Issue Position: Medical Cannabis

Issue Position

Indiana, along with the rest of the nation, is experiencing an opioid epidemic that has taken thousands of lives, wrecked countless homes and is stretching our states limited resources very thin. Medical cannabis has been proven to help with drug addiction and of the 29 states that have decriminalized medical cannabis, they have seen an average 25% decrease in opioid deaths, with some states experiencing a 50% decrease.

The American Legion, at both the National and State level, along with other veterans groups have made legalizing medical cannabis one of their top priorities. Besides being proven to help with opioid addiction, medical cannabis has also shown many other tremendous benefits; from treating PTSD to treating seizures to helping with chronic pain. Research from credible universities, scientists, and the dozens of other states have shown the multitude of benefits of this plant, but without many of the crippling side effects, toxicity or addictive qualities of many of the drugs being prescribed today.

I have made decriminalizing medical cannabis one of my top priorities for the next legislative session and am working with dozens of individuals and groups to implement legislation that will save thousands of Hoosier lives, improve the quality of life for countless others and provide an invaluable tool for those seeking help with their addictions.

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