Indiana (D) Rep. Clyde Kersey and (R) Sen. Brandt Hershman each filed a bill on Tuesday meant to legalize and protect the medicinal use of the marijuana plant’s CBD cannabinoid for residents of the Hoosier State.

If passed, Rep. Kersey’s House Bill 1177 would allow use of the non-psychoactive CBD (cannabidiol) oil as treatment for epilepsy. And, providing some much-needed legal cover, Sen. Hershman’s Senate Bill 327 would provide an affirmative defense against prosecution for the medicinal use of the beneficial cannabinoid.

While the 2016 Indiana General Assembly failed to advance a single piece of medical marijuana legislation for their constituents, an October 2016 poll found 73% of those surveyed support the idea of cultivating an effectual medical marijuana program.

House Bill 1177:

“Cannabidiol oil treatment for epilepsy. Provides that an individual who possesses or uses cannabidiol oil for the treatment of intractable epilepsy is not subject to criminal penalties for the possession or use of the cannabidiol oil if certain conditions are met. Provides civil, criminal, and administrative immunity for a physician who recommends, possesses, dispenses, or administers cannabidiol oil in the treatment of intractable epilepsy.”

Senate Bill 327:

“Medicinal use of cannabidiol. Defines “cannabidiol”, and provides an affirmative defense to possession of cannabidiol if the person or the person’s child has been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, the cannabidiol contains no THC, and other specified conditions are met.”

Despite several attempts by Indiana’s lawmakers to advance any meaningful cannabis policy during the 2016 legislative session, residents are currently prohibited from utilizing any of the plant’s medicinal compounds. In the hopes of avoiding another missed opportunity, we at marijuana.com encourage Indiana’s residents to speak up and let your representatives know … you strongly support medical marijuana legislation.

Also working towards a slightly more common sense approach with regards to medicinal cannabis, Indiana’s vets have produced the below PSA in the hopes of educating fellow Hoosiers on the importance of passing effectual MMJ legislation in the next legislative session.