Miller, Summers call on Indiana Republicans to bring state marijuana laws into 21st Century
Following news of a cannabis dispensary being opened in Illinois along Indiana's border, State Reps. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) and Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis) are calling on Indiana Republicans to heed House Democrats' call to legalize cannabis in Indiana.
“Indiana Republicans are standing in the way of massive economic growth by dragging their feet on marijuana legalization,” Miller said. “Last session, House Republicans voted down a Democratic effort to legalize marijuana, which had the potential of bringing millions of dollars in revenue – not to mention tax revenue – to the state. When the dispensary opens in Grayville, Illinois, just 10 minutes away from our border, Illinois will reap the benefits of Hoosier dollars spent there.
“Statehouse Republicans are quick to argue against any recommendation or action from the federal government. Now, by refusing to act on cannabis until the federal government legalizes it, the Indiana GOP is using that same government body as a scapegoat for their own inaction. While they play politics, Hoosiers get left behind.”
“Beyond the economic gains Indiana could see from marijuana legalization, we're missing a huge opportunity to help keep nonviolent offenders out of our criminal justice system and to help chronically ill Hoosiers,” Summers said. “When someone gets arrested for marijuana possession, a victimless crime has the potential to derail their whole life. From trouble accessing a higher education, finding a place to live or finding a job, a criminal record can cause generational setbacks. Leaders in 21 states have taken the initiative to prevent these senseless roadblocks by legalizing cannabis. This is also a Civil Rights issue: Black Hoosiers are nearly four times as likely as white Hoosiers to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite similar usage rates. Legalizing cannabis is one step in addressing the racial divides in our criminal justice system, and it is the moral thing to do.
“For chronically-ill Hoosiers who use marijuana to manage their pain or symptoms, legalizing medicinal marijuana programs – as 37 states in the country have done – would help ease their burden, as well. Medicinal marijuana helps individuals avoid taking opioids for pain management and can be used to treat both physical and mental health issues. We are surrounded by states which allow medicinal marijuana, and Hoosiers suffering from illnesses should not have to travel to another state to get access to a known treatment. Further, those with a valid medicinal marijuana prescription in their state should not have to worry they'll face legal penalties for following their prescribed treatment plan.
“It's time we bring Indiana into the 21st Century by legalizing cannabis and, in the process, strengthen our economy. House Democrats have been trying for years to get this done, but it will be achieved only when Indiana Republicans decide to value strengthening our state over playing politics.”