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Gov. Holcomb wants feds to act first on medical marijuana

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — “So, you’re open to medical marijuana?” the leader of Indiana was asked.

“Medicinal.” Gov. Eric Holcomb responded. “If it is a source that can be regulated, not under-the-table cash business. Banks don’t recognize the revenue right now. They’re literally being paid in cash. That ought to tell you something.” 

Legislators have expressed varying opinions

Indiana’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Council and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce both oppose medical cannabis.

The governor said medical marijuana is illegal federally, and he is glad U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has called for more research. Adams is Indiana’s former health commissioner. 

Holcomb said Monday, “I also would encourage the federal government, including the Department of Justice, to clarify this so states don’t approach this as a hodgepodge way of collecting revenue.”

Senate Democrats have said they’re going to ask Holcomb to make medical marijuana a priority for 2019.

Republican State Rep. Jim Lucas is already working on his own medical marijuana bill for the upcoming legislative session.