Indiana State Sen. Ford Signs 2 Cannabis Bills, Calls For Discussion Prompted By Law Enforcement

State Senator Jon Ford (R) recently supported two marijuana-related bills in the Hoosier State where possession is illegal though there is support for both recreational and medical legalization. 

Ford explained that he become interested in this legislation when a member of law enforcement approached him and brought the confusing issue to his attention. Confusing because Indiana borders Illinois where adult-use cannabis is legal and Hoosiers are attracted to the idea of crossing into the neighboring state and buying pot.

“It’s hard for law enforcement to understand where we are on the issue, so I really wanted to support the bill so we can have that discussion,” Ford said, as reported by MyWabashValley. According to the senator, there is more support for medical marijuana legalization than for recreational across the state.

Vigo County Sheriff, John Plasse said “Being close to Illinois, you know five miles to the west of us, people can go over there legally and buy it. But when you have it here… it’s illegal. Number one, if you’re using it, you shouldn’t be driving."

Plasse explained why he is not in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis. “I’m not for it, (recreational marijuana use) because states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use have seen an unfortunate increase in vehicle accidents, which ultimately increases injuries and fatalities.” 

Two New Cannabis Bills

Sen. Ford co-authored Senate Bill 336  with Sen. David Niezgodski (D) aiming to create “a procedure for the lawful production and sale of cannabis in Indiana.” The legislation proposes a 10% tax on the sales price per ounce and the creation of a cannabis commission. On the other hand, it holds no protection for employees who test positive for cannabis.

Another bill, Senate Bill 377, co-authored by Sen. Rodney Pol (D) and Sen. Ford and introduced on Jan. 19 would allow marijuana use by adults over 21 and people with a serious physician-confirmed health condition. It also creates the recreational marijuana excise tax and regulates cannabis programs to allow cultivation, processing, testing, transportation and sale by licensed businesses.

Under the bill, the Indiana cannabis commission would be established to take charge of the program. It would also require marijuana products to be suitably labeled and packed in child-resistant packaging that is not attractive to children. It also aims to set up a procedure for the expungement of marijuana-related convictions and to allow cannabis research.

The bill proposes veterans to be exempt from paying sales tax on either medical or adult-use marijuana.

These bills come on the heels of several others that were recently introduced in the state Senate.

Last year, regulators agreed that more research on the potential health benefits and decriminalization of cannabis is required before taking any legislative action.

Photo: Courtesy of Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash