Indiana News

New Push For Cannabis Legalization Across Hoosier State

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (NETWORK INDIANA):  Cannabis is still an illegal substance in Indiana. Some people want to change that, enough that a summer study committee of the state legislature met and heard testimony, discussing what would happen if it were to be made legal in the state.

“They had a really great committee,” said Andy Bauman, marijuana lobbyist in Indiana, talking to IndyPolitics. “What I liked about it they had a lot of professionals come in, where it wasn’t just enthusiasts but it was doctors, researchers, economic professors.”

Bauman said the people testifying brought the data.

Bauman said he believes Indiana should go about legalization in a careful manner, establishing some standards.

“Each state does it differently, which leads into some problems. When it does finally go federally legal, which it will in the next couple of years, that’s gonna lead to a lot of interstate commerce issues.”

It is important to note that people have predicted two things for years: cannabis will become legal federally and Indiana will legalize marijuana.

Still, some state lawmakers are confident that it’s at least a possibility.

“There’s no time to kick this down the road. We need to operate now,” said state Sen. Greg Taylor, a Democrat from Indianapolis. “Otherwise we’re gonna see ourselves in a position where what the federal government does will prohibit us from making sure Hoosiers benefit from some of the revenue associated with cannabis.”

He has introduced bills before to decriminalize cannabis. They, like all others, have failed.

CBD is legal in the state, in many forms. It contains minute traces of THC.

Taylor said he’s cautiously optimistic, seeing that 37 other states, including Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, have some form of legal cannabis.

“We heard testimony from people who have seen benefits from cannabis in their medical situations and it could address some of the opioid problems we have ion the State of Indiana,” said Taylor.

Bauman said it could mean as many as 30,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs for Hoosiers.

But, whether it becomes legal is up to the state legislature, and to an extent the governor, both historically stubborn about the matter, Bauman said perhaps because of miseducation about the product.

The General Assembly meets in January.

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12 comments

Brian Kelly September 26, 2022 at 8:16 am

Cannabis consumers deserve and demand equal rights and protections under our laws that are currently afforded to the drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly, yet perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised and even glorified as an All-American pastime, alcohol.

Plain and simple!

Legalize Nationwide Federally Now!

The “War on Cannabis” has been a complete and utter failure. It is the largest component of the broader yet equally unsuccessful “War on Drugs” that has cost our country over a trillion dollars.

Instead of The United States wasting Billions upon Billions more of our yearly tax dollars fighting a never ending “War on Cannabis”, lets generate Billions of dollars, and improve the deficit instead. Especially now, due to Covid-19. It’s a no brainer.

The Prohibition of Cannabis has also ruined the lives of many of our loved ones. In numbers greater than any other nation, our loved ones are being sent to jail and are being given permanent criminal records. Especially, if they happen to be of the “wrong” skin color or they happen to be from the “wrong” neighborhood. Which ruin their chances of employment for the rest of their lives, and for what reason?

Cannabis is much safer to consume than alcohol. Yet do we lock people up for choosing to drink?

Let’s end this hypocrisy now!

The government should never attempt to legislate morality by creating victim-less cannabis “crimes” because it simply does not work and costs the taxpayers a fortune.

Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think and there is nothing they can do to stop it!

Legalize Nationwide! Support Each and Every Cannabis Legalization Initiative!

Reply
Brian Kelly's friend September 27, 2022 at 3:52 pm

Brian Kelly,

You make some interesting points. None of which I fully agree with.
1) “drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly” – Based on What? You do not have data to back up that claim since Weed has not been legalized, widely used for any real period of time.
2) “War on Cannabis” – This term is new to me…just always thought it was included with the “war on drugs” since Weed can be laced with various other drugs (while Alcohol cannot), and weed smokers can just claim “its just weed”.

Perhaps you would like other drugs [within the war on drugs] to be allowed (just like Oregon) so that Cocaine [take your pick of illegal drugs] consumers can have “equal rights”. YES, I’m making the “Slippery-slope” argument.

3) “creating victim-less cannabis “crimes” “ – it’s called a “gateway drug” for a reason. See point #2 above.
4) “Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality” & “lets generate Billions of dollars,”– you must be an investor. LOL Now you lost me.
5) “if they happen to be of the “wrong” skin color…” – Prior to this comment, the other points were open for discussion. Now the YOU BECAME RACIST with your comments, the rest of the discussion was a waste of time. Now you certainly lost me.

Good luck with your Lobbying, hope your investment works out, and I’m a definite NO!

In a Country where the Federal Government is failing us in every aspect, the last thing I would want is for an entire population of people to be stoned and just accept everything.

Reply
Sean Johnston September 28, 2022 at 11:49 am

all from reputable sources:
1. https://www.livescience.com/42738-marijuana-vs-alcohol-health-effects.html
2. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/a-brief-global-history-of-the-war-on-cannabis/
3. Really couldn’t find much on this from non cannabis sites. But I would offer the following link and direct you back to #2
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/life-sentence-for-marijuana_n_3403504
4.https://taxfoundation.org/recreational-marijuana-tax-revenue-by-state/
5. I am not touching this on with a ten foot pole as the individual skin hues of people and where they reside should in theory have very little impact on anything. I know that sometimes they do, but they don’t to me and those I surround myself with, which is the best anyone can do.

I get that you do not like the idea of legalization. Guess what, that is OK. But for those of us that think it should be legalized, that’s OK as well. You seemed like you were lacking the view from all sides in your post, so I am merely attempting to offer some insight to the other side to you.

At the end of the work day, many people go home and have a beer or cup of wine. Yes, not everyone. Yet, many do. Is it really all that bad to rather have a toke or two instead of that beverage to take the edge off and relax a bit? Just like the beer or wine, the goal is not always to get hammered.
Anyway
Live and let love.
Love and let live.

Reply
notsnhoj naes September 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm

1. There are many phrases in the link you posted “researchers looking to study long-term marijuana use have had difficulty”….” marijuana has also limited research in this field.”….” What’s going to be the ultimate result, nobody can say.””….So Thank You for Proving My Point!!
2. Straight from your link….”At the time, marijuana, along with other mind-altering plants,”…even your “history of the war on cannabis” acknowledges its properties and just because you post a Pro-Weed article that singles out weed and doesn’t include Other “mind altering drugs” as part of the war on drugs conversation doesn’t negate my point. LOL
3. On a side-note…If you post a source, ,make sure it doesn’t include “American Civil Liberties Union published a new report”…ACLU is a disgusting organization as they are ALWAYS trying to take away Peter’s Rights and give them to Paul. They also have a History of leaving out very important FACTS regarding cases, so you really need to find another source.
4. Not sure why you posted link since most everyone is fully aware of taxation & revenue potentials…. However, you must agree that Brian Kelly is an investor.

Also, since your article claims “with most states experiencing reduced tax revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, several are contemplating whether recreational marijuana legalization and taxation may be one avenue to raise new revenue. “ this point is irrelevant with Indiana is making so much money they are giving it back. But you know that because you’re from Indiana, right? https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/economy/tax-rebates-checks-way-indiana-residents-325

You can criticize me all that you want by claiming “you were lacking the view from all sides”… I also didn’t see anything from you to Refute my “gateway” point OR the fact it can be laced OR the point I made that this legislation could be a “Slippery-slope” just like Oregon.

Perhaps you are the one that should do little more research… try taking a look at the whole picture, not just from those trying to sell this idea.

Reply
Sean Johnston September 29, 2022 at 10:19 am

You looked at the links. Thank you for taking the time.
I was not trying to criticize you, rile you, or make anyone upset and apologize if I did come across that way.
It is OK to have your view. It is OK to have my view.
Debating those we disagree with will always get better end results when we see each other as the imperfect human beings we all are without belittling or pointing out our downfalls in a demeaning manner. It is hard to change the hearts and minds of people.
I wish you well.
Live and let love.
Love and let live.

Brian Kelly September 26, 2022 at 8:17 am

Cannabis consumers deserve and demand equal rights and protections under our laws that are currently afforded to the drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly, yet perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised and even glorified as an All-American pastime, alcohol.

Plain and simple!

Legalize Nationwide Federally Now!

The “War on Cannabis” has been a complete and utter failure. It is the largest component of the broader yet equally unsuccessful “War on Drugs” that has cost our country over a trillion dollars.

Instead of The United States wasting Billions upon Billions more of our yearly tax dollars fighting a never ending “War on Cannabis”, lets generate Billions of dollars, and improve the deficit instead. Especially now, due to Covid-19. It’s a no brainer.

The Prohibition of Cannabis has also ruined the lives of many of our loved ones. In numbers greater than any other nation, our loved ones are being sent to jail and are being given permanent criminal records. Especially, if they happen to be of the “wrong” skin color or they happen to be from the “wrong” neighborhood. Which ruin their chances of employment for the rest of their lives, and for what reason?

Cannabis is much safer to consume than alcohol. Yet do we lock people up for choosing to drink?

Let’s end this hypocrisy now!

The government should never attempt to legislate morality by creating victim-less cannabis “crimes” because it simply does not work and costs the taxpayers a fortune.

Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think and there is nothing they can do to stop it!

Legalize Nationwide! Support Each and Every Cannabis Legalization Initiative!

Reply
seems like a bad idea.... September 29, 2022 at 10:27 am

Brian, you Friend posted some really good reply to your 1st post.

Here’s some good points to consider:

…….Lower Motivation

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201307/does-long-term-cannabis-use-stifle-motivation

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20160902/for-pot-smokers-ambition-may-go-up-in-smoke

……..If you use around kids/teens or Kids/teen Use – Reduced Brain development

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain#:~:text=Some%20studies%20suggest%20regular%20marijuana,people%20who%20do%20not%20use.

…..Marijuana use can impair functions such as attention, memory, and learning, and these effects can last up to several days beyond the time of actual “high”.

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/effects-of-marijuana-on-teenage-brain

….The concentration of active ingredients in gradually increased from ~4% to as high as 20%-30% today, therefore, translating the historical use to today’s use and saying they are equal is False, which also means we don’t have good data on the effects of these higher level sof THC.

https://getfluent.com/the-evolution-of-high-potency-cannabis/#:~:text=The%202000s%20to%20Today,of%20THC%20and%20its%20effects.

…..Cannabis use as a gateway for Teens – “104 times more likely to use cocaine”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7359408/

Reply
Sean Johnston September 29, 2022 at 11:59 am

I love your format in showing information and getting your views across!
It is very true that weed has gotten exponentially stronger in recent decade. I (hypothetically speaking of course) personally do not like the effects of the higher concentrations as it would just be way too much to handle, way to quickly for myself, personally.
But in the end, I still think it is up to the individual persons, who are of age and legal adults, to partake of any conscious altering substance responsibly.
If they can not be responsible, then that right should be forfeit through punishment such as loss of driving privileges. (Much the same as alcohol)
Lastly, I would never condone non adults in partaking of any conscious altering substance be it alcohol or weed or other. Nor should an adult choosing to partake, do it around children and teens.
If adults are responsible with it, are they hurting anyone else beyond themselves?
The fact is that weed has never not been around, illegal or not. Some people will choose to use it and some will not.
Why not make a revenue off the situation instead of sending people to jail for having a joint in their pocket or taking a joint to a friends house for cookout and movie night.
I also would put forward a hypothesis that maybe, just perhaps, if weed were legalized in the same way as alcohol, perhaps less teens would try it as the thrill of it would be lessened. Just some thoughts.
I will stress that your beliefs are OK. Mine are OK as well.
Live and let love.
Love and let live.

Reply
Turn society around, then we may agree September 30, 2022 at 4:34 pm

I do agree with you a few of your points:

Adults need to be responsible for their actions …abuse is abuse at any level no matter the substance.

Also agree, “less teens would try it as the thrill of it would be lessened”….the drinking age in England is much less than 21 (I could drink when I was there as a teenager) and they don’t seem to have the abuse as with it is here. Teens in the UK don’t have that “Thrill” as you mention. Legalizing Weed might have that same effect.

It’s one thing if its just… good people coming home from work and smoking a joint…Responsible people chilling out is never the problem.

The problem with legalizing Weed is… what impact would it have on our society as a whole? Society as a whole in the US is heading the wrong direction very fast via Moral Decay with the Cancer known as “Woke”. People that are “Woke”, already don’t have any concept of reality, logic, reason or Fact.

Would legalizing Weed add to the moral decay, or reduce it? I think it would add to it for the 1st – 3 reasons (with sources) mentioned above in the prior comment, making these Woke Morons even dumber/care-free/lack of responsibility & accountability IF that’s even possible.

Also, I think the good people that Chill out might just say F-it even more quickly, instead of the appropriate amount of push-back against the Woke Cancer.

I do appreciate the discussion though…..I just don’t think we are there yet

Reply
Sean Johnston October 1, 2022 at 9:18 am

You make several valid points as well. It is impossible to counter the fact that society has changed dramatically.
Though I am somewhere aligning with your line of thinking here, I would also say that every generation that comes before since at least the 1900s, has thought the next generation is lazy and lost and ending the country down the tubes.
In much the same way that every generation that comes after lays the fault at the feet of the previous generations…. at least until they are matured adults.
Some examples might be: prohibition of alcohol, Vietnam and hippies, TV will rot your brain, Rock and roll will claim your soul, among many others.
Like I said, I am in agreeance that this newer group seems over entitled and want things given to them that they have not earned. They seem to want to blame others rather than taking resposibility and fixing whatever it is. —— But not ALL of them are like that, and as they grow older, many will naturally grow up and change as did we. (unfortunately, not all)
But hey, Debate with no hate with you is enjoyable. Thank you.

Natural remedies please March 6, 2023 at 3:21 pm

legalize it! I live in indiana and it’s a much safer alternative vs pills. we are finding out the pills are causing bad effects as time goes on. I smoked pot years ago. I’m 43 years old nd don’t support man made drugs. God put it here as a natural alternative to pain relief. that’s why pills don’t grow on trees . I does help with pain ,depression and anxiety and lots of diffrent stuff. I fully support any natural alternative to medication. I’ll not vote for anyone who don’t support it.

Reply
David March 16, 2023 at 6:51 am

Thank you for such a great information…!!

Reply

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