Indiana Needs to Free Mary Jane!

Despite ongoing resistance from Governor Holcomb, the state of Indiana might gain the bipartisan support it needs to legalize marijuana. 

Indiana remains one of the few states where marijuana remains illegal for both recreational and medicinal use at a state level. As the state’s neighbors embrace recreational cannabis use and medical marijuana. Indiana continues to lose the potential to secure a great deal of money and jobs from the lucrative marijuana industry in the United States. 

However, change might be on the horizon. In November 2021, the Indiana Democratic Party announced that they intend to introduce several forms of legalization and decriminalization legislation in the 2022 Indiana General Assembly’s season. 

A  2018 poll carried out by the Old National Banka and Ball State University found 8 out of 10 state residents want legalization for either medicine or recreational use and would gladly vote in favor of it. 

Why Legalize Marijuana in Indiana?

Let’s examine the benefits of legalizing marijuana in Indiana. 

Saves the State Money 

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has shown his office’s support of Indiana statewide marijuana legalization by announcing that they would no longer prosecute simple possession of marijuana. Undoubtedly, such a move will benefit Indiana taxpayers by saving hundreds of thousands of dollars by keeping non-violent, low-level offenders out of jails and prisons. Plus, it will help free up an already gridlocked legal system. 

Creates Well-Paying Jobs

 Whether a state embraces recreational or medicinal marijuana, the cannabis industry is booming. Dispensaries and growers create much-needed jobs that offer decent pay to the state’s residents. 

Increases Indiana’s Revenue Stream 

Indiana residents are regularly crossing into Michigan and Illinois to purchase marijuana. The state of Indiana is losing out on a revenue stream that could be well into the millions. 

In April 2021, Illinois announced that it has earned more in marijuana than alcohol sales. To date, the state has made an astounding  $1,064,750,968  in marijuana sales and Michigan is not far behind with $341 million in marijuana sales in 2020 - the state received an impressive $31 million in excise tax. Clearly, there is a lot of money on the table up for grabs with the legalization of marijuana in Indiana which would benefit the state and its residents.

As both sides of the Indiana aisle debate over the potential legalization of marijuana, State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis)  states,

 “Rarely has public support from every corner of the political spectrum been so aligned on a single issue. Legalizing marijuana is not only the popular thing to do – it is the right thing to do. Continued criminalization hurts us all and goes against our professed ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice. 

Black and brown communities have suffered disproportionately from the War on Drugs causing generations of hurt and harm. If the Indiana General Assembly continues to say ‘no’ to common-sense, popular policies Indiana will continue to lose. Hoosier families deserve the economic and medical opportunities and restorative justice that marijuana provides.”   

Marijuana Lawyer Here to Help

If you find yourself facing legal issues over federal or Indiana marijuana laws, please  contact the Law Office of Mark Nicholson. No matter what type of drug case you are facing, our skilled legal team is here to help.