End Prohibition!

For the better part of a century we were misinformed about the dangers of marijuana, which was for a time given the same level of treatment as heroin, methamphetamine and other hard drugs. We now know that the marijuana plant (cannabis sativa) and its extracts and compounds likely pose less risk to public safety than alcohol consumption. This is not to say that there are no risks but that the risks are minimal to the public. The war on cannabis is a failed war and the moral thing to do is end it.

Decriminalizing cannabis is the ethical thing to do but if we do that then why not legalize it and generate revenue from it?

I will endorse or propose legislation that legalizes cannabis use for both medical and recreational adult use. I will ensure responsible oversight by placing the industry under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to be enforced by the Indiana State Excise Police. I will seek to ensure that the requirements for businesses that choose to pursue opportunity in the industry are not so high as to bar small businesses from entering the market.

Let’s not be the last state to legalize!