The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services met on September 20. Nearly 20 people provided testimony, discussing Delta 8, Delta 9 and other THC products regarding potential health benefits and decriminalization and other possible consequences. Most of the testimony was positive and in favor of moving the state closer to legalization of cannabis products.
The Indiana Bankers Association does not have a position on marijuana specifically but testified on the difficulties and legal concerns for banks because the product remains legal at the federal level. The American Cancer Society did not have a position either but did convey the difficulties in barriers to research to determine the health impacts of marijuana. The Indiana Prosecutors Association expressed confusion over whether Delta 8 is legal and shared public safety concerns about the product.
The Indiana Chamber was the only association to testify in opposition to legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes and limited medicinal purposes. Our overall concern is the impact on the workforce as marijuana affects the psychomotor skills of individuals and that ultimately impacts the safety of workers on the job. Legalization increases access and access increases positivity levels in drug tests. The Chamber also commented that a number of states have provided employee protections for marijuana use, which is problematic for employers. If the Indiana General Assembly sees fit to legalize marijuana in some form, employee protections would be our proverbial line in the sand.
What will the Indiana General Assembly do with this information? At this point, it’s uncertain.
Governor Holcomb previously stated that he would not support moving Indiana toward legalization. However, more legislators are feeling the pressure of public sentiment and passage by three of the four surrounding states. It would not surprise us if something begins moving during the 2023 session. We should note that the last time this issue was studied was in October 2018. When we testified at that time, the proponents were respectful of our comments. This time, however, the proponents’ vitriol was difficult to ignore.
Resource: Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or email: mripley@indianachamber.com
