The Indiana legislature has convened for its 2022 legislative session. Many cannabis policy reform bills have been introduced to legalize cannabis and decriminalize small amounts for adults to possess for recreation use.

A new bill has been submitted to set up a regulatory framework for the legalization of cannabis. While Governor Eric Holcomb hasn’t previously supported adult-use legalization, he recently said that he’s on board with having lawmakers pass legislation to prepare for legal cannabis if the federal prohibition is lifted.

Unlike other states that surround it, Indiana is currently one of only 13 states without an effective medical cannabis law or an established medical marijuana program and only 19 that still impose jail time for simple possession of cannabis.

Under state law, possession of minuscule amounts of recreational cannabis is punishable by up to a year of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000.

State Laws and Offenses

Here’s a list of penalties for possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana, concentrate, or paraphernalia in Indiana:

• Marijuana, which includes hash and hash oil under the Indiana Criminal Code, is listed as a Schedule I drug.
• According to the federal government, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
• Possession of any amount up to 30 g  is a Class B Misdemeanor, 1-year imprisonment, and a 5,000 USD fine.
• Possession over 30 g is considered a Felony with six months to 2 ½ years in prison and a 10,000 USD fine.
• Sales above 30 g are Felony; marijuana charge penalties range from 6 months to 6 years and 5,000 USD to 10,000 USD depending on pounds.
• First Possession of paraphernalia for a person is an infraction with up to a 10,000 USD fine.
• If convicted of a Subsequent possession of paraphernalia is a Felony with six months to 2 ½ years incarceration and a 10,000 USD fine.

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