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Is weed legal in Indiana? Unfortunately not: recreational use is illegal, and medical consumption is limited.
Indiana is among the 12 states in the USA with no effective medical cannabis program. Recreational use is criminalized in most of the state.
Is the situation as bleak as it sounds? The green wave is yet to reach Hoosier State, but there have been some moves toward legalization.
Join us to learn about cannabis laws in Indiana.
History of cannabis legalization in Indiana
Will Indiana legalize weed, and has it already attempted to? Let’s review the state’s history of laws and attitudes surrounding the herb. That way, we get a perspective on the present and future situation.
Prohibition in Indiana began in 1913. The government outlawed cocaine, morphine, and cannabis (medical substances at the time) without a prescription. Anti-cannabis propaganda circulated throughout the state, and crackdowns became more common.
The situation came to a head in 1971 when Nixon launched the War on Drugs. Drug arrests nearly doubled, especially in minority and counterculture communities.
Harsh punishments and incarceration rates remained high into the early 2000s. They’re still at concerning rates. In the late 2010s, some lawmakers started shifting toward a less punitive attitude.
In 2013, a bill to decriminalize weed appeared and quickly died in committee. Then-governor Mike Pence turned some types of possession into felonies.
Talks about legalizing weed in Indiana for medical use appeared in 2015. This bill sought to approve consumption for several severe conditions. It didn’t advance to the Senate.
In the same year, the First Church of Cannabis appeared in Indiana. It considers the herb a sacrament, calling upon the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This institution still exists, but its legal status remains unclear.
In 2017, CBD oil under 0.3% THC became legal for uncontrollable seizures. A year later, the use and sale of this product became possible for any purpose.
The latest victory happened in 2019. Marion County decriminalized possession of one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana.
What are the marijuana laws in Indiana?
Indiana marijuana laws prohibit all forms of the herb except for CBD products. They impose strict sentencing on people who possess, consume, or cultivate it.
Possession for personal use is a misdemeanor. It’s punishable by a short jail stay and a financial fine. The consequences worsen for people caught with over an ounce. Folks with previous drug offenses also face harsher penalties.
Cultivation is possible only if you use weed seeds high in CBD and under 0.3% THC. You must also have a license. Otherwise, the state considers any cannabis plant illegal, regardless of its THC level.
Restrictions and limits
Indiana weed laws in 2023 are restrictive, so what do these restrictions entail? Let’s look at the rules and limitations for Hoosier tokers.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Indiana?
You can’t legally possess any amount of weed in Indiana. Those caught carrying face incarceration and financial penalties.
The amount on your person determines the severity of your punishment, though. Here are the current consequences for folks carrying Indiana marijuana:
- Any amount, but no prior drug offense: 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Under 30 grams and prior drug offenses: 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Over 30 grams and prior drug offenses: Up to 2.5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Note that CBD is an exception. You may possess any amount of buds, oils, edibles, and other labeled products.
Can I grow cannabis in Indiana?
Growing cannabis is generally banned in Indiana. Even using hemp-derived medical seeds of cannabis, you need a license to sprout and raise them.
You get a permit by applying with the Office of Indiana State Chemist & Seed Commissioner. They have general and research licenses, depending on your intent. You then regularly report your progress and renew your status each year.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Indiana?
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Indiana, except CBD. Those 30% THC seeds will have to wait for legalization.
According to Indiana weed laws, all possession of non-CBD products is prohibited. Patients can’t apply for THC-rich alternatives, even if their physicians suggest it.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Indiana?
Since weed is illegal in Indiana, people can’t access a reliable in-state seed source. You have two options for legal purchases: out-of-state or through online seed banks.
Out-of-state purchases are possible because dormant cannabis seeds are federally legal. You can keep ungerminated packs as ornaments or collector items.
But few states have a large seed selection in brick-and-mortar dispensaries. Plus, you’d have to drive for hours to get them. Buying seeds online offers greater diversity and convenience.
Online vendors like ourselves prioritize seed viability and strain selection. Visit the Seed Supreme bank to launch your collection as you await legalization.
Key takeaways
Tokers in Indiana face numerous restrictions. You can’t buy, smoke, or grow weed, so sit tight and stay on the right side of the law.
How long until weed is legal in Indiana? It’s hard to say, but we expect a timeline of years, not decades. More states legalize with each passing month. So, it won’t be long before the federal government has to catch up.
Don’t lose hope, but stay up to date and advocate for progress. Optimists can buy cannabis seeds in Indiana and start preparing for future cultivation.
Frequently asked questions
Below, we answered the frequent community questions about the weed law in Indiana.
How long will I be in jail for marijuana possession in Indiana?
Possessing weed is illegal in Indiana. Besides a monetary fine, it can result in six months to two-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
Are edible gummies legal in Indiana?
Edible gummies are legal in Indiana as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. The state doesn’t limit the sale of any CBD commodity to adults.
