The (Columbus) Republic
It wasn’t surprising to read this headline last week from the Indiana Capital Chronicle: “Indiana legislative committee weighs cannabis legalization but fails to make recommendations”.
The Indiana General Assembly once again fails the public where marijuana legalization is concerned. On this issue, the people are far ahead of their do-nothing leaders.
Hours and hours of Statehouse opining from lobbyists and others for and against marijuana legalization left lawmakers too dazed and confused to even find a direction. This despite just 15% of Hoosiers believing marijuana should remain illegal, according to a Ball State University survey.
Meanwhile, our lackadaisical lawmakers have left our state one of just 12 in the nation where marijuana is totally illegal. Indiana, as State Affairs reported, is “an island of prohibition,” because marijuana is legal for adult use or adult medicinal use in all of our neighboring states.
It’s become clear the problem is not marijuana, but rather the antiquated attitudes of lawmakers who cling to prohibition to the detriment of the citizens of this state. These out-of-touch lawmakers refuse to recognize the potential benefits of legalization to the state and its citizens. What are some of those? Here is a short list:
- Tax revenue. Experts say Indiana could collect an estimated $150 million to $170 million annually if marijuana were legalized.
- Business revenue. Indiana Rep. Blake Johnson (D-Indianapolis), wrote in advocating for legalization that “In July of 2023, Illinois sold $35.6 million worth of (cannabis) product to out-of-state customers. … Essentially, Hoosier money doesn’t flow back into Indiana.”
- Farm revenue. Legal cannabis and hemp would be lucrative cash crops for farmers in the state. Further, why should productive Hoosier farmers be prohibited from raising crops that are legal in three-quarters of the states?
- Individual liberty. People who benefit from medicinal marijuana use should not be criminally punished for seeking relief, nor should adults who use marijuana responsibly.
- Law enforcement. Growing numbers of people in law enforcement and the judiciary testify that criminal prosecution for possession or use of marijuana wastes resources better spent fighting more serious and violent crimes.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on some of the opposition to marijuana legalization that lawmakers heard, which include concerns about use among minors and the impacts legalization could have on the workers. Yet it’s clear prohibition is helping neither of those concerns.
A survey from March found that despite marijuana being illegal, adult Hoosiers were right at the national average on use: 19.64% used marijuana in the prior year, compared to 19.59% nationally.
ICC also reported data showing 59% of Hoosiers ages 16 to 25 report using cannabis at least once weekly. Arguably, legalization and a regulated market could make it harder for minors to access marijuana.
The Indiana General Assembly session begins in January. Hoosiers who overwhelmingly support the end of marijuana prohibition should demand state leaders finally give fair and full public hearings on this issue and respect the will of the people for a change.
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