• 4d
Indiana lawmakers didn't move on with marijuana reform in the interim session, but Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick has a different stance on the cannabis legalization issue. If elected governor in the general election this November, she would work on setting up a medical cannabis industry as a step toward legalization of recreational marijuana, reported Indiana Capital Chronicle.
island. All the states around us are … at some level, legalizing marijuana, and have benefited in several ways. And so it is time for Indiana to join in on this policy."
McCormick's opponent, Republican Mike Braun, said earlier this year that some form of legalization in every state is likely within the next decade.
"My key thing would be to get with law enforcement to see what they think, because they’re the ones that are gonna have to spend the time, put their lives on the line," Braun told IPBS News.
Her plan also includes the regulation of currently unregulated hemp-derived THC products that are available statewide in gas stations and smoke shops.
Last, but not least, the gubernatorial nominee said the Hoosier State could garner $172 million annually following the legalization of the plant. That money would go to "many towns and cities and schools and libraries and law enforcement," as well as "mental health space and also combating illegal … substance abuse."
She added marijuana use is a reality in Indiana, highlighting the state is currently not benefiting from it. "We're just not receiving the revenue for that," McCormick said.
Indiana Democrats proposed bills to legalize medical and adult-use cannabis earlier this year. The initiative marked a departure from the state's historically stringent cannabis policy. However, the state lawmakers decided not to change Indiana's "island of prohibition" status.
If elected governor, Democrat Jennifer McCormick would work to establish a medical marijuana industry before transitioning to full adult-use cannabis, she said Thursday.
“Across the state, Terry (Goodin) and I are hearing Hoosiers who are ready for Indiana to take this step,” she said in a press conference with reporters. “We’re on an island. All the states around us are … at some level, legalizing marijuana, and have benefited in several ways. And so it is time for Indiana to join in on this policy.”
Three of Indiana’s four neighbors have legalized recreational marijuana — Illinois, Michigan and Ohio — while Kentucky has legalized medical marijuana.
McCormick and running mate Goodin want to start with a “thoughtful” commission to hammer out how legalization would work in Indiana. McCormick asserted that the issue isn’t partisan, as many people have changed their minds on the topic.
It’s the third week in a row that McCormick has laid out a proposal on a specific topic; she has also released plans on education and ethics reform.
GOP gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun told IPBS News in April that he expects some form of legalization in every state within the next decade.
“My key thing would be to get with law enforcement to see what they think, because they’re the ones that are gonna have to spend the time, put their lives on the line,” Braun said.
Libertarian Donald Rainwater, who is also running for governor, supports both medical and recreational legalization.
Democrats and some Republicans have been pushing the General Assembly to legalize for several sessions but many conservative Republicans remain opposed. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and some law enforcement groups have expressed opposition.
Republicans control both chambers of the legislature.
How it would work
McCormick’s plan begins with creation of an Indiana Cannabis Commission to oversee the legal cannabis industry, including regulation, licensing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Her campaign said the independent body would help Indiana develop a well-regulated cannabis market, protecting Hoosiers and ensuring transparency as the state transitions to full legalization.
McCormick said the state should establish a medical marijuana industry first and learn from successes or barriers before legalizing recreational marijuana. She noted many Americans use marijuana to help with anxiety, terminal illness and mental health. She said there is no timeline for the process.
The plan also addresses the issue of unregulated hemp-derived THC products currently flooding Indiana’s gas stations and smoke shops. By regulating these substances, the campaign said, the state would protect consumers and ensure that cannabis products meet safety standards.
And then there’s the money. McCormick said one estimate is that legalization could generate $172 million annually for Indiana.
She would prefer the money make its way to local government, saying it’s not a lot of money in terms of the state’s $22 billion annual budget.
“We have heard from many towns and cities and schools and libraries and law enforcement that they are in need of dollars,” McCormick said. “We also could use some of those dollars in that mental health space and also combating illegal … substance abuse.”
Some states have seen rising levels of addiction and issues with impaired driving, which she acknowledged. But she said Indiana can take lessons from other states that have already charted a path.
“Learning from others is incredibly important … those who are around us have an established system. It’s here, so they’re already dealing with many of the concerns and issues that we would be talking about in the commission,” McCormick said.
She added that marijuana usage already exists in Indiana – “We’re just not receiving the revenue for that.”
Introduction: As your next Governor, I will be committed to promoting individual freedom, compassionate healthcare, and sensible drug policies....
www.rainwaterforindiana.com
Advancing Cannabis Reform in Indiana Through Decriminalization and Legalization
Introduction: As your next Governor, I will be committed to promoting individual freedom, compassionate healthcare, and sensible drug policies. Let’s explore the reasons behind our push for cannabis reform:
Medical Cannabis: A Compassionate Choice:
Compassion: My philosophy recognizes that individuals should have the right to make informed decisions about their health. Denying medical cannabis to those suffering from psychological, emotional, or physical pain is unjust.
Veterans and Pain Management: Military veterans, who have sacrificed for our nation, deserve access to viable alternatives. Medicinal cannabis has demonstrated efficacy in managing pain, PTSD, and other conditions.
Cancer Patients: The side effects of chemotherapy can be debilitating. Medicinal cannabis provides relief from nausea, appetite loss, and pain. Denying this option is a disservice to cancer patients.
Decriminalization for Non-Violent Offenses:
Justice: Our criminal justice system should prioritize violent crimes, not non-violent drug offenses. Individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses should not face harsh sentences.
Immediate Commutation: Those currently incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses deserve a second chance. I pledge to commute their sentences immediately and work toward expunging their convictions.
Restoring Lives: Expungement allows individuals to rebuild their lives, find employment, and contribute positively to society. It’s a step toward justice and redemption.
Consistency:
Level Playing Field: If beer, wine, and liquor are legal for adult recreational consumption, it’s only fair that all forms of cannabis receive the same treatment.
Inconsistencies in Prohibition: Prohibition of cannabis has disproportionately affected marginalized communities. Legalization ensures consistency in our laws.
Economic Opportunities and Tax Revenue:
Job Creation: A regulated cannabis industry can create jobs—from cultivation to retail. This bolsters our economy and provides employment opportunities.
Tax Revenue: Legalization generates tax revenue that can fund essential services. Let’s allocate these funds wisely, benefiting education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Indiana as a Beacon of Liberty:
Lead by Example: By embracing cannabis reform, Indiana becomes a beacon of liberty and rational policy. We inspire other states to follow suit.
Personal Responsibility: Adults should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. Responsible cannabis use is a matter of personal responsibility, not government mandate.
Conclusion: Let’s prioritize compassion, justice, and common sense. Legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis aligns with our values. Together, we can build a better Indiana—one where individual rights are respected, and healing options abound.
Where Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater stand on the most important issues of the day.
sixerswire.usatoday.com
Cannabis legalization
The issue: By next year, all of Indiana's neighbors will have legalized some form of marijuana, ushering in a lucrative new source of tax revenue, but it remains a public safety concern for some groups.
What Braun proposes: Medical marijuana "makes sense," Braun said on the debate stage recently, but he maintains he wants to take his cue from law enforcement. He wouldn't go that far with regard to recreational marijauna.
Drug Policy Overview The War on Drugs is at the root of a staggering array of problems in today’s society. Captain Peter Christ (Ret.) Demolishes the War