Indiana State Senator Promises Medical Cannabis Bill for 2015 Session

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Indiana State Sen. Karen Tallian.

Emboldened by recent federal developments that seemingly gives states more authority to regulate medical cannabis, an Indiana state Senator says she’s ready to (once again) push a medical marijuana bill through the state legislature.
State Sen. Karen Tallian has unsuccessfully ran marijuana-related bills for years (including decriminalization measures) that didn’t even get the respect of a hearing in a committee. But Tallian says that the time is right to have a real discussion about legalizing marijuana for medical uses in her state and urged Republicans on the other side of the aisle to get their heads out of the sand.


“I’m trying something a little different,” Tallian said. “I’m hoping to get a little more sympathy to getting a hearing.”
She admits she faces an uphill battle with the Republican-controlled legislature and a conservative mindset that has kept Sunday liquor sales illegal for decades. In fact, she admits her bill will likely go nowhere — but at least she’s trying something and says that public opinion is behind her.
“I think there is a huge segment of the population that thinks this is OK, and the general public is much farther ahead than the legislature on this issue.” Tallian tells the Indianapolis Star. “I have a lot of people on the other side of the aisle who are interested in this issue. I think people are just a little afraid to put their names out there. I’m working on it.”

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