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Geographically speaking Indiana has more to gain compared other mid west states, yet here we are doing nothing. Legal marijuana is the elephant in the room holding a lot of cash. I don’t even use the stuff and see the benefits!!
Cops need their “probable cause” for “smelling marijuana”.
Indiana has a lot of good qualities about it but it lacks severely in others. The state is constantly last in recognizing the benefits in things well after other states have already capitalized on things. At the very least, state lawmakers should let the voters decide on things they would like to see legal in the state they live. Laws and the way of life shouldn’t just be decided on the moral and financial views of a few in leadership position to govern the majority.
I just want to buy cold beer at the grocery store!!!!!
And look at how long it took to get Sunday sales — from noon until 8 PM, which is one shift for the liquor stores.
My sister almost died two years ago from vaping THC she bought in Illinois. She was in the ICU for 5 days and in the hospital for a total of 17 days, including rehab. Today she still has major memory issues. We had neurologists, cardiologists, pulminary docs and many others tell our family that they are seeing an increase in hospitilizations every day and that because consumers are being told the products are for Medical use, it gives the impression that the products are safe, but the products aren’t regulated and no one knows what is in it. Opened my eyes.
We could rely on this one single anecdotal testimony that may or may not be true, or we could rely on the mountains of data that show marijuana use is safer than other completely legal substances. We could at least let citizens vote on it but then Republican’s would have to deal with that precedent being set that could jeopardize their stranglehold on this state’s citizenry.
How many people have about died from alcohol poisoning?
Senator Bray’s logic is flawed. Of course, people don’t approach him about legalization of cannabis. GOP leadership has long had this wall built around it with regard to this subject. Who wants to discuss with lawmakers that which they deem illegal for fear of retribution? Hoosiers have been using cannabis for decades with disregard for its legal status, and they will continue to do so. Legislating morality is a most difficult thing but taxing the sin as we do others offers a much more viable way of managing this socially accepted issue. In poll after poll, the majority of responding Hoosiers favor legalization and regulation of cannabis. Why should we be tossing others in jail when they are with the majority of thought that might not conform with our own?
Indiana has often been dead last in too many categories. So much the Statehouses focuses in a effort to win business and attract growth actually has the opposite effect. And compared to neighbor states, Indiana reflects the third finger of the South making a rude gesture to the Midwest. However, one must applaud those few state elected officials, not including the governor, who actually have a brain attuned to 2025 rather than 1965 and actually seek to effect changes to benefit most Hoosiers rather that simply embracing whatever foolishness is spouted from so-called conservative, yet hypocritical, voices.
The push to legalize marijuana in Indiana overlooks its addictive potential, negative health effects, and social costs. While tax revenue and personal anecdotes may seem compelling, the broader, long-term consequences for individuals and society far outweigh any perceived benefits.
Marijuana’s risks are well-documented. Approximately 1 in 10 users develop an addiction, rising to 1 in 6 for those who start as teenagers. Early use is linked to lasting brain changes in areas critical to memory, decision-making, and impulse control—particularly in those under 25, whose brains are still developing. A 2020 Lancet Psychiatry study highlights how higher-potency cannabis increases the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Smoking marijuana shares similar health risks with tobacco. According to the American Lung Association, marijuana smoke contains many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, leading to chronic bronchitis and respiratory issues. Why normalize another harmful substance when society already battles the health and economic toll of smoking-related diseases?
Marijuana use is also tied to mental health challenges, including higher risks of anxiety, depression, and psychosis. A Psychological Medicine study found regular use significantly increased the likelihood of psychotic disorders, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Declines in motivation and cognitive performance further hinder individual productivity and well-being, earning marijuana its label as the “amotivational drug.”
Legalizing marijuana introduces another gateway substance into a society already grappling with addiction’s fallout. Studies by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) show that marijuana users are more likely to misuse other substances later in life, such as opioids or stimulants. While tax revenue from legalization could theoretically fund addiction services, it would be counterproductive to normalize a substance that adds to the problem. Colorado serves as a cautionary tale: despite legalization, the state reports higher rates of cannabis-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Proponents argue Indiana could gain $171 million annually in tax revenue, but this pales in comparison to the societal costs of addiction treatment, healthcare, and reduced productivity. Neighboring states like Michigan and Illinois have faced persistent issues with illicit markets and regulatory challenges, highlighting that legalization brings more than just economic benefits.
Indiana has made progress in addressing substance abuse. Legalizing marijuana risks reversing that progress and sends the wrong message about drug use. Instead of adopting a policy fraught with potential harm, Indiana should continue investing in healthcare and addiction prevention systems, prioritizing public health over short-term financial gains.
By learning from other states’ challenges and focusing on the broader implications, Indiana can uphold its commitment to the well-being of its residents without succumbing to regional pressure or false promises of economic gain. In the end many more would be hurt than helped by this move.
Don, one could substitute “alcohol” or “tobacco” for “marijuana” in your comment and most of it would be true. Except it shows your argument doesn’t hold water because both of those are legal substances.
Don has resorted to having ChatGPT write his comments. Hate to see it.