Indiana House Blocks Cannabis Reclassification

LOS ANGELES- On January 27, 2025, the Indiana House of Representatives voted down an amendment to House Bill 1056 that sought to remove cannabis from the state’s list of Schedule I controlled substances. The amendment, proposed by Representative Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), aimed to reclassify cannabis, thereby initiating discussions on its potential legalization within Indiana.

During the legislative session, the amendment was ruled out of order by House Republicans, who contended that it violated procedural rules. Specifically, they argued that the amendment contravened a rule prohibiting the annexation or incorporation of any other bill pending before the House into the current bill. Following this ruling, the House voted 66-29 to uphold the decision, effectively blocking the amendment.

In response to the decision, Representative Miller expressed disappointment, stating, “This was an opportunity to start the conversation about the possibility of legalizing marijuana in our state, and House Republicans have signaled they aren’t interested in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Indiana.” He emphasized the missed opportunity to discuss both the economic benefits and potential medical applications of cannabis.

The rejection of this amendment highlights the ongoing challenges faced by proponents of cannabis reform in Indiana. Despite neighboring states moving towards legalization and the potential for significant economic benefits, Indiana’s legislative body remains resistant to altering its current stance on cannabis classification and legalization.