Indiana Gov. Will Not Issue Pardons for Low-Level Cannabis Convictions

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) will not issue pardons for individuals with state-level cannabis possession charges, despite President Joe Biden (D) requesting governors to do so when he announced his plan to pardon federal cannabis possession charges, the Indianapolis Star reports. 

“The president should work with Congress, not around them, to discuss changes to the law federally, especially if he is requesting governors to overturn the work local prosecutors have done by simply enforcing the law. Until these federal law changes occur, I can’t in good conscience consider issuing blanket pardons for all such offenders.” — Holcomb in a statement via the Star 

Indiana does allow individuals convicted of simple possession to apply for expungement of those charges and seal their records. 

“I do agree that many of these offenses should not serve as a life sentence after an individual has served their time,” Holcomb said in the statement. “Expunged convictions cannot be disclosed to employers, to those who grant licenses, or when seeking housing.” 

A state legislative committee is currently studying the health benefits and potential decriminalization of THC products, including delta 8 and delta 9, but has yet to issue recommendations on the reforms.  

The 2018 Hoosier Survey by Old National Bank and Ball State University found eight in 10 Indiana residents supported legalization of either adult-use or medical cannabis in the state.