The results of a new poll conducted by Indiana Public Broadcasting and Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs show that the vast majority of Hoosiers believe marijuana should be legalized in some form. The founder and CEO of Carmel-based 3CHI couldn’t agree more. Justin Journay’s company produces a variety of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) oil-based products, ranging from candies to vaping cartridges.
In an interview with Around INdiana Business reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Journay said Indiana’s CBD laws have helped her company succeed, but she believes the Indiana Legislature could do more to grow the industry.
“We did an economic study … and the market here in Indiana is $2 billion. People are listening in the statehouse, and I really hope something comes to fruition because Indiana is in a position where they could really dominate the overall cannabis space,” Journay said.
The 2022 Hoosier Poll is conducted on behalf of Indiana Public Broadcasting and the Bowen Center and helps compile a statewide reading of the most pressing issues facing Indiana residents. It is intended to “provide policymakers with a measure of public opinion on current issues facing the state and the nation.”
The poll shows that more than 85% of respondents say marijuana should be legal in some way, while only 15% say it should be illegal. Twenty-nine percent said marijuana use should be limited to medicinal purposes.
During Organization Day last month, which is held to plan for the upcoming legislative session, legislative leaders told Network Indiana that there could be some movement to decriminalize some form of marijuana use in Indiana.
“You know, everybody says, Colorado, California, they expect these guys to be the leaders. Right now, they are. But you know it’s amazing what good policy could do if it was implemented. Indiana could be a major player in the ‘world stage,” Journay said.
Journay moved his company from Ohio to Indiana in 2018. He says the state had clear regulations on growing hemp and producing CBD from the plant.
“Indiana was the first state to really set the laws that really defined how to do things properly. And so we said okay, well this is where we need to be because they were in the lead,” Journey said.
3CHI products are made from Delta 8 THC, a less intoxicating variant than Delta 9 THC, which is the active component of marijuana. The founder of 3CHI believes that the many forms of cannabis, used responsibly, can naturally benefit users.
“A lot of people just get off on this crazy rhetoric that’s been instilled in them and they really don’t necessarily know what they’re talking about,” said Journay, who encourages naysayers to do their homework. “Just being open to being educated and being open to changing your mind is really something that we hope a lot more people are willing to do.”
No related posts.
