INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) – Indiana State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) has begun work on 2027 legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in Indiana.
The proposed legislation comes after the federal government’s recent reclassification of state-licensed medical marijuana as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, according to a news release from Bohacek’s office. It also comes as Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signaled a growing willingness to legalize marijuana, noting the Hoosier State is “surrounded” by states that have legalized the drug to some degree.
“In light of the governor’s openness to consider legislation regarding the legalization of marijuana, we need to consider a feasible marijuana policy that would be the most helpful to Hoosiers and the economy,” Bohacek said. “The use of medical marijuana has been proven to be beneficial for some medical disorders and could help people throughout the state who are suffering find some relief.”
According to Bohacek’s office, the proposed legislation would legalize medical marijuana, create parameters for use in a medical capacity, and establish a tax rate and policy for the sale and distribution of medical marijuana.
“There are plenty of benefits medical marijuana can have, not only in a healthcare capacity, but also on our economy,” Bohacek said. “Indiana has already allowed the sale of delta-8 THC and other similar cannabinoids, so creating a tax policy is a logical next step in expanding the use of THC products. There is potential to bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue every year.”
Bohacek’s office says the legislation would also update the state impairment laws by establishing a blood concentration that would define impairment and creating trainings needed for law enforcement to identify impairment by THC.
“While the legislation I plan to propose would legalize the use of medical marijuana, it would not take away from the safety standards that would need to be established to keep Hoosiers safe,” Bohacek said. “This proposed legislation would not legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Many of our state’s current laws regarding the use of marijuana would remain in place, with some adjustments to account for those who may have medical exemptions. This is why I am also working on legislation that would adjust the state impairment laws for those who would use medical marijuana.”
Currently, 40 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. Among these, 24 states have also legalized recreational marijuana for adult use.
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