Indiana lawmakers continue to debate THC rules while surrounding states move forward with marijuana legalization.
Senate Bill 478 targets packaging and branding rules for legal THC products sold to people 21 and older. Lawmakers want to prevent the products from mimicking candy or snacks, which might appeal to minors. The bill would require testing and stricter packaging for craft hemp flower and other THC items.
Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, sponsored the bill.
“This market right now is the wild, wild West,” Teshka contended. “I think what this bill attempts to do is to ensure that the safety of Hoosier youth and Hoosier consumers comes first and primary in our efforts to regulate this product.”
Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 products-chemicals with THC levels under 0.3% remain legal in Indiana and often appear in gas stations, smoke shops and dispensaries. Committee members provided input for possible changes to the bill and recessed before acting but plan to reconvene soon.
Although marijuana sales remain illegal in Indiana, nearby states allow both recreational and medical use. Across the country, nearly 40 states allow medical marijuana and 24 permit recreational sales.
Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Osceola, said in conference committee Monday the current bill offers far too many permits.
“In the future, if there are additional permits needed we could always come back and increase that number of permits,” Wesco argued. “But the 20,000 is essentially more than 200 locations per county in our state on average, and I think is far too accessible and available.”
The House has passed two amendments to the bill this session. One limits sales near schools and another changes the definition of e-liquids.
6 comments
As usual Indiana comes in as one of the last states to do something.indiana always comes kicking and screaming at the end.
Don’t kid yourselves. This is about getting more money for them to throw around at their pet projects and line their pockets.
This guy says This market right now is the wild, wild West,” Teshka contended. The only thing in the “wild, wild West” is the Indiana State government. Get out of our way.
16 year veteran with 2 tours in combat i have severe ptsd and a tbi marijuana is the only thing that helps dont make me a criminal give me relief
You people are way too smart to pass this up. Don’t let your political platforms stand in the way of legalization. These products help far too many people to not allow Indiana to be legal. We are right between Illinois and Michigan, so it’s not like it’s not accessible. Let’s support our own state instead of others!
Keep it out of Indiana for the benefit and welfare of families. The legalization of drugs has escalated crime and sickness. When will America wake up and realize it is under Attack?!