INDIANAPOLIS — Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic candidate for Indiana governor, has introduced her plan to legalize cannabis in a responsible and well-regulated way.
McCormick’s plan has five key parts to help Indiana move toward full legalization of cannabis for adults. She says this would bring both economic and social benefits, starting with medical marijuana and eventually allowing recreational use for adults.
McCormick points out that Indiana is surrounded by states that have already legalized cannabis. By taking a responsible, phased approach, we can prepare for full legalization while offering immediate relief through medical marijuana, she said.
Her plan includes creating an Indiana Cannabis Commission to oversee the cannabis industry and ensure safety standards are met. This independent group would help Indiana build a regulated market and ensure transparency during the transition to full legalization.
Initially, the plan focuses on legalizing medical marijuana so Indiana can learn from other states before fully legalizing cannabis for adults. McCormick also wants to regulate hemp-derived THC products like Delta 8, which are currently unregulated and sold in places like gas stations and smoke shops.
Though the plan doesn’t give many specific details, it highlights the need to protect Indiana residents by regulating these products. McCormick also believes legalizing adult-use cannabis could bring in around $172 million in tax revenue each year.
With neighboring states, including Ohio, moving toward legalization, Indiana remains one of the few states without any form of legal marijuana, even though most Hoosiers reportedly support it.