Indiana Republican legislators have rejected the latest Democratic led attempt to legalize cannabis in the state.
Rep. Kyle Miller, a Democratic Representative from California, sought to have cannabis removed from the list of state-controlled substances by amending a larger bill that was aimed at adding other drugs to the law. The House, after a brief discussion and debate on the issue, ruled that the amendment was out of order.
Miller stated that “this was an opportunity for us to begin the discussion about legalizing marijuana within our state. House Republicans, however, have indicated they’re not interested in the hundreds of millions in revenues to Indiana.”
On Monday the GOP presider ruled the amendment unconstitutional because it did not comply with a rule which states “No bill may be modified”.By annexing it to or incorporating it with any other bill currently before the House.”
Although it’s unclear how the House’s decision to keep the amended bill, which would have removed cannabis from the list of controlled substances, violated the rule or not the House voted by 66 to 29 to accept the ruling made by the chairman.
Rep. Matt Pierce’s (D), who was contesting the decision, stated that “normally, when we are having arguments over pending bills, an amendment is introduced that contains a large amount of similar or identical language with a previously-introduced bill and tries to achieve the exact same policy goals.” “That’s not happening here.”
The amendment that is being ruled a breach of Rule 117 actually modifies language already in the bill. “This is very important,” said he. If this ruling is upheld, it means that you cannot change the text of the bill in front you.
Rep. Ben Smaltz, (R), argued the amendment was an incorrect bill substitute because separate legislation had been introduced to remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances.
Anyhow, the sponsor of the amendment said that the decision to reject his proposal represents a wasted opportunity to engage in an active debate regarding marijuana policy reform with a legislator who has been reticent to address the subject for many years.
Miller stated in a press release following the vote that “if they do not want to engage this conversation, they should explain to Hoosiers why they are unwilling to help grow our economy like many other states who have used marijuana to achieve their goals.” They also owe an explanation to chronically sick Hoosiers, who would benefit from the medicinal marijuana programs that are available in 38 other states, as to why they limit access to medications which could ease some of their pain.
He said that “legislative bodies across the nation are discussing the benefits of legalizing marijuana for economic and medical reasons.” “I am disappointed that Indiana Republicans have been so eager to leave behind other states who are reaping the economic and health benefits of legalizing marijuana, while we will not even begin the conversation by striking it down as a schedule 1 drug.”
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Earlier this month, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, (R) said he is “open” to the idea of legalizing medical cannabis in Hoosier State.
Braun has previously said that “it’s probably time” to allow access to therapeutic cannabis among patients in the state. These comments were made alongside a survey that showed nearly nine out of ten Indiana adults (87%) support legalizing marijuana.
Top Republicans in the legislature, however, have openly opposed marijuana reform.
Rodric Bray, Senate Pro Tem (R), said at an Indianapolis law firm’s event last month: “It is no secret that this issue does not appeal to me.” I don’t get people who come to me to tell me why medical marijuana is so good. “Any state I have seen legalize medical marijuana has also been legalizing recreational marijuana.”
House Speaker Todd Huston’s (R) doubted the medical value of marijuana and called it a “deterrent” to mental health. Other lawmakers have also suggested that legislators who are in favor of reforming marijuana laws want only to increase state revenue.
Huston reacted when Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor said that Indiana is falling behind states nearby that have legalized medicinal marijuana. “If it means that we will be behind with fewer addicts using the substance, then I am okay with that,” Huston replied.
A number of marijuana reform bills have already been introduced for the coming year, including one—from Republican Reps. Jim Lucas and Shane Lindauer—that would legalize medical marijuana for people with “serious medical conditions as determined by their physician.”
Under HB 1178, the state Department of Health will be in charge of regulating this program. According to the summary, this legislation will also prevent law enforcement from harassing medical marijuana users and it will prohibit any cooperation with federal officials who are trying to enforce federal laws criminalizing marijuana use in Indiana.
Another bill is a Democrat led measure for legalizing adult cannabis use (HB 1332), a Republican initiative to decriminalize the possession of marijuana and its cultivation (HB 1145) or a Democratic senator’s plan to make it legal. You can also read about how to get in touch with us. Medical and recreational uses (SB 133)
Rep. Heath VanNatter (R), the author of the decriminalization bill and a backer of a broader legalization legislation (HB 1630), said his goal is “capturing the existing market with responsible solutions in its entirety out of the gate,” according to WTHR. “We ensure that law enforcement and Hoosiers—not criminals—benefit from this reform.”
Safe and Regulated Indiana is a group that supports the bill.
Jake Tesha, Republican Rep. Jake Tesha supports VanNetter’s legalization legislation and said to State Affairs that he thinks public support continues to increase for legalization.
A lawmaker told reporters that the Hoosiers were reaching out to him and asking for what they wanted. “We think it’s about time we had the discussion.” We will not stop pushing forward just because the situation is difficult.
Sam Barloga is a state Democrat spokesperson who identified marijuana as a possible area of agreement between the Democratic party and the Republican Governor in the new session.
Barloga stated that the party was ready to collaborate with Braun on issues of concern for Hoosiers, including cannabis reform.
The proposal is still not clear, but it’s unclear if supporters will be able to convince enough Republicans of the Legislature.
Florida Lawmaker withdraws medical marijuana homegrow bill to remove hemp restriction provisions
Philip Steffan provided the photo.
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