(NETWORK INDIANA) Another one of Indiana’s neighbors is legalizing marijuana, but Indiana is likely to stand pat:
Governor Holcomb says he’s open to medical marijuana if studies support the health claims of its advocates. He says I-U and Purdue are both prepared to lead the way on research if legal issues with cannabis research can be addressed. But while that research doesn’t exist yet, there’s plenty of data from states which have already legalized marijuana, and Holcomb says those statistics offer ample reason to move slowly or not at all on legalization. He says underground markets are still thriving even in legal states, while crime and accident rates have risen, on the roads and in workplaces. He says that’s prompted businesses which initially supported legalization to seek authority to drug-test employees.
In Indiana, the Indiana Chamber is siding with Holcomb, placing opposition to legalization among its legislative priorities.
Senate Democrats’ agenda for the 2020 session includes marijuana decriminalization, reducing the penalty for possession to a fine, not jail time. Some legislators in both parties want to go farther. Republican legislative leaders have given no indication they’re ready to consider loosening those laws.
On Wednesday, Illinois will become the 11th state — and the second bordering Indiana — to legalize marijuana. Indiana is one of 17 where it’s still illegal for both medical and recreational use.