"I think it's ridiculous," McDermott said. "This guy, in my opinion, he's trying to score points with Trump; he's trying to score points with his Republican base, like 'I am just tough on marijuana; even the stuff that doesn't get you high — I'm tough on it.' "

A law Holcomb signed in April permits Hoosiers with treatment-resistant epilepsy who register at the State Department of Health to use CBD oil. House Enrolled Act 1148 did not address animal use of the product.

Hill contends that law did not authorize Hoosiers to purchase CBD oil under any circumstances, even if they are permitted to use it. Moreover, he believes the use of CBD oil remains illegal under federal law.

Holcomb said the confusion over what is legal and illegal pertaining to CBD oil is one reason he directed the State Excise Police last month not to confiscate the product, as Hill suggested they could, but merely to advise retailers that the legal status of CBD oil is in doubt.

The governor hopes the Republican-controlled General Assembly will take action to clear up confusion over the law when state representatives and senators convene their 10-week annual session Jan. 3.

"I do think some clarification would go a long way, so that back-and-forths like we saw at that conference aren't just punchlines," Holcomb said.

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