American Legion Calls For Medical Marijuana Legislation

The American Legion and AMVETs want the Indiana General Assembly to push forward with legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana. The groups join marijuana advocates and Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) in calling for action.

Veterans made a direct response to challenges from Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council for their lack of support on the issue.

Jeff Staker is the organizer of Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis. He petitioned the American Legion to support medical marijuana. He says the majority of Hoosiers support medical marijuana, and critics are swayed by stigma.

“We will have the support of patients, we will have the support of medical profession and academia,” Staker says. “And our veterans will be there. And they know that they won’t win, so they’re trying to defeat this battle before it gets started.”

Rep. Lucas says he’s ready for the challenge.

“First and foremost, it’s the right thing to do – to put another tool in the toolbox for physicians,” Lucas says.

Holcomb announced Wednesday that he would not support any decriminalization of marijuana in Indiana. Lucas says he sees the opposition as an opportunity reach out the governor’s office for a discussion.