indiana Archives - TheJointBlog

Poll: 81% of Indiana Adults Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana

November 19, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

According to new polling, the vast majority of Indiana adults support legalizing medical marijuana.

The poll, conducted at Ball State University, found that 81% of adults in Indiana are in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. Only 16% are opposed to the move.

Earlier this year Indiana passed legislation legalizing the medical use of CBD oil. However, the extremely restrictive nature of the law has led to medical marijuana proponents to continue advocating for an expanded law that allows for the medical use of all marijuana, not just CBD oil, while expanding the list of conditions that qualify individuals to use the medicine. This new poll gives them quite a bit of ammo in their effort.

Indiana: Hemp Legalization Bill Approved 90 to 0 by House of Representatives

February 1, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation to legalize hemp cultivation in Indiana has been approved unanimously (90 to 0) by the state’s House of Representatives.

House Bill 1137, filed by Representative Jim Lucas, “Authorizes the Indiana state department of agriculture (department) to establish an agricultural pilot program to study the growth, cultivation, and marketing of industrial hemp and industrial hemp products.” It also “Provides that the agricultural pilot programs administered by the department and the state seed commissioner are separate programs”, and “Establishes the industrial hemp commodities review board to provide recommendations to the department.”

The measure is an extension of a current law that allows only Purdue University to grow and research industrial hemp. Under House Bill 1137, any farmer who registers with the state will be authorized to grow hemp. However, the bill requires a change in federal law before this is possible.

Indiana House Votes Unanimously (93 to 0) to Legalize CBD Oil

January 31, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

Indiana’s House of Representatives has voted unanimously to approve legislation that would legalize cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

cbd2Indiana’s House approved House Bill 1214 with a unanimous 93 to 0 vote. The measure now moves to the state’s Senate, where a similar measure was recently passed by its initial committee. If passed by the Senate, the proposal would be sent to Governor Eric Holcomb for final consideration.

House Bill 1214 “Specifies that the definition of “industrial hemp” includes the resins of the Cannabis sativa plant. Defines “CBD oil” as a product that contains: (1) not more than 0.3% THC; (2) at least 5% cannabidiol; and (3) no other controlled substances. Legalizes CBD oil”, and “Repeals superseded provisions relating to cannabidiol registration.”

Indiana Lawmaker to Introduce Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

August 20, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

A lawmaker in Indiana says he plans to introduce a bill to legalize medical marijuana.

Republican State Representative Jim Lucas (Seymour) says he has “every intention of introducing a bill that legalizes medical marijuana”, according to the Indy Star.

“I can’t comprehend how we can deny people something that provides them with relief that’s not addictive and is not killing anyone when we know for a fact that prescription opioids are killing people,” says Lucas, who has been seeking feedback from doctors, veterans organizations, cannabis advocacy groups like NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), and Facebook users.

Indiana Legislature Passes Bill to Legalize Medical Use of CBD, Now Goes to Governor

February 22, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation to legalize the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD) has been approved by Indiana’s full legislature.

The measure was approved 98 to 0 by the state’s House of Representatives on Tuesday, following approval from the Senate. It now goes to Governor Eric Holcomb for consideration.

Under the proposed law, it would be legal for those with a seizure disorder to possess and use medicines that contain marijuana-derived CBD, given they receive a recommendation from a physician. Tinctures, oils and pills would all be allowed, given they contain little virtually no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Legislation to Legalize Medical Cannabis Filed in Indiana

January 9, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Indiana State Senator Karen Tallian (D) has filed a bill to legalize medical cannabis.

The proposal – Senate Bill 255 – would allow those who receive a recommendation from a physician to possess, cultivate and use cannabis for medical use (up to eight ounces and 12 plants). Qualifying conditions include migraines, glaucoma, anorexia, post traumatic stress disorder, arthritis and several others.

A system of regulated cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers could be authorized as a means of safe access to the medicine. The bill would create the Department of Marijuana Enforcement (DOME), which would oversee the program.

According to a recent WTHR Howey Politics Indiana Poll, 73% of Indiana residents support legalizing medical cannabis; just 25% are opposed, with 2% undecided.

Indiana Marijuana Possession Laws

August 1, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Indiana Marijuana Possession Laws:

Any amount not deemed for distribution purposes:

Penalty: Misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.

Less than 30 grams with a prior drug offense:

Penalty: Misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

30 grams or more with a prior drug offense:

Penalty: Felony with up to 6 months to 2.5 years in jail/prison, and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.

For further information on Indiana marijuana laws – including penalties for distribution and cultivation – click here (take note that the laws for distribution are incredibly harsh, with the sale of just 5 pounds resulting in a potential 20 year prison sentence). For recent updates to Indiana marijuana possession laws and other Indiana-related stories, click here.

Indiana Cannabis Church Sues State Over Laws Prohibiting Cannabis Use

July 8, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

The First Church of Cannabis, located in Indianapolis, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the city and the state of Indiana, claiming laws against possession and use of cannabis infringe on its religious beliefs.

The First Church of Cannabis, formed after the passage of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Act, filed its lawsuit in Marion Circuit Court in Indianapolis, naming multiple defendants including Governor Mike Pence.

IRS Grants Tax-Exempt Status to Cannabis Church

June 1, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Indiana’s First Church of Cannabis, which was given approval recently by the state’s Secretary of State, has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The First Church of Cannabis, which approval comes after state lawmakers passed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, is a church “based on love and understanding with compassion for all”, which considers cannabis a “healing plant”, according to the church’s Facebook page.

Indiana: Cannabis Church Given State Approval After Passage of Religious Freedom Act

April 6, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson has given approval to the First Church of Cannabis, a church “based on love and understanding with compassion for all”, which considers cannabis a “healing plant”. The approval comes after state lawmakers approved the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Bill Levin, founder of the church, filed paperwork with the state almost immediately after Governor Mike Pence signed the Act into law; he quickly received an approval letter from Secretary of State Connie Lawson.