INDIANA NEWS SERVICE- Indiana lawmakers are sending a sweeping hemp and THC regulation bill to the House after approving the measure on its third reading.
Senate Bill 250 tightens rules on hemp-derived products, bans sales to anyone under 21, and creates a new regulatory structure under the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, raised concerns during floor debate about the broad reach of the bill.
“It’s my understanding that about 99% of the products that are currently being sold in this state legally would essentially become illegal, and the only thing left would be isolates,” Pol stated. “We have put forward proper regulation on this, and this goes way beyond that.”
Supporters said the bill closes loopholes which have allowed intoxicating products to appear in gas stations and convenience stores across the state. Opponents warned the bill moves too fast and could shut down most hemp products overnight, hurting small Indiana businesses and pushing consumers to unregulated markets across state lines. The bill now moves to the Indiana House for further consideration.
Proponents said Indiana’s hemp market has operated in a legal gray area for years, and the state needs firm limits on THC levels and policies against packaging appealing to kids.
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, the bill’s author, said the goal is oversight, not prohibition.
“It is the Wild West,” Freeman contended. “They don’t want to be regulated. They want to live in this environment because they’re pushing this stuff on all kinds of citizens, including our kids, and that needs to end.”
The bill advanced out of the Senate on a 35-13 vote.
Joe Ulery wrote this article.
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