FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – A state lawmaker is drafting a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Indiana, and Gov. Mike Braun said he hopes lawmakers who have been firmly against it will “soften” on the issue.
The governor said Indiana lawmakers should not stick their heads in the sand when it comes to marijuana laws. He pointed out that Illinois, Michigan and Ohio allow recreational use, while Kentucky allows only medical use.
The governor said he will lean on the opinion of law enforcement.
“They know folks are crossing the border to do it. And especially for the veterans disproportionately that say it helps, I think there’s going to be a serious consideration of it,” Braun said.
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Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, is drafting the bill. He said it would legalize medical marijuana only, set out clear regulations on how it is prescribed and taxed, and update driving laws by spelling out what THC level counts as impaired driving.
“I intend to include plenty of parameters around the implementation and use of medical marijuana to ensure it’s being properly regulated and distributed by Hoosier healthcare professionals,” Bohacek said in a news release.
Governor Braun acknowledged some state lawmakers have long expressed strong opposition to legalizing marijuana in any form.
“I hope that that softens on the medical side,” Braun said.
Advocates who want medical access said they are encouraged now that a bill is being written.
Braun stopped short of an endorsement.
When asked directly if he supports it, Braun said law enforcement is where he will take his main cue, along with veterans and people who say it provides medical relief.
The governor was not ready to commit on an up or down vote.
“When it comes to the medical side of it, where I said I was agnostic in general, everything I can see, I think, especially now that you have four states where it’s available, that we need to look at it seriously,” Braun said.
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