Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has signed onto a legal challenge aimed at stopping the federal government’s effort to reclassify cannabis, a move that supporters of cannabis reform believe could influence policy discussions in Indiana.
The proposed federal action would shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are recognized as having certain medical applications and are subject to fewer restrictions.
Advocates for medical and recreational cannabis have argued that the reclassification could encourage Indiana lawmakers to revisit the state’s marijuana laws. Indiana remains one of just 10 states that prohibit both medical cannabis programs and recreational sales.
Rokita, joined by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Nebraska, is seeking to prevent the federal change from taking effect. In a petition filed May 22 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, they contend that federal officials failed to follow required procedures when advancing the policy.
The filing names the DOJ, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the DEA. According to the petition, the agencies acted unlawfully and exercised improper discretion in pursuing the reclassification. The states are asking the court to invalidate the action.
The case was later combined with a separate lawsuit brought by the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), organizations that also oppose the federal proposal.
In a statement, SAM CEO Kevin Sabet praised the attorneys general for challenging the policy. He argued that the reclassification could have negative consequences for public safety and said opponents would continue efforts to overturn the change.
Rokita’s office also defended its participation in the lawsuit, emphasizing concerns about the effects of marijuana use on young people. The attorney general’s office pointed to risks including addiction, mental health issues, impaired driving, and potential impacts on adolescent brain development. Officials said they have consistently opposed efforts to ease marijuana restrictions at either the federal or state level.
Meanwhile, debate over cannabis policy continues within Indiana. State Senator Mike Bohacek recently announced plans to introduce legislation in 2027 that would legalize medical cannabis and create a regulatory framework governing its distribution, sale, and use.
Last month, Governor Mike Braun indicated he is willing to consider broader discussions about marijuana policy. While he did not endorse full legalization, Braun said he remains open to reviewing proposals and recommendations from lawmakers regarding the state’s future approach to cannabis regulation.
The marijuana industry, including firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), is unlikely to be surprised that opponents of marijuana reclassification have gone to court to try and block the federal reforms being finalized.
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