Indiana

WHAT IS INDIANA'S CURRENT CANNABIS MARKET STATUS?

CONTENT BELOW LAST UPDATED BY POINT7 2/25/22

Cannabis policy in the Midwest is at an all-time high with Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio all having respective programs for cannabis use. The trend is following suit in Indiana, as the state legislature has introduced two bills related to cannabis. HB1168 introduces legislation to legalize medical-use cannabis and HB1232 introduces language to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis. Governor Eric Holcomb (R) has not been supportive of adult use legislation but has indicated that lawmakers should discuss adult use legislation to prepare for the event of federal legality of cannabis. HB1049 has also been introduced this year in an attempt to establish a cannabis advisory board in the state of Indiana.

Currently, cannabis in Indiana is illegal to possess, distribute, and manufacture. Cannabis is illegal for all purposes in the state, except for a few CBD programs that have been set up for medical purposes.

WHAT ARE INDIANA'S CANNABIS LAWS?

There have been many attempts at legalizing cannabis for medical use in Indiana, but most have been thwarted by Indiana lawmakers. However, in 2017 CBD was legalized for patients with epilepsy or uncontrollable seizures. This law went into effect July 1, 2017. In March 2018, legislation was signed to allow the use and sale of CBD for any purpose. Laws affecting possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis 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.

Indiana is now one of only 13 states with no effective medical cannabis law and one of only 19 that still imposes jail time for simple possession of cannabis. Under current law, possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to a year of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000.00.

WHAT IS INDIANA'S CANNABIS LICENSING TIMELINE & CANNABIS APPLICATION PROCESS?

There are currently no cannabis licenses available in Indiana.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN INDIANA?

Cannabis has been prohibited in Indiana since 1917. Efforts to decriminalize the plant failed since then, as it continues to still be considered a misdemeanor in the state. An interesting mark on Indiana’s cannabis history is the creation of the First Church of Cannabis, led by Bill Levin. Pending the 2015 passage of Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the church was founded in March. It 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 cannabis. 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. In April 2017, Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation to allow the use of CBD oil for uncontrollable seizures. In March 2018, legislation was signed to allow the use and sale of CBD for any purpose, with additional requirements imposed for testing and labelling.

DOES INDIANA HAVE A HEMP PROGRAM?

Coming Soon!

PREPARING FOR THE INDIANA CANNABIS MARKET

We are ready to support your team as you prepare for cannabis licensure in Indiana. Contact Point7 to discuss the fully customizable products and service packages available that have proved successful for operators around the country.