INDIANASPOLIS – Jennifer McCormick, the Democrat running for governor of Indiana, wants to put the Hoosier State on a path to legalizing marijuana if she’s elected in November.
McCormick this week released a plan that would legalize medical marijuana and set up Indiana to eventually follow that with legalized recreational weed. The plan would also establish a commission to oversee the state’s future cannabis industry, which her campaign says could potentially provide an additional $172 million in annual tax revenues to Indiana.
But McCormick, if she is elected later this year, would still have to work with a current Republican supermajority in both chambers at the Statehouse to get policies passed.
The Democrat faces Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in the election this November. Braun has previously stated interest in medical marijuana while Rainwater said he favors legalizing all forms of cannabis.
Here’s what you need to know about marijuana stances in the governor’s race.
What is Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s plan for marijuana?
McCormick’s plan includes establishing the Indiana Cannabis Commission — made up of experts in marijuana plant growth, law, healthcare and business — to oversee the state’s future industry, including safety, regulation and licensing efforts.
The plan aims to legalize medical marijuana in Indiana. Once the state’s medical marijuana industry is established, McCormick would follow with full recreational legalization for adult Hoosiers.
McCormick said the proposal also includes regulation for hemp-derived THC products to protect consumers in Indiana.
In a press conference Thursday morning, McCormick said it’s time for action on marijuana in Indiana, especially considering the actions of surrounding states and high interest from Hoosiers. Ball State’s 2023 Hoosier Survey shows just over 54% of Indiana residents believe marijuana should be legal for personal use and just over 32% supported medical use.
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In 2023, Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, making it the thd state surrounding Indiana with approved recreational weed. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear last year signed a bill to legalize medical cannabis in that state starting in 2025.
“We’re on an island. All the states around us are, at some level, legalizing marijuana, and have benefited in several ways,” McCormick said. “It is time for Indiana to join in on this policy.”
What are Republican Mike Braun’s views on marijuana?
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican nominee in the governor’s race, in a debate earlier this year indicated he was open to discussing legalization of medical marijuana, but not recreational.
“Medical marijuana is where I think the case is best made, that maybe something needs to change, but I’ll take my cue from law enforcement,” he said at the debate. “I hear a lot of input where that’s helpful and I think that you need to listen and see what makes sense.”
What are Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater’s views on marijuana?
Rainwater said he is in favor of legalizing all forms of cannabis and that it should be regulated just like tobacco and alcohol.
The Libertarian previously said prohibition on marijuana in Indiana contributes to violent crime and the incarceration of too many nonviolent individuals.
“Too many taxpayer dollars are being spent on Indiana’s failed war on cannabis,” he said last year. “Whether you believe cannabis is helpful or harmful, I believe that every Hoosier citizen should be afforded the same rights to make the decision concerning cannabis use for themselves, the same as they can for alcohol and tobacco.”
What about the Indiana General Assembly?
Marijuana-related bills are an annual topic at the Indiana Statehouse, but proposed legislation by both Democrats and Republicans always die during the legislative session. In 2023, one bill on marijuana decriminalization received a hearing in a legislative committee but stopped there.
The Republican supermajority and leadership at the Statehouse, which holds most of the power on changing current laws, have repeatedly squashed attempts to legalize marijuana. Indiana law does not allow for citizen-led ballot initiatives, such as the one in Ohio on marijuana in 2023.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has consistently stated he would not support legalization while marijuana remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level. Ahead of the 2024 legislative session, Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, and House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, closed the door on any hope for progress on marijuana-related bills.
Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at [email protected] or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany.
