Proposed Medical Marijuana Legislation Would Include Regulation, Taxes

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Indiana lawmakers could revisit medical marijuana legalization after Republican Sen. Mike Bohacek announced plans to draft legislation for the 2027 session, while state officials await final federal action on marijuana rescheduling.

Federal marijuana review ongoing

At a Monday meeting, the Indiana Board of Pharmacy reviewed a federal notice related to marijuana reclassification but took no formal action. Board members said any state response depends on the federal process being finalized according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced limited Schedule III reclassification for certain state-licensed medical marijuana products. Broader federal rescheduling remains under review, with DEA hearings scheduled to begin in June.

Proposed legislation

Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, said his bill would legalize medical marijuana, establish rules for medical use, create a tax structure for marijuana sales and distribution, and update THC impairment laws.

“In light of the governor’s openness to consider legislation regarding the legalization of marijuana, we need to consider a feasible marijuana policy that would be the most helpful to Hoosiers and the economy,” Bohacek said in a statement. “The use of medical marijuana has been proven to be beneficial for some medical disorders and could help people throughout the state who are suffering find some relief.”

Bohacek emphasized the bill would not legalize recreational marijuana and said he plans to include parameters ensuring regulated distribution by healthcare professionals, as well as training for law enforcement.

Indiana’s regulatory framework

Leif Johnson, a lawyer for the state pharmacy board, said Indiana law requires the board to review any finalized federal scheduling change and determine whether the state will adopt similar classifications. If the board objects, a public hearing process must follow before any state action occurs.

Indiana remains one of the few states without a medical marijuana program, even as neighboring states have expanded legalization efforts. Multiple proposals to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, including medical-use bills, have repeatedly stalled in recent legislative sessions.

Forward-looking steps

Bohacek’s legislation could be formally filed later this year for the 2027 legislative session. Lawmakers and state regulators will continue monitoring federal rescheduling developments before taking any formal action in Indiana.

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