Decriminalization bill filed for 2020 session 

 

Last update: January 16, 2020

 

Marijuana policy reform is sweeping the Midwest! Both Indiana’s neighbor to the north, Michigan, and its neighbor to the west, Illinois, have begun adult-use cannabis sales. And, Ohio, its eastern neighbor, has a comprehensive medical marijuana program. 
 
The General Assembly is back in session, and it has a chance to make some modest but important progress. Sen. Karen Tallian’s (D) bill to decriminalize possession of up an ounce of marijuana, SB 114, has been referred to the Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. 
 
Under currently law, possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to a year of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000. These laws are not being equally enforced; African-Americans are 3.4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites.
 
In past years, other attempts to reform Indiana’s marijuana laws have died in committee. But as more and more states move forward, it’s only a matter of time before Indiana improves its laws. Make sure your lawmakers know this issue matters to voters: Ask your lawmakers to decriminalize marijuana possession in 2020. 

Please also consider asking your legislators to support legalizing and regulating marijuana like alcohol. This sensible approach would increase freedom, reduce the number of marijuana-related arrests, and redirect law enforcement resources to real crime.

Gov. Holcomb signs bill legalizing low-THC CBD oil

 

On March 21, 2018, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 52, legalizing low-THC CBD derived from industrial hemp. The law allows any person to buy, sell, and possess CBD oil, as long as it meets certain labeling requirements and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.

The law provides a much needed expansion to Indiana’s 2017 low-THC law for patients with seizure disorders, which only allowed CBD oil for epileptic patients while providing no way for them to purchase it. Still, the law provides no clarification on the legality of manufacturing CBD in Indiana.

While this is a positive step forward for the state, it leaves behind most patients who could benefit from an effective medical marijuana program. Ask your lawmakers to support a program that allows as much THC as patients need. Please let your lawmakers know that you want comprehensive reform!

Stay connected

 

Given the benefits marijuana policy reform has — from allowing police to focus on real crime to raising revenue through legalization and taxation to improving seriously ill patients’ health and well-being with medical marijuana — it should be just a matter of time before legislators catch up to the will of the voters. You can help make change come to Indiana by subscribing to our email alerts.