cannabis

With Indiana's neighboring states having legalized cannabis, Governor Mike Braun is taking notice.

A cannabis legalization coalition says moving Indiana directly to full adult legal use is the best way to ensure a regulated market that also addresses public safety concerns.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick wants Indiana to gradually legalize adult cannabis use, saying Hoosiers have told her they’re ready for the state to make that move.

The Biden administration announced this week it's moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. That move could put more pressure on the Indiana General Assembly to take some steps toward cannabis legalization.

Indiana is now surrounded by three states that have legalized recreational cannabis, but attempts to legalize it here haven't made it far. One lawmaker said personal perceptions are stopping Indiana from joining the 38 other states with some form of legalization.

The study committee heard from researchers, community leaders and lawyers. Committee members were tasked with discussing how adult-use cannabis would relate to workforce issues and teen use.

For the second year in a row, Indiana lawmakers will examine cannabis legalization during their study committee period. But Republican leaders are still downplaying the possibility of actual legalization.

Some substances — like alcohol or cannabis — are more normalized and don’t hold the same stigma as others. And many use these substances casually, which can make it difficult to identify when substance use has become problematic.

A bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis got its first ever committee hearing at the Statehouse Wednesday. But thats as far as the issue will likely go this year.

Despite about a dozen bills at the Statehouse this legislative session, the push to legalize cannabis in Indiana continues to struggle for a foothold.