(INDIANAPOLIS) - A federal move by President Donald Trump is reopening the debate over marijuana legalization in Indiana and increasing pressure on state lawmakers to take action. Trump has directed the U.S. attorney general to accelerate the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I -- alongside heroin and LSD -- to Schedule III, a category that includes anabolic steroids. The change would ease federal restrictions and could expand access to medical marijuana, though the process is expected to take time and could face legal challenges.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita opposes the move, citing concerns about public health and youth exposure. Supporters of legalization, however, say the federal shift weakens Indiana's long-standing argument that it must wait for Washington before acting.
State Rep. Kyle Miller says Indiana is increasingly isolated, noting that every neighboring state allows marijuana in some form. Advocacy group NORML is calling for marijuana to be removed entirely from the federal controlled substances list, which would allow states to regulate it similarly to alcohol or tobacco.
No marijuana legalization bills are currently active at the Indiana Statehouse. Still, supporters say the federal reclassification effort could force renewed debate during future legislative sessions.