Indiana Republicans Refuse to Consider Marijuana Legalization Amendment in Budget Bill

15 April 2025

Indiana lawmakers have once again blocked an effort to legalize marijuana. On April 14, state Senate Republicans voted down a proposal from Sen. Rodney Pol (D-Chesterton) that would have allowed adults in Indiana to legally use cannabis.

Pol tried to add the proposal to the state’s two-year budget bill, hoping it would open the door to a regulated recreational marijuana market. But the Republican majority in the Senate rejected the idea without discussion.

What the Proposal Would Have Done

The amendment aimed to:

• Legalize adult-use cannabis in Indiana
• Create a regulated system for sales and taxation Provide legal access to cannabis for patients with chronic conditions, PTSD, and cancer
• Reduce crime linked to illegal marijuana sales

Why It Matters

Indiana is surrounded by states that have legalized marijuana, either for medical or recreational use. But Indiana remains one of the few in the Midwest where it is still fully illegal.

That affects:

• Consumers, who must travel out of state or turn to unregulated sources and illegal state-to-state travel
• Patients, who have no legal access to medical marijuana in Indiana
• Businesses, which miss out on investment, job growth, and tax revenue

Who Opposed It

State leaders have shown little interest in legalizing marijuana.

• Gov. Mike Braun said he might support medical cannabis, but hasn’t pushed for it.
• Senate leader Rodric Bray has shown some support for small changes, like decriminalization.
• House Speaker Todd Huston strongly opposes legalization, saying marijuana can hurt mental health.

Other Blocked Proposals (in context)

The cannabis amendment was one of over 60 Democratic proposals tied to the state budget. Republicans rejected most of them, including plans to:

• Remove the sales tax on menstrual products
• Fund doulas to support maternal health
• Increase education spending

Public Opinion Supports Legalization

Polls show most Hoosiers want some form of legal marijuana. But lawmakers have not acted on that support, and attempts to change the law continue to fail.

If you want to make a difference, contact your elected official and tell them how you want them to vote.