Indiana gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick lays out plan to legalize cannabis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick unveiled a new plan to legalize cannabis in the Hoosier state.

The Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan would gradually legalize the use of cannabis for adults in Indiana, through a well regulated industry. Under McCormick's plan, it would start with the establishment of a medical marijuana industry to set a foundation to transition to full adult-use cannabis.

The plan also includes the creation of the Indiana Cannabis Commission to handle regulation, licensing and making sure safety standards are being followed.

McCormick, a Democrat, has said that Indiana has fallen behind other states that have already legalized cannabis.

"We're on an island," McCormick said. "All the states around us are, at some level, legalizing marijuana and have benefited in several ways. And it is time for Indiana to join in on this policy."

McCormick said she believes legalizing cannabis could generate an estimated $172 million in annual tax revenues for the state.