Bartholomew County’s representation at the Statehouse, all Republicans, are divided as to whether they will support a Republican-backed effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Indiana.
But make no mistake about why the GOP is now looking favorably on the issue — it’s really all about the money.
Republicans, who have a majority in Indiana government, are having some budget issues going into 2025 and all of a sudden, legalizing marijuana sounds like a really good idea to stabilizing the state’s future bottom line.
In 2023, sales taxes collected at marijuana dispensaries in Illinois totaled $417.6 million, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. Michigan saw more than $270 million in marijuana tax revenue last year, according ABC affiliate WPBN.
In Missouri, recreational marijuana sales generated $241 million in tax revenue over the past year, more than triple the state’s estimates of $79 million, according to the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.
It is likely some of that money is coming from Hoosiers who are traveling across state lines to obtain marijuana from bordering states.
Recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states — including neighboring Illinois, Michigan and Ohio — and the District of Columbia, even though it remains illegal under federal law, according to The Associated Press. Medical use of marijuana will become legal in Kentucky starting Jan. 1.
Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, who has long advocated for the state to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use, says it’s embarrassing that Indiana is so far behind its neighbors on this issue.
Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, opposes legalizing recreational and medical marijuana, saying “I don’t find a strong enough argument to go that route” but would “keep an open mind” if legislation is introduced and debated.
Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational or medical use, citing research and “brain chemistry concerns.”
“There would be no medical oversight, of course, to that (if recreational marijuana were legal),” Walker said. “There would be no dosage regulation or anything of that regard. I can’t today in good conscience say I feel like marijuana is more safe than alcohol. …I think there are still too many unanswered, for me, brain chemistry concerns as a result of recreational marijuana.”
But then again, there’s that money thing. Since the GOP is totally in charge of the state, and responsible for its finances, the current financial situation isn’t a good look. State department heads and the state’s universities have already been told that their “asks,” may not be granted in the next budget cycle.
Law enforcement does have concerns about allowing recreational marijuana use in Indiana.
“I would hope that our state legislators do their due diligence, and I’m sure they’ll do their research on the states that have gone down this paths of legalizing marijuana … and look at everything,” Sheriff Chris Lane said in reporting by The Republic’s Andy East.
“…If you legalize another intoxicant, my concern would be that creates some more hazards out on the roadway and people driving under the influence. I know there would be an age requirement, 21 like with alcohol, but does it put us in a situation (where) it’s more readily available and easy to get because it would be legal, and how does that affect our youth?”
At minimum, Indiana should consider legislation allowing medicinal use of marijuana — we agree the state is far behind the curve on that issue.
But more than money needs to be considered if the state is going all in with recreational marijuana, and the potential impacts that decision could have in the future.
H/T: www.therepublic.com
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