Cannabis in Indiana is illegal for recreational use, with the exception of limited medical usage. Possession of any amount is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $1000.[1]

History

Prohibition (1913)

In 1913, Indiana banned the sale of marijuana without a prescription.[2]

Failed attempts to raise or lower penalties (2013)

In February 2013, a bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana was killed in committee. Following that, the Senate offered an amendment to the previously-approved House Bill 1006, which had included decreased penalties for cannabis possession, with an amendment to instead raise certain types of possession from misdemeanors to felonies. Governor Mike Pence stated: "I think we need to focus on reducing crime, not reducing penalties."[3]

Marion County (2019)

On September 30, 2019, possession of 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana or less was decriminalized in Marion County.[4]

Attempts at Delta-8 regulation

Under Indiana law, delta-9 products are illegal, but delta-8 products are not. State Senators Michael Young and Liz Brown introduced a bill during the 2022 session to outlaw delta-8 products, but it died in session due to concerns that it would outlaw CBD oil.[5]

First Church of Cannabis

Pending the 2015 passage of Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), Bill Levin created the First Church of Cannabis in Indiana. The church was founded in March, and received its recognition as a religious non-profit entity on March 26, the same day that the governor signed the RFRA. Prior to the RFRA's taking effect, an Indiana police chief warned the church that the RFRA would not protect the church's use of sacramental marijuana.[6]

The church held its first service on July 1—the same day that the RFRA took effect—and promptly filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging that the state's marijuana laws infringe on the church's freedom of religion.[7]

Medical cannabis

Failed attempts to legalize medical marijuana (2015)

In early 2015, bills were introduced both in the House and Senate to legalize medical cannabis for certain severe conditions with a doctor's recommendation, but the House Bill failed to advance, and the Senate bill did not receive a hearing.[8][9]

CBD legalized for epilepsy (2017)

In April 2017, Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation to allow the use of CBD oil (less than 0.3% THC) for uncontrollable seizures.[10][11] The new law went into effect July 1, 2017.[12]

CBD legalized for any use (2018)

In March 2018, legislation was signed to allow the use and sale of CBD for any purpose (less than 0.3% THC), with additional requirement imposed for testing and labelling.[13]

Legislation

Laws affecting possession, cultivation and sale of marijuana were amended to reduce the penalties for simple possession, but enhance the penalties for delivery, and possession with the intent to deliver, in certain circumstances (amendments effective on July 1, 2014, under IC 35-48-4).

Sale or cultivation of more than 10 lbs or within 1,000 feet of a school, or any other specialized area, will result in a minimum of 2–8 years and a $10,000 fine.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "Indiana Laws and Penalties". NORML. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  2. ↑ Hamowy, Ronald (2007). Government and Public Health in America. Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 234–. ISBN 978-1-84542-911-9. LCCN 2006934138.
  3. ↑ NORML (April 5, 2013). "Indiana Lawmakers Still Looking to Felonize Marijuana Possession". The Daily Chronic. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Marion County will no longer prosecute simple marijuana cases". WTHR 13. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  5. ↑ "Delta 8 THC survived the 2022 legislative session, but will it make it next year?". March 17, 2022.
  6. ↑ Reid, Skyler (July 1, 2015). "First Church of Cannabis rolls into high gear with inaugural service". Al Jazeera America. Archived from the original on August 4, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  7. ↑ Wang, Stephanie (July 8, 2015). "Indiana's Church of Cannabis files religious liberty suit". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  8. ↑ Stanek, Becca (May 17, 2015). "Will Weed Be Legal In Indiana Anytime Soon? The Hoosier State Is Divided On The Issue". Bustle. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  9. ↑ Gacek, Scott (February 10, 2015). "Report: Indiana Medical Marijuana Bill Won't Get Hearing". The Daily Chronic. Archived from the original on February 16, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Is CBD Oil Legal in Indiana? What You Need to Know". SOL CBD. April 26, 2018. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  11. ↑ "House Bill 1148". Indiana General Assembly. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  12. ↑ Sheridan, Jill (April 27, 2017). "Governor Signs Indiana's First Medicinal Cannabis Bill". 89.1 WBOI.
  13. ↑ Moore, Chris (March 22, 2018). "Indiana Legalizes Medical CBD Oil, Again". Merry Jane. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Indiana Laws & Penalties". NORML. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
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