Republican State Rep. Jim Lucas, who represents southern Bartholomew County as part of his statehouse district, is expected at a town hall at noon Saturday at the State Library to talk about his support for medical marijuana.
Marijuana advocates believe Lucas’ support will be a game changer for their movement. Our news-gathering partners at Network Indiana talked with David Phipps, leader of the Indiana Cannabis Revolution.
“Rep. Jim Lucas, the assistant majority whip in the state house, has come out and voiced his support,” Phipps told the network.
“That is hopefully making other Republican legislators a little more comfortable with leaning more on the topic and we plan on having quite a few of them at our upcoming town hall.”
Lucas, of Seymour, said he’s heard from people in his district who say they have been helped.
“People telling me their personal stories, how they’ve been helped by this product and how far behind Indiana is on this issue,” said Lucas, talking with RTV6 earlier this month. “We have a responsibility to at least investigate it and determine the facts.”
Traditionally it has been Democrat lawmakers who have attended the town halls on the subject. Phipps said he believes more Republicans will be bolder about possible support for medical cannabis.
“This is a non-partisan issue. It doesn’t belong to any individual party. More than a partisan issue, it’s a moral issue.”
Phipps said he believes medical marijuana will help Hoosiers in pain.
“We’re talking about a bill that will be able to help our veterans with PTSD, pain management. We’re talking about just your average Hoosier with pain management issues that are stuck taking opioids. They’re going to have another safer alternative in the future, thanks to people like Rep. Lucas coming out and supporting this,” said Phipps.
Phipps said he believes Lucas is all in.
“Rep. Lucas has made it very clear that he is in full support of full medical and he will be submitting a medical cannabis bill that will help all Hoosiers this coming general assembly.”
Phipps said he believes Hoosiers who either support medical cannabis or who want to learn more about it should come to the town hall.