The State of Indiana is in discussion about passing bills to decriminalize cannabis use in the state. 

Marijuana is not legal in the state of Indiana. Marijuana is currently legal in 21 states and Indiana is amongst 10 states where the drug is not legal for medicinal or recreational use. 

Gov. Holcomb says that he isn’t favor of  legalizing marijuana but he is open to discuss plans to decriminalize the drug. 

 House Bill 1039 deals with the recreational use of cannabis by a person at least 21 years of age. 1039’s Bill would make marijuana removed as a schedule I controlled substance.

Therefore, House Bill 1311 which is an older Bill that deals with cannabis legalization. Establishing a procedure for the lawful production and sale of cannabis in Indiana, which Makes conforming amendments. Bill was prepared on Jan 8. 2022.

Studies have shown that the levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound in pot, rose dramatically in the U.S. from 1995 to 2017

Supporters of bills to decriminalize marijuana or lessen restrictions on those who use it, say it can do two things: add money to Indiana’s bottom line and help create space in jails.  

Marijuana has been one of the leading drugs to send men and women to jail for 20 plus years or more. 

“It does have economic implications of course there’s a lot of tax revenue that you can have from legalizing weed but more than that it just stops us from throwing people who shouldn’t be there for doing things that aren’t really harming anyone else.” said Connor Wright of Bloomington, Indiana.

Money from taxes on cannabis products would go to the state general fund. The Indiana House of Representatives made no further progress on the bill that was referred to the committee on Public Health on Jan. 9

Senate Bill 70 would decriminalize the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.  

Even if medical marijuana is legalized, things that already exist such as trafficking within black markets and substance abuse issues could still be around to affect the individuals who use it

Legalizing marijuana may not be a priority for Indiana but officials are looking into the issue and are working to make a change within the state.