Cannabis supporters are refusing to let legislation stifle their initiatives

Indianapolis, Indiana – Legislators in Indiana are very unlikely to take up marijuana legalization when the next session convenes in January.

Republican State Senator Kyle Walker said, “I continue to be supportive of cannabis legalization in Indiana, but will not be filing a bill this session. This is a significant policy discussion and will require more time than available during a short session.”

Hoosier business owners are permitted to market CBD-based goods because they are produced from hemp under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, popularly referred to as the hemp law.

In Fountain Square, Scott Hughes launched the WildEye Cannabis Lounge in 2021. Entry requires the signing of a waiver and the age of 21. Hughes wants to educate people and assist individuals who are suffering from chronic conditions, not get them high.

“We had an 80-year-old grandmother do her first dab at the bar right here. My parents even come in here for the wellness aspect of it, to get the CBG and CBD.”

Hughes wants Indiana’s legislature to completely decriminalize marijuana, not simply allow it for recreational use.

“Because we need some sound rules to follow, and guidelines for everyone to participate by, we need appropriate age legislation.”

The Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development heard testimony from Keith Johnson of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) on November 1st, who stated that cannabis had been helpful in his recovery from a horrific car accident.

“I finally said enough is enough,” Johnson said. “They maxed me out on morphine and pain management therapy, and I stopped all that and picked up cannabinoids.”

Since marijuana cannot be legalized by a ballot question, unlike other states, NORML is urging Hoosiers who support cannabis legalization to write their legislators.

“I really do believe that 50-state legality is inevitable,” Johnson said. “It’s just how long are we going to wait? How many more excuses are we going to have to come up with?”

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce opposes the legalization of marijuana for either recreational or therapeutic use until its safety and efficacy have been established via clinical trials, a representative for the chamber informed the research committee.