Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has indicated he is open to revisiting the state’s marijuana policy as neighboring states expand legal access and as the Trump administration moves to reclassify some marijuana products under federal law. Sen. Jim Banks, also a Republican, has urged Braun to maintain Indiana’s prohibitions, warning that legalization could worsen addiction and public-safety risks.
Indiana is among the states that continue to broadly prohibit marijuana, as policy shifts in nearby states and at the federal level increase pressure on state leaders to revisit long-standing bans.
Braun said in March that he was not firmly committed to either side of the debate but suggested Indiana may have to address the issue because of regional legalization.
“I’m kind of agnostic on that issue. But when you’ve got four states surrounding you, you’re probably going to have to address it,” Braun said, according to Indianapolis public radio station WFYI.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) says marijuana is legal for adult non-medical use in 24 states, while 40 states allow medical use as of June 2025.
In recent remarks reported by The Daily Wire, Braun pointed to federal action under President Donald Trump as another factor that could influence Indiana’s debate. The Daily Wire said Braun noted that the Trump administration’s rescheduling move could make state-level changes “more likely,” while emphasizing that any policy shift would need input from lawmakers and law enforcement.
The debate sharpened this week after Braun’s office began engaging with medical-marijuana advocates. Marijuana Moment reported that state officials met with advocacy groups at Braun’s direction following the Trump administration’s rescheduling announcement.
Banks has urged Braun to reject legalization. In a letter dated Tuesday and published online, Banks argued that loosening restrictions would endanger public safety, warning that people with substance-use problems can obtain medical marijuana cards and that medical use can lead to cannabis use disorder. He also cited concerns he said were raised by constituents, including stories of addiction-related harm and school officials struggling with marijuana vaping devices on campuses.
Efforts to loosen Indiana’s marijuana laws have repeatedly stalled in the legislature, according to Fort Wayne NBC affiliate WPTA (21Alive News).
At the federal level, the Justice Department last week announced that it was placing FDA-approved marijuana products and certain state-licensed medical marijuana products into Schedule III, while also initiating an expedited administrative process to consider broader rescheduling. In the announcement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the action would allow research on safety and efficacy and support more reliable medical information for patients and doctors.
