This week Democrats in the state of Indiana have called for the legislation of marijuana.
Indiana State Rep. Sue Errington of Muncie and state Rep. Vanessa Summers of Indianapolis say they are among the 80% of people in Indiana who support legalizing marijuana in some form, according to a news release from Indiana House Democrats.
“Legalization can generate an additional state revenue stream, create good-paying union jobs, bolster agriculture and business, allow for alternative medical treatments, and address racial disparities in our criminal justice systems,” Errington and Summers said in the release.
The group also notes 36 states and four territories allow the medical use of cannabis products.
The Indiana Democrats’ legislative proposal could hit hurdles by the supermajority of Republicans in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Additionally Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, said during his reelection campaign in 2020 more study is needed before Indiana allows marijuana for medical use.
Some Indiana prosecutors have already limited their prosecution of many marijuana possession cases. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, a Democrat, announced in 2019 that his office will no longer prosecute adults on possession cases of less than 1 ounce when that charge is the only or the most serious charge.“The continued criminalization of marijuana increases racial disparities in our criminal justice system and limits economic opportunities. The decision by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to no longer prosecute simple possession of marijuana cases has saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and has kept low-level and non-violent offenders out of our legal system. Hoosiers across the state deserve a more fair and equitable justice system, and the legalization of marijuana is a significant step towards that reform,” said Mears.
““Hoosiers have seen the impact that recreational and medicinal cannabis use has made on the states around us, and not only are they contributing to neighboring states’ economies, Indiana is now on the verge of losing out altogether. The Republican supermajority at the statehouse is losing its economic common sense if they do not join Democrats this session in making this opportunity a winner for the Hoosier State. Marijuana is a really popular issue, and a large majority of Hoosiers want to see this get done. Democrats are ready to take the lead on this effort because it’s a win-win for Indiana, and it’ll fulfill the Party’s consistent promise of creating a better future for Hoosier families. It’s time to legalize recreational cannabis across Indiana,” said Mike Schmuhl, chairman of Indiana Democratic Party.
“I applaud the state Democratic party for pushing the conversation on marijuana legalization. Legalization of medical marijuana would provide safe and regulated avenues for pain management for Hoosiers who live with chronic pain and veterans who struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. By continuing to criminalize marijuana, we are driving suffering Hoosiers into the addictive world of synthetic drugs and feeding our state’s already devastating opioid crisis. It’s time to give Hoosiers a better option that will not only improve their daily lives, but the well-being of Indiana as a whole,” remarked Rep. Sue Errington.
