Former senator says Indiana is exploring legal weed, but not for economic gain
Through
Regulators in Indiana recently agreed that more research into the potential health benefits and decriminalization of cannabis is needed before legislative action is taken. The Legislative Council of the General Assembly overwhelmingly supported the idea of assigning the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services to further review the issue.
By the 2023 legislature, the task force will consult with industry experts and make public statements on cannabis issues. Several meetings are planned for this summer or fall.
Photo by Esther Keller/Getty
Health benefits first
Speaking of legalization efforts, former state senator Jim Merritt told IN Focus that the Hoosier State summer committee is more focused on health benefits than economic benefits, writes Fox 59.
“The overwhelming feeling in Indiana, as far as I know, is cannabis in a health situation,” Merritt said. “I think the idea of cannabis coming into the state…if we could just legalize it and regulate it, I think we’d have more control over it.”
He also stressed that delta-8-THC needs increased regulation and that the state should learn what are the best and worst practices from other states that already have legal marijuana programs.
According to Merritt, Indiana will have to wait “a couple of years” before seeing state reform. However, he is more optimistic about legalizing medical marijuana and believes it will be seriously considered in the next legislative session.
“I think you’re going to see medicinal cannabis in the legislature next year,” Merritt said. “Ohio has had good experiences with it, they have a good model.”
On the subject, State Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) said she plans to study all of the potential benefits, both economically and socially, and study the implications in other states that have already gone through the legalization process.
RELATED: Cannabis legalization in Indiana on hold — here’s why
Photo by Steven Van Elk via Unsplash
“What we really want to know is, is it a wise move for Indiana over the long run?” Austin said. “What can we learn from states that have passed legalization or decriminalization efforts?”
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) added that the committee has the critical role of continuing to guide the state on the issue.
“We need to figure out where we are, and this will be an important conversation this summer about where Indiana is going,” Bray said.
Indiana Senate candidate smokes joint in video for cannabis legalization campaign
Other Indiana politicians appear to be on the same legalization side. For example, just a day before the cannabis holiday (4/20), Indiana Senate nominee Thomas McDermott posted his marijuana legalization ad online.
RELATED: Politicians Smoke Weed To Get Elected — Is That The Cool New Trend?
The video begins with McDermott lighting what looks like a joint and smoking it. To promote the ad, the Mayor of Hammond tweeted the following:
Even on Day #420, not many Senate candidates admit to smoking weed. I’m not most Senate candidates. I thought a lot about starting this video where I light up. It is an issue that is personal and important to me and so many. #LegalizeIt ➡️ https://t.co/V7VA5PhQpi pic.twitter.com/WaNq01yH49
— Thomas McDermott (@tommcdermottjr) April 20, 2022
McDermott is expected to compete with incumbent Republican Sen. Todd Young in November.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
Post a comment: