Jennifer McCormick releases McCormick-Goodin Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan

September 11, 2024

Contact: Kelly Wittman, (317) 450-5711

McCormick for Governor

press@mccormickforgov.com

NEW CASTLE, Ind.—Today, Indiana gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick unveiled her Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan, which would legalize adult use of cannabis in Indiana in a responsible and well regulated industry. This plan begins with the establishment of a medical marijuana industry, setting the foundation for a transition to full adult-use cannabis.

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“Hoosiers have made it clear—they support adult-use cannabis and are frustrated by Indiana’s outdated prohibition laws,” said McCormick. “Our plan takes a commonsense approach by first introducing a well-regulated medical marijuana industry, allowing us to address potential regulatory challenges and ensure a smooth transition to well-regulated and legal adult-use cannabis.”

The McCormick-Goodin Commonsense Cannabis Plan includes the following key components:

• Establishing the Indiana Cannabis Commission: The plan will create the Indiana Cannabis Commission, which will be responsible for overseeing the legal cannabis industry, including regulation, licensing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This independent body will help Indiana develop a well-regulated cannabis market, protecting Hoosiers and ensuring transparency as the state transitions to full legalization.

• Establishing a Medical Marijuana Industry: The plan calls for the immediate creation of a regulated medical marijuana industry, providing Hoosiers with access to cannabis for medical purposes. This step will allow Indiana to address potential challenges and learn from the experiences of other states before moving to full adult use.

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• Transition to Adult-Use Cannabis: While the initial focus is on medical marijuana, the plan outlines a clear pathway toward full adult-use legalization. This phased approach will mitigate system challenges and ensure Indiana’s cannabis market is well-regulated and effective.

• Regulating Hemp-Derived THC: The plan also addresses the issue of unregulated hemp derived THC products currently flooding Indiana’s gas stations and smoke shops. By regulating these substances, the state will protect consumers and ensure that cannabis products meet safety standards.

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• Economic Benefits: Legalizing adult-use cannabis could generate an estimated $172 million annually in tax revenues for Indiana, providing a significant boost to the state’s economy and funding for essential services.

“Indiana is an island of prohibition surrounded by states with legal cannabis industries,” added McCormick. “By taking a responsible, phased approach, we can ensure that our state is prepared for full adult-use legalization while immediately providing relief through medical marijuana.”

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About Jennifer McCormick: Jennifer McCormick is a lifelong educator and fifth-generation Hoosier from New Castle, Indiana. She has spent decades serving Indiana as a teacher, principal, and most recently, state superintendent of public instruction. While superintendent in rural Indiana, Jennifer fought to protect local control of school districts to ensure parents, teachers, and administrators could make the best decisions for their children. As state superintendent, she was a powerful advocate for teachers and students, ensuring they had the resources they needed to succeed while protecting taxpayer dollars by demanding transparency and fiscal accountability. Jennifer believes it's time we elect a public servant leader who empowers Hoosier voices so that together, we can make Indiana an attractive state in which to live, work, and thrive.

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About Terry Goodin: Terry Goodin most recently served as the State Director for Rural Development with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a role that exemplified his commitment to improving the lives of rural Hoosiers. Prior to his work with the USDA, Terry served as a public school educator. His administrative endeavors began as an assistant principal and teacher at Austin High School, followed by serving as assistant principal with Bloomington High School South. Terry spent 24 years as a Public School Superintendent at Crothersville Community Schools. Elected in 2000, he served 20 years in the Indiana House of Representatives and was chosen by his colleagues as the House Minority Leader in 2017. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Terry committed his time to creating better opportunities for Indiana through educational, agricultural, and rural development initiatives and was a staunch advocate for the expansion of Broadband connectivity. 

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