INDIANAPOLIS—Despite nearly 90 percent of Indiana residents supporting the legalization of medical marijuana, Republican leaders have indicated it is unlikely to happen in the next legislative session.
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Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray expressed his opposition during the 2024 Dentons Legislative Conference, stating, "With regard to medical marijuana, I really have, it’s no secret that I’m not for this. I don’t have people coming to me with really compelling medical cases as to why it’s so beneficial."
Speaker of the Indiana House, Todd Huston, supported Bray’s stance, adding, "I will push back on ‘we’re behind,’ because I’m not sure what we’re behind on. If we’re behind on having fewer people use an addictive substance, I don’t know, I’m okay with that."
Bray suggested lawmakers prioritize regulating Delta-8, a psychoactive compound derived from hemp, instead of marijuana legalization. "Is that a legal product? Is that something that should be legal? If it is, it certainly, I think anyone would argue that it needs to be regulated in some way, shape, or form," Bray said.
Alicia Tucker, Treasurer of Indiana’s NORML chapter, emphasized the lack of age restrictions on hemp use and noted that the Midwest Hemp Council is advocating for a regulatory framework for the hemp industry. "If we could get a hearing on the hemp bill…I think that that bill is going to really provide the framework for the medical marijuana bills and the recreational bills," Tucker said.
The Safe and Regulated Indiana Coalition highlighted public support for legalization, citing survey results showing 70 percent of voters favor legalizing marijuana for adults 21 and older under regulations similar to alcohol. Joe Elsener of the coalition stated, "Our growing coalition is looking forward to working with the Indiana General Assembly this legislative session to be sure Hoosier voices are heard."
Indiana Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder vowed to continue advocating for regulated access to medical marijuana, stating, "If we work together in a bipartisan way, we can create a well-regulated market for Hoosiers who desperately want access."
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