Indiana legislators respond to Ohio legislating cannabis

( WXIN/WTTV)-- Ohio's choice to legalize leisure cannabis today is capturing the attention of Indiana legislators, numerous of whom say the Hoosier State is behind the curve.

Others, however, say more time is needed before any choices are set in stone.

Ohio's vote comes approximately a week after an Indiana legislative committee could not pertain to a consensus on any suggestions for regulating cannabis.

" I have not seen any real movement on this concern," State Rep. Matt Pierce said.

Ohio legalizes marijuana: Where does this leave Indiana?

According to Rep. Pierce, both a leisure and a medical cannabis legalization costs will probably be presented to the General Assembly next session. However, the representative said that it's unclear whether or not any marijuana-focused costs will even make it out of committee.

" I believe that possibly when the legislators see that, you know, a large number of people from our state are going to our surrounding states to get the item, they may choose it's possibly much better to actually have a regulated system here in Indiana as well," Rep. Pierce said. "I wouldn't be amazed if perhaps they had yet another hearing, but then stated, but we're not all set to proceed legislation, and put it off for yet another year."

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said marijuana legalization in surrounding states develops extra difficulties for police, and that he's proud of the position the General Assembly and Gov. Eric Holcomb have handled this concern.

State authorities and marijuana activists offer differing viewpoints on cannabis legalization

" It's extremely, hugely complicated," Carter said. "It appears to me like there's not actually a whole lot of desire and appetite to resolve it in the upcoming session, however I do hope that you know, we continue this discussion…… I believe until the federal government states, ‘‘ Now, this is not going to be a set up drug any longer', that we remain in the best location."

State Sen. Rodney Pol said one costs he's filling would legalize recreational marijuana for Hoosiers over the age of 21 if passed.

" If I didn't believe it had a chance at all, I would not file it," Sen. Pol stated. "I have to hold out hope that our, you know that this conversation is getting more detailed and better to actual motion on it."

Ohio's decision suggests each of Indiana's nearby states has actually approved cannabis legalization either medically or recreationally, although Kentucky's medical cannabis law does not enter into result till January 1, 2025.