We want to thank Chairman Barrett and the rest of the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services for providing a platform on September 20 for both supporters and opponents of responsible cannabis reform to present their respective cases. We asked you to engage the committee over the last month to ask for a favorable cannabis recommendations such as:

• Limiting the sale of low-THC hemp extract to those 21 years of age and older
• Empowering farmers and other small businesses to produce and sell federally legal craft hemp flower to those 21 years of age and older
• Creating a dedicated regulatory body oversee compliance of low THC products on the market today to promote consumer safety
• Regulating all cannabis to ensure Hoosier farmers and other small businesses have an opportunity to participate in Indiana’s $2B cannabis market

The committee met for over four hours yesterday to examine possible ways to reduce the cost of healthcare in Indiana and, more relevant to our purposes, were also scheduled to discuss the committee final report along with possible policy recommendations. Unfortunately, the committee discussion surrounding the adoption of the final report and other recommendations focused entirely on a topic not related to responsible cannabis reform. This discussion ultimately led to a final report not being adopted. 

So what was supposed to be a final report now functions more or less as a record of the committee hearings. While we were not able to get specific recommendations regarding responsible cannabis reform, the draft report does state, “While there are no formal recommendations or findings, there was excellent testimony and discussion. Archived information is available for legislative proposals in the upcoming session if so desired.” You can view the draft report here. 

So, what’s next? Organization Day is scheduled for November 22nd, which marks the ceremonial start to the 2023 session. Be on the lookout for future opportunities to engage directly in the legislative process and Midwest Hemp Council’s legislative priorities going into the 2023 session. We may sound like a broken record, but responsible cannabis reform will not happen without the consistent engagement from supporters.