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.
"Across the state, Terry (Goodin) and I are hearing Hoosiers who are ready for Indiana to take this step," McCormick said during a press conference on Thursday. "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."
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.
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McCormick’s Cannabis Plan
McCormick's vision for Indiana’s cannabis markets starts with the establishment of the Indiana Cannabis Commission, which would be tasked with overseeing the legal cannabis industry, including regulation, licensing and safety standards compliance.
According to McCormick, this would make the transition to a fully legalized adult-use cannabis market smoother as the state would build on successes or barriers of the existing medical marijuana market.
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.
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